Sunday, March 22 Update – What you need to know today:
- Visitation at detention centers has been suspended. Virginia Department of Corrections will provide inmates two free phone calls per week at least through April 15, 2020. The two free calls will be applied to the first two calls made each week. The Governor is also recommending sentence modifications for incarcerated non-violent offenders. The Prince William County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney is encouraging the use of alternatives to incarceration in appropriate cases.
- Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can defer payment of state sales tax for 30 days. Impacted businesses also have the opportunity to apply for a low-interest federal disaster loan up to $2 million.
- The due date for state income tax payments has been extended to June 1, while the state filing deadline remains the same and interest for deferred payments will still accrue. The federal income tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15. (Virginia cannot extend its state filing deadline because the Commonwealth’s fiscal year ends June 30).
- Virginia State Police have been directed to stop the enforcement of motor vehicle inspections for the next 60 days.
- Virginia Retirement System payments remain stable.
- Virginia will be requesting a waiver of the federally required Standards of Learning tests and other mandated standardized testing.
- All Prince William County government buildings are closed to the public.
- Prince William County public school students can email studentsupportservices@pwcs.edu for virtual emotional and mental health support.
Wednesday, March 18 Updates & Resources: We are in daily contact with the Administration as we work to keep Virginians healthy and mitigate the impact of the novel coronavirus on our Commonwealth. The below information is up-to-date as of Wednesday, March 18. For ongoing updates, regularly check the Virginia Coronavirus webpage and the Prince William County Coronavirus webpage, and please continue to follow us on social media for breaking news.
Here’s what you need to know today:
- Gatherings of 10 or more people are discouraged, Governor Northam announced on Tuesday. Businesses such as restaurants, gyms, and theaters are recommended to reduce their capacity to 10 patrons or close. A violation on the part of these types of businesses will result in permit suspension and can be enforced as a misdemeanor
- Governor Northam has advised all those 65 or older or with chronic health conditions to self-quarantine
- All Prince William County K-12 schools are closed at least until April 14. All children under 18 can still receive free to-go breakfast and lunch meals Monday through Friday between 9AM and 10AM at these Prince William County locations: Mullen, Tyler, Jenkins, Dale City, Coles, Yorkshire, and Fitzgerald Elementary Schools; Marsteller, Stonewall, Parkside, Hampton, Fred Lynn, Beville, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, Rippon, Graham Park, and Potomac Middle Schools; and Forest Park High School
- As Prince William County Executive Chris Martino declared a local state of emergency on Monday, there have been several county closures: All Prince William County libraries are closed; the Adult Day Healthcare program and senior centers are closed; meetings and events planned for county facilities are cancelled; and all of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism’s fitness centers, community centers and historic buildings are closed until further notice. Outdoor parks remain open
- The SCC has blocked all water, gas, and electric disconnections at least for the next 60 days
- The Supreme Court of Virginia has declared a judicial emergency, meaning all non-essential state court proceedings are suspended at least until April 6. This includes a prohibition on new eviction cases for tenants who are unable to pay rent as a result of COVID-19
- All Virginia DMV physical locations are closed. Driver and vehicle credentials have been extended 60 days; If your license or registration will expire before May 15, you can carry a copy of that emergency order with you while driving in case you are pulled over by an officer who is unaware of this extension
- The Virginia Employment Commission has suspended the one-week waiting period to apply for unemployment benefits and has enhanced eligibility guidelines. You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if your employer needs to slow or suspend operations due to COVID-19, if you have been directed to self-quarantine, or if you are staying home to care for a sick family member
- All local Social Security Offices are closed to the public. Those needing Social Security-related services can check SSA.gov to see if they are offered online
- The VRE is operating at a reduced “S” schedule level
Please stay home if you are able, especially if you or someone in your home is ill. Wash your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds. Remember that this virus is highly contagious; If you have to be in public, try to keep a distance of at least six feet between yourself and others.
We are doing all that we can to protect our citizens. Thank you for being a part of our work to protect our communities and Commonwealth.