Covid 19 Resource and Information

Staying at Home in West Virginia

To prevent COVID-19 from spreading further, numerous communities and even entire states across the country have ordered their residents to stay home. West Virginians should already be taking such common-sense steps as limiting non-essential travel and maintaining social distancing. West Virginia residents should therefore be prepared to follow the rules of a “Stay-at-Home” order if one is issued for the state or the nation.

To ready West Virginians, it is important to know:
• A Stay-at-Home order is not martial law
• A Stay-at-Home order is not a lockdown
• A Stay-at-Home order does not close West Virginia roads, bridges or borders
• A Stay-at-Home order does not prevent West Virginians from leaving the state
• A Stay-at-Home order does not prevent West Virginians from returning from out-of-state

Questions and Answers about a “Stay-at-Home” order:

Q: What would a Stay-at-Home order require me to do?
A: A Stay-at-Home order would require West Virginians to remain in their homes and residences and leave only for essential services. It would be mandatory, and not merely
guidance or advice.

Q: When could I leave my home? What is an “essential service?”
A: Essential services include going to the grocery store or gas station; picking up a prescription or receiving medical care; and getting outdoor exercise for yourself, your children and your pets. They also include working jobs to provide essential services.

Q: What would remain open as an “essential service?’
A: Businesses and services that would remain open fall under several categories. For all of these, including outdoor areas, the six-foot social distancing guideline would apply.

• Food
o Grocery stores
o Convenience stores
o Take-out and delivery restaurants
o Farmers markets
o Food bank and food pantries
o Take-out and delivery meal services, including school-based

• Health care
o Hospitals
o Clinics
o Doctor’s offices and other health care provider facilities
o Pharmacies

• Public Safety
o Police stations
o Fire stations
o Ambulance services

• Transportation
o Gas stations
o Public transit

• Other
o Banks
o Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry services
o Outdoor public spaces including parks and trails not specifically closed by prior orders.

Q: What jobs would be considered essential?
A: Jobs providing the services outlined above would be considered essential.

Other essential jobs would include:

• Manufacturing or delivering materials and products needed for essential services

• Essential government services (local, state, and county)
o Programs and services that support essential operations and functions
o Hotlines or helplines, including for Medicaid, SNAP benefits, etc.

• Other critical infrastructure
o Public utilities and related infrastructure, including home and commercial
electrical and plumbing systems
o Communications infrastructure and services, including media
o Garbage/sanitation

Q: What would be closed as non-essential?
A: Businesses and workplaces that do not fall under the above categories or are otherwise designated as essential would be closed. Those already closed by Executive Order include:

• Dine-in restaurants
• Bars and nightclubs
• Entertainment venues including casinos and performance halls
• Barber shops and hair and nail salons
• Gyms and fitness centers

Q: What about working from home?
A: Working from home would be encouraged wherever possible.

Q: What if I’m told to report to a job that is non-essential?
A: If you believe your business is nonessential but are still being asked to show up to work, you should discuss that with your employer.

Q: How would a Stay-at-Home order be enforced?
A: Law enforcement officials would not stop residents on their way to or from work or from obtaining essential services as outlined above, including recreation. People gathering in any size group would be asked to social distance or go home. The West Virginia National Guard would not be involved in enforcing any Stay-at-Home order.

Q: How would a Stay-at-Home order affect travel and transportation?
A: West Virginia should drive themselves when possible or walk. Public transportation and ridesharing would be for essential travel only. The same goes for air travel. Roads,
bridges and borders would remain open.

Q: Would I still be allowed to visit family and friends?
A: Visits to other homes and residences would be limited to caring for the elderly, minors, dependents, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable persons. In such
circumstances, visitors should minimize interactions as much as possible.

Q: What help would there be for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
A: Services for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities would be considered essential and continue under a Stay-at-Home order. The Bureau for Medical Services could provide additional information: (304) 558-1700.

Q: What if my home is not a safe environment?
A: Anyone who would not be safe in their residence while under a Stay-at-Home order should consider planning now to find an alternative safe place. The West Virginia
Coalition Against Domestic Violence can help. Visit http://wvcadv.org or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233).

Q: What about people who are homeless?
A: State, county and local government agencies and officials will partner with W.Va.Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) and other community organizations to ensure safe shelter for our homeless population.




MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ROB RAPPOLD
TO THE BECKLEY COMMUNITY ON COVID-19
March 25, 2020
The City of Beckley, West Virginia

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m reaching out to provide an update on the City of Beckley’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As many are already aware, Governor Jim Justice has declared a Stay at Home Order for the residents of West Virginia.

Much has happened that is impacting the way we and private businesses conduct operations.

In defining ‘essential services’ the City has prioritized key functions including: police and fire protection, water/sewer operations and public works operations. In addition, the back office operations that enable us to deliver these services are also considered essential. We believe we have met the Governor’s mandate and will continue to allocate resources where needed.

At this time City Hall is effectively closed to the public. You may leave messages via voice mail, or email and staff will respond as we are able. Our code enforcement office is still open on the bottom floor of City Hall. Permits will still be issued from the office. Please limit to 1 customer at a time.

The Beckley Municipal Court will be closed. Payments will only be taken by mail until further notice. All recycling within the City of Beckley is suspended as of March 23, 2020 due to the suspension of recycling operations by the Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority. The Youth Museum has closed until further notice. All parks and trails remain open but their public facilities will be closed.

Fortunately, Raleigh County and the City of Beckley have not experienced the level of verified infection that some of our other West Virginia counties have. That, however, should not be taken as license to disregard the advice of medical professionals. It may simply be that we have not had as many people tested. It would be shortsighted to think that local rates of infection will not rise significantly in the days and weeks ahead. The precautions we are instructed to take are absolutely necessary to protect our vulnerable populations, including the elderly or those with existing health issues.

If you are uncertain of the precautions you should be taking, the Beckley Raleigh County Health Department www.beckleyraleighhealthdept.org and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources https://dhhr.wv.gov has some very good resources on their websites. I would urge you to bookmark those site and refer back to regularly for updates.

Rumors and Misinformation

During this time when COVID19 is dominating the news, misinformation and rumors can spread online faster than a virus can. Always scrutinize information you read on Facebook and other social media sites. Before you share information you find, always check with verified sources like the Center for Disease Control (CDC), or the Beckley Raleigh County Health Department. We will continue to communicate important information to Beckley residents and families via our website and Facebook pages. Given how quickly change is occurring that information may be evolving on a daily basis. We will do our best to keep it current.

City Services

As previously mentioned, City Hall and several other city-owned buildings are closed to the public. Wherever possible and appropriate, staff will be working from home to continue to deliver many of the services that you expect of us. A number of non-essential services, however, have been curtailed. I would ask patience as we adjust to this rapidly-evolving environment. Our staff is working under unprecedented levels of difficulty and like you, they have families and children. Some services may be unavailable and many will take longer than normal.

Community

This public health crisis illustrates just how interconnected we all are. I am confident that we will get through this, but how well we get through this, and how quickly we recover from this, depends on the actions of each and everyone one of us in the days and weeks ahead. There has never been a more important time to step up for your community.

First and foremost: take care of yourself. You cannot take care of others if you don’t take care of your own health and well-being. Mind the precautions and recommendations and be easy on yourself and others during this stressful period.

There are numerous ways you can help relieve the stress and pain of others in the community. Some of our non-profits are offering meals to those who need help. Volunteers are often needed as well as monetary donations. They include the Salvation Army, Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County Commission on Aging, the Pinehaven Homeless Shelter and others. These organizations need your help more than ever right now. Reach out to them please.

Not sure where to turn or what to do? If you need assistant in finding food or medicine or other essentials – dial our local 2-1-1 to speak with someone who can help.

Of equal importance: the Red Cross is in desperate need of blood. If you’re healthy, I urge you to consider a blood donation now. It takes less than an hour and each donation can save up to three lives. Visit https://www.redcross.org or call 304-255-1508 to find a time and location convenient to you.

Support our local businesses, they’re hurting. They are owned by our neighbors and provide great economic benefit to our city. Please continue to support them during this period of uncertainty. Many are offering special take-out or delivery options!

For more info on how you can support local businesses, please visit the website’s of the Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce www.brccc.com and /or the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority. https://nrgrda.org/

U.S. Census.

While much of everyone’s attention is focused on COVID-19, we also need to remember the importance of the 2020 Census. This once-a-decade count of every person living in the 50 states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories helps determine the distribution of billions in federal aid for local communities. By April 1, 2020, you will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, please respond either online, by phone, or by mail. Having a full and accurate count for the City of Beckley and Raleigh County is critical to ensure we receive our fair share of federal funding over the next decade.

For more information, visit http://www.census.gov

A week ago we could not have foreseen where we would be today, and we can expect more changes going forward. I urge you to regularly check the sites linked above for updated information.

Stay positive, stay compassionate and we will get through this.

Sincerely,

Mayor Robert Rappold