NEWSLETTER

March 17, 2020

Neighbors in the 42nd District,

I have a new web page with updates on how our state government is responding to COVID-19 as well as resources from Fairfax County and FCPS. You can find the web page here. 

Today, Governor Northam announced the following guidance to increase social distancing; support Virginia workers and employers whose
operations have slowed or ceased due to COVID-19; ensure tenants are not evicted during this pandemic; and provide smooth operations for Virginia drivers.

Increase Social Distancing

  • Virginians should avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, per federal guidelines. This does not include locations such as airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, grocery stores, or pharmacies.

  • Virginians with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older should self-quarantine. 

  • All restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters are mandated to reduce their capacity to 10 patrons, or to close their location. It will be a Class 1 misdemeanor if this guidance is not followed. Restaurants are encouraged to continue carry-out and takeaway options.

Relief for Virginia workers

Many Virginians’ livelihoods are affected by the pandemic. The Virginia Employment Commission will: 

  • Waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive unemployment insurance benefits as soon as possible.

  • Expand eligibility for unemployment benefits by considering:

  • Workers affected because their employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19. 

  • Workers who have 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. 

  • Workers who must stay home to care for an ill family member and are not receiving paid family medical leave from their employer.

  • For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions guide for workers that have been temporarily laid off or discharged during this public health crisis.

Support for Virginia Employers

Virginia employers whose operations are slowed or must cease due the pandemic will receive the following support: 

  • Regional workforce teams will be activated to support employers that slow or cease operations.

  • The state will tap into Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act rapid response funding for employers eligible to remain open during this emergency.

Protections for Tenants

  • The judicial emergency declared by the Virginia Supreme Court yesterday will included a prohibition on new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19.

Guidance Affecting Virginia Drivers

  • The Department of Motor Vehicles offices and mobile units will be closed March 18 through at least April 2. Online services will still be available, and Virginians are encouraged to conduct their transactions online.

  • Licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registration that expire between March 15 and May 15 will be granted a 60-day extension. Please keep a copy of your extension with you.

You can read the Governor’s full announcement here.