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Governor Northam Announces New Measures to Combat COVID-19 and Support Impacted Virginians
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Office of Governor Ralph S. Northam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ·
Governor Northam Announces NewMeasures to Combat COVID-19 and Support Impacted Virginians ~ Directs adherence to 10-person gathering ban, quarantine for high-risk individuals, worker and employer support ~
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced additional steps to help Virginians impacted by novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, stop the spread of the virus in the Commonwealth, and protect public health. "Everyone must play a role to help flatten the curve and mitigate the spread of this virus, and that starts with social distancing," said Governor Northam. "We know this will be a hardship for many businesses, and we are assisting workers affected by closures. Public health relies on every individual using common sense and making responsible decisions. We can and will get through this difficult time. But we must work together to do so."
Video of today's media briefing is available here.
Further Reducing Public Gatherings
Governor Northam told Virginians to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, per federal guidelines. This does not include normal operations at essential services such as manufacturers, distribution centers, airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, grocery stores, or pharmacies.
Protecting High-Risk Virginians
Those with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older should self-quarantine. Public health experts advise that individuals with underlying medical conditions and those aged 65 or older are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Governor Northam encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with high-risk individuals.
Increasing Social Distancing All restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters are mandated to significantly reduce their capacity to 10 patrons, or close. Restaurants are encouraged to continue carry-out and takeaway options.
Support for Affected Workers
Governor Northam announced the following actions to protect working Virginians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak:
No waiting for unemployment benefits.
Governor Northam has directed the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible.
Enhanced eligibility for unemployment.
Workers may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19. If a worker has been issued a notice to self-quarantine by a medical or public health official and is not receiving paid sick or medical leave from their employer, they may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. In addition, a worker may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they must stay home to care for an ill family member and are not receiving paid family medical leave from their employer.
Fewer restrictions.
For individuals receiving unemployment insurance, Governor Northam is directing the Virginia Employment Commission to give affected workers special consideration on deadlines, mandatory re-employment appointments, and work search requirements. The Office of the Governor is providing a Frequently Asked Questions guide for workers that have been temporarily laid off or discharged during this public health crisis.
Support for Impacted Employers
Regional workforce teams will be activated to support employers that slow or cease operations. Employers who do slow or cease operations will not be financially penalized for an increase in workers requesting unemployment benefits. The Governor is authorizing rapid response funding, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, for employers eligible to remain open during this emergency. Funds may be used to clean facilities and support emergency needs. Governor Northam is directing all employers to follow U.S. Department of Labor guidance on workplace safety.
Department of Motor Vehicle Office Closures
Virginia's 75 DMV offices, as well as mobile units, will close to the public. Online services will remain available, and anyone needing to renew a license or vehicle registration is encouraged to do so online.For those who cannot renew online, or whose license or registration expires before May 15, DMV will grant a 60-day extension. Courts Governor Northam requested and the Supreme Court of Virginia granted a judicial emergency in response to COVID-19. From Monday, March 16 through Monday, April 6, non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings in all district and circuit courts are suspended absent a specific exemption. This includes a prohibition on new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19. All non-exempted court deadlines are tolled and extended for a period of 21 days.
The State Corporation Commission (SCC) issued an order directing utilities it regulates, such as electric, natural gas, and water companies in Virginia, to suspend service disconnections for 60 days to provide immediate relief for any customer, residential and business, who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. For a comprehensive list of actions Governor Northam has announced to combat COVID-19 in Virginia, visit virginia.gov/coronavirus. Full Release ###
Rebecca Diamond
8136 Old Keene Mill Road, Suite B-102
CFC ID # : 55369
United Way Designation Code : 8237
Programs+ Services
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COVD 19 UPDATE:
During these unprecedented times, Brain Injury Services would like you to know that the health and safety of our employees, families and communities is our top priority. As we are closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus pandemic in our region, our team has been working to ensure we stay up to date on the latest guidelines and regulations.
As of now, Brain Injury Services is up and running virtually and will remain virtual through the end of December 31, 2020.
Our services have been adapted to an online format to make certain our clients are still receiving the support they need. BIS has and will continue to develop policies and preventive measures to minimize risks for both our clients and staff.
If you are currently or would be interested in participating in services, Brain Injury Services is currently offering the following:
Pediatric Case Management Program
The PEDS Program is offering either zoom meetings, phone conferences and phone check-in meetings. We are communicating with families at least once a month. We are also participating in IEP meetings virtually or by phone conference.
Adult Case Management Program
The Adult Case Management Program continues to provide case management services to their clients virtually and operate during normal business hours via phone, email, or zoom. Several types of virtual groups are currently offered.
PALS & Person-Centered Programs
PALS matches are connecting with via zoom chats, phone calls, texts and social media interactions monthly/bi-monthly. Speakers Bureau is up and running online. Speeches are now presented in a virtual format and we have 9 set up for the fall/winter months!
Fredericksburg Day Program
The Day Program is offering virtual cognitive games & skills, wellness & exercise, educational presentations and social groups – five days a week! Both the Journal Group & Men's Group run online. Individual sessions are held by appointment. The Day Program can provide some technical assistance and review technology purchase opportunities for clients. Please contact us for more details. Please let us know we can support your access to virtual services!
ADAPT is offering 5 units a week including art, communications, kitchen, wellness, and a social hour.
ADAPT members have helped plan each unit's agenda and some have taken lead on presenting various topics! ADAPT's virtual format has allowed participants who previously had transportation difficulties to attend more regularly.
ComPASS is providing virtual consultations, individual sessions, and groups. The frequency of services varies depending on the client needs and therapist recommendations. Clients have been served via Zoom, Chrome Remote Desktop, Windows Quick Assist, and phone.
Vocational Program
The Vocational Program is providing services virtually! This includes regular phone calls, Zoom meetings, and email updates. We are able to complete intakes, and tasks like interview prep via Zoom. We can complete intakes, and tasks like interview prep via Zoom.
Our in-house therapist is currently offering one-on-one counseling and group counseling via Zoom for clients for the entire service area. She is also offering two bi-monthly support groups and co-facilitating the Caregiver Fundamentals once a month via Zoom.
She is also offering two ongoing groups via Zoom which run bi-monthly and is co-facilitating the Caregiver Fundamentals once a month!
Our groups continue to be virtual. Please check out the calendar on our website under News & Events or e-newsletter sent out to BIS clients.
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
https://braininjurysvcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/better-together-more-info.mp4
Please contact us with any questions you may have.