Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): What West Virginians Need To Know

WV Strong . . . .In times of uncertainty, and even tragedy, West Virginians have always risen to the challenge and done what it takes to get each other back on our feet. We set the standard in the nation for what it means to be a statewide community. It is with that same spirit that I want you all to know that my staff stands ready to help you navigate this challenge as best we can. From breaking down the funding package to show what every West Virginian and business can expect in the days ahead, to promoting volunteerism opportunities and showcasing all your hard work - all of that information will be updated on my website and in my daily newsletter. To contact my office, you can reach out to 304-342-5855 and leave a message or email me at common_sense@manchin.senate.gov. A member of my staff will reach back out to you as soon as they can. If we don't know the answer, we'll do our best to find it for you. No matter what the next days or weeks bring, it is vital that we not only stay the tight-knit community we've always been, but that we're smart about it and we do it safely.  I know we'll get through this challenge together and I stand ready to help in any way I can. Stay WV Strong.

- Joe

Below are COVID-19 resources specific to West Virginia. Click the button below that pertains to you to learn more:

COVID-19 Vaccine Information: vaccinate.wv.gov

COVID-19 Testing
I'm Feeling Ill
Unemployment & Direct Payments
Business Assistance
Basic Needs
Veterans Assistance
Funeral Assistance
WV Strong
#MaskUpWV

World COVID-19 Data

United States COVID-19 Data

Map Credit: Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering

Summary

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other governmental agencies are responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in many countries around the world, including in the United States. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms (including fever, cough, and shortness of breath) to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The most important thing West Virginians can do right now is don’t panic, take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and follow the advice of our public health professionals, including the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

PREVENTION

To help prevent the spread of disease, including COVID-19, the CDC recommends taking the following actions:

  • Receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized by the CDC.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wear a face covering when you are in public
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Learn more: CDC Handwashing Fact Sheet

Senator Manchin is working hard to ensure that every West Virginian that wants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can get one. We know that COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized by the CDC are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19, especially severe illness and death. Senator Manchin is continuously working with the Biden Administration to ensure West Virginia has the vaccines, tests and therapeutics to meet the needs of the state. For anyone who has not been vaccinated and has questions, you should consider reaching out to a healthcare professional.

To find out when you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/covid-19/pages/vaccine.aspx.

Fully vaccinated people should continue to:

  • Take precautions in public like wearing a well-fitted mask and physical distancing
  • Wear masks, practice physical distancing, and adhere to other prevention measures when visiting with unvaccinated people who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease or who have an unvaccinated household member who is at increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease
  • Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
  • Follow guidance issued by individual employers
  • Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations

West Virginians who are not vaccinated should continue to follow the CDC and West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for clear and specific social distancing and safety recommendations to protect yourself and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

West Virginians with additional questions about COVID-19 can call the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources' toll-free COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-887-4304 for accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response.

If you are a West Virginian and are suffering symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath) & cannot get tested or are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but cannot get an appointment, please email common_sense@manchin.senate.gov or leave a voicemail at 304-342-5855. A member of my staff will receive your message & get in contact with you.

FOR PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND THE ELDERLY

According to the CDC, some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

  • Older adults
  • People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
    Heart disease
    Diabetes
    Lung disease

The CDC recommends the elderly and those at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 receive any CDC approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots as recommended.

To learn more from the CDC regarding COVID-19 vaccines for people who are immunocompromised, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html.

To sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/covid-19/pages/vaccine.aspx. For more information and frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/covid-19/pages/vaccine.aspx#faq.

FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS

All West Virginia public schools have returned to in-person instruction. In-person instruction may consist of blended learning models for high school students.

The West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources recommends key mitigation strategies to keep students, teachers and administrators safe.

Key Mitigation Strategies:

  • Consistent and correct use of masks
  • Hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette
  • Social distancing to the largest extent
  • Eliminate large gatherings outside of classrooms/coregroups
  • Cleaning and disinfection
  • Contact tracing in collaboration with local health departments

For more information on mitigation strategies, visit https://wvde.us/covid19/.

A map of public Wi-Fi hotspots in West Virginia has been created by the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council. Visit https://broadband.wv.gov/west-virginia-wifi-locations/ to find a map of public Wi-Fi hotspots.

SUPPLIES

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have launched a web site for companies looking to sell medical supplies, equipment or services as part of the COVID-19 response: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus/how-to-help.

Specifically it provides some contacts for businesses:

  • To sell medical supplies or equipment to the federal government, please email specifics to nbeoc@fema.dhs.gov. 
  • You can also register through the System for Award Management (SAM) website.  All companies desiring to do business with the federal government must register, at no cost, with SAM. 
  • For non-medical supplies, services or equipment, if you are interested in doing business with FEMA, visit the Industry Liaison Program webpage.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Food and Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/covid-19-information.html

Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/02/coronavirus-scammers-follow-headlines

U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Assistance: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

U.S. Department of Agriculture COVID-19 Federal Resource Guide: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf

WV Department of Health and Human Resources: http://www.coronavirus.wv.gov/

WV Department of Education: https://wvde.us/covid19/

West Virginia University: https://www.wvu.edu/covid

Marshall University: https://www.marshall.edu/coronavirus

Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Map: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

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