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Richmond Economic Development Authority creates no-interest disaster loan program for small businesses

The Richmond Economic Development Authority today created the Richmond Small Business Disaster Loan Program (COVID-19), which will offer interest-free emergency loans of up to $20,000 to small businesses within city limits.

The program is intended to provide relief to small businesses who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Monies will go toward paying employee wages, empowering local, small businesses to continue operating and keep employees on their payroll.

“Small businesses have made Richmond the thriving culture capital we love,” said Mayor Stoney. “They’ve been understanding, patient and selfless in adapting to the recent social distancing guidance, no matter the economic consequences for them. This loan program is one way we can help provide some relief and support in this tough time.”

The maximum loan amount for the program is six months of current employee wages or $20,000, whichever is less. Loan payments will be disbursed over six months.

Repayment of the loans will be deferred for six months, followed by 48 months of no-interest payments.

Small businesses interested in applying should fill out the application and provide the required documentation via email. The application will be available starting Monday, April 6.

Funding is limited. Applications will be considered in the order they are submitted.

FAQ’s Regarding COR Staff Response to COVID-19

From the Office of Emergency Management

Question:

1. How are front-line employees to respond if a citizen or employee reports that they have come in contact with someone who has been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person?

Answer:

If an employee reports that he/she has been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, he/she should self-isolate for 14 days. If, during that time the employee develops a fever and symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, the employee should call his/her healthcare provider for medical advice.

Question:

2. What is the difference between essential (Alpha) and non-essential (Beta) personnel?

Answer:

During the event of a City closure, essential (Alpha) personnel must continue to report to work; whereas, non-essential (Beta) personnel are encouraged to self-isolate and remain home. Some Alpha employees may be allowed to telework from their homes. If you are unsure of your classification, contact your supervisor immediately.

Question:

3. What Rapids code should I use in the event of a City closure?

Answer:

COVID-19-Closure is a leave type that will be used if there is a City closure and an employee is otherwise unable to perform work duties (non-essential/Beta employees). An employee meeting this criteria should use the leave type COVID-19-Closure.

This leave type does not utilize the vacation or sick leave balance of an employee.

This leave type does not apply to employees who work remotely or have otherwise been designated as essential (Alpha) personnel.

Question:

4. I am scheduled to attend a business trip. Should I still go?

Answer:

No, a moratorium has been placed on all City-related travel. Please work to recoup any costs related to near-future travel arrangements and record the expenses for potential reimbursement later. Additionally, the City echoes the advice of the CDC and encourages the postponement of personal travel at this time.

Question: UPDATED.

5. What if I have symptoms related to COVID-19 or need to care for an immediate family member who has symptoms related to COVID-19?

Answer:

In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, and having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.

Question

6. What if my child or immediate family member is sick with COVID-19? Should I use the new COVID-19 Sick Leave type?

Answer: UPDATE

Yes, In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.

Question: UPDATE

7. How many hours can I use for COVID-19-Sick?

Answer:

In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.

Question: UPDATE

8. Can someone work from home if they have to stay home due to not having

childcare? Is that something that will be addressed within each department?

Answer: UPDATE

Essential (Alpha) employees with the ability to work from home will be encouraged to do so. However, some City functions or processes may not allow for full-time teleworking. Please work with your supervisor to establish, on a case-by-case basis, how we can ensure a continuity of government services. This may involve flexing schedules or seeking assistance with childcare, please see question #20 for childcare assistance. Individuals who must be out related to COVID-19 (COVID-19 illness/quarantine or lack of childcare) may use COVID-19 Sick Leave.

In accordance with a new law signed by President Trump on March 18th, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, employees must be allowed 80 hours of leave for COVID-19-related illnesses, self-quarantine, if caring for a relative who is in quarantine or isolation or who has symptoms, or having to care for a son or daughter whose child care/school is closed. COVID-Sick Leave after April 1, 2020, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, will not be charged to the employee’s sick or vacation leave balances.

Question

9. What if someone is self-quarantining if they believe or know they have been

exposed to COVID-19?

Answer:

If an employee reports that he/she has been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, he/she should self-isolate for 14 days. If, during that time the employee develops fever and other symptoms, such as a cough or difficulty breathing, the employee should call their healthcare provider for medical advice.

Question:

10. What if someone has traveled out of the country or out of the state to an area

with a high incidence of positive cases of COVID-19? What does the City of

Richmond want them to do?

Answer:

Based on CDC/VDH guidance, that individual should self-isolate for 14 days.

Question:

11. How will I keep updated on city openings and closures for employees?

Answer:

The City protocol for announcing closures uses a citywide email to all staff, a citywide voicemail to all staff, notifications on the City’s Twitter account (@CityRichmondVA) and Facebook (City of Richmond, VA Government), and a blog post on the homepage of the City’s website. If you have a City desk phone, you can call 646-1500, enter the last 4 digits of your City phone number, and then enter your PIN # to receive City voicemail messages from the Office of the Press Secretary on closures and openings.

Externally, the public is made aware of city closures through a press release and media outreach.

Question:

12. What are the most reliable sources of COVID-19 information?

Answer:

For those who have internet access, the best sources of up-to-date information are the Virginia Department of Health website: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and the

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website:

https//www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index/html

You can also call 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343) for additional information.

Visit the city webpage,www.richmondgov.com/covid19, to learn about the City’s response to the coronavirus.

FAQ’s Extended

Question:

13. What is the City’s healthcare provider doing during this event?

Answer:

Through May 31, 2020, Cigna will waive customers’ out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing-related visits with in-network providers, whether a doctor’s office, urgent care clinic, emergency room, or by virtual care options such as talking with a doctor/clinician 24/7 by phone, tablet, or computer.

You can also use the following link to: http://www.explainmybenefits.biz/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cigna-Telehealth-with-Behavioral-Health-Presentation.pdf

Through May 31, 2020, Cigna will make it easier for customers with immunosuppression, chronic conditions, or who are experiencing transportation challenges to be treated virtually in-network.

Cigna will ensure delivery of your medications. There is no need to order refills earlier than usual or to stock up. Cigna is available at any time to answer your calls, provide support, and assist your providers. If you have general questions about your benefits and coverage, call 1-855-287-8400.

Question:

14. Can employees with symptoms of COVID-19 be excluded from the workplace?

Answer:

Yes. Employees should not report to work with COVID-19-like symptoms (per CDC or VDH symptoms for COVID-19) or if they have been quarantined. Some employees will develop symptoms of the COVID-19 virus while at work. These individuals must notify their supervisor, immediately leave the workplace, and should not return to work after the onset of symptoms until the time period recommended by the CDC. If the employee is too ill to drive themselves home, the supervisor shall arrange for alternate transportation to their home or to medical services, if required.

Question:

15. Can I telecommute?

Answer:

Department Directors/Appointing Authorities will use their discretion to identify positions where teleworking/telecommuting is possible and are encouraged to consider creative telework options for essential employees. The Department of Information Technology is coordinating with departments to identify available resources and establish centralized systems.

Question:

16. How will previously-scheduled vacations and planned absences be handled?

Answer:

During a declared public health emergency, vacation leaves and planned absences (e.g., training or conferences) for many City employees will be canceled until further notice. The priority for the City will be to ensure continued delivery of essential services, and reduced manpower may hamper those efforts.

Question:

17. What if I believe I have COVID-19 due to an occupational exposure?

Answer:

If an employee believes that he/she has COVID-19 as a result of occupational exposure while performing duties on City business during a public health emergency, the employee should follow the normal procedures to complete a Worker's Compensation claim form. Claims will be investigated and adjudicated in accordance with requirements of the Virginia Worker’s Compensation Commission.

Question:

18. If I am currently a non-essential employee (Beta), can I be designated as an essential (Alpha).

Answer:

Yes. As the City continues to ensure continuity of services, non-essential (Beta) employees may be designated as essential (Alpha) employees for the remainder of the event. This designation will be sent from the department Director to the employee and the designation will be limited to those processes needed during the event. Schedules may change to reflect only the time needed to complete the essential task.

Question:

19. Administrative Regulation 1.5 –Emergencies and Closings, states: “Employees may also be granted additional time or compensation, on an hour-for-hour basis, for all hours worked during the emergency.”

Will I receive additional compensation for working during the City closing?

Answer:

Yes. The Administration is proud of the public servants who ensure the continuity of City services for Richmond residents and community’s. At the conclusion of the event additional compensation will be made available to all essential non-exempt personnel.

Question: UPDATE

20. What options exist for childcare for essential personnel?

If you are an alpha employee who cannot work from home, then you are encouraged to seek emergency childcare for essential personnel.

Two options exist for children ages 5-14:

- In partnership with the City Of Richmond, the YMCA of Greater Richmond is operating five emergency childcare sites across the region for children of essential personnel. Program hours are 6am-6pm, and the program costs $15 per child per day; $10 for each additional child. Children must bring lunch and a morning snack; afternoon snack will be provided. More information and registration is available here: https://www.ymcarichmond.org/camp-hope/

- Starting April 6, the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and Richmond Public Schools will be opening emergency childcare sites for children of essential local government personnel. Program hours will be 7am-6pm, and the program will be free of cost. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please contact RVASPECIALEVENTS@richmondgov.com for registration information.

For children younger than five:

- YWCA Richmond has reopened its downtown preschool to offer emergency childcare for children 18 months to five years old. Program hours are 7am-6pm, and the program costs $250 per child per week. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and diapers/pull-ups are provided. There is a sliding scale fee as well as full scholarships available for families who qualify. Please apply through sprout@ywcarichmond.org

- Child Care Aware of Virginia is maintaining an up-to-date database of all infant and toddler centers that are open across the state during the COVID-19 crisis. You may search for care options online ( https://vachildcare.com/find-quality-childcare/ ), call 866-543-7852, or email KasharaL@va.childcareaware.org for individualized assistance.

Las oficinas de la Ciudad de Richmond seguirán cerradas al público en el período del 1o hasta el 12 de abril – se seguirán prestando los servicios esenciales

Las oficinas de la Ciudad de Richmond seguirán cerradas al público durante el período que va desde el miércoles 1º de abril hasta el domingo 12 de abril.

La continuación de este cierre tiene el propósito de proteger la salud y seguridad de los residentes, empleados y del público en general, como respuesta a la pandemia causada por el COVID-19.

El personal esencial seguirá trabajando y los servicios esenciales seguirán funcionando. Puede leer la lista de esos servicios aquí.

Si desea obtener actualizaciones acerca de la respuesta que ha dado la administración de la ciudad al COVID-19, haga clic aquí, en la página que la ciudad ha dedicado a este tema.

Declaración del alcalde Levar M. Stoney en relación a la orden dada por el gobernador Northam de permanecer en casa

“La Ciudad de Richmond apoya completamente la orden del gobernador de permanecer en sus casas.

“De acuerdo a la orden del gobernador, la ciudad está limitando el acceso a ciertas instalaciones al aire libre. Las áreas infantiles de recreación y as canchas que están ubicadas tanto en las escuelas públicas como en los parques públicos de Richmond serán cerradas. Se prohíben todas las actividades y deportes de equipo.

“También se restringen las actividades en el río James: no se permitirá bañarse en el río, nadar, tomar el sol o reunirse en grupos, aunque las personas aún pueden hacer ejercicio en la zona, tal como caminar, correr, trotar o montar en bicicleta. Estas nuevas restricciones entran en efecto a partir de hoy, lunes 30 de marzo a las 5 p.m.

“Cuando se encuentre en espacios abiertos, mantenga sus actividades únicamente con las personas que viven con usted. Permanezca en todo momento a un mínimo de 6 pies (aprox. 2 metros) de distancia de aquellas personas que no viven con usted. La policía de Richmond hará cumplir estas instrucciones y continuará imponiendo estas medidas de distanciamiento social.

“Sobreviviremos a esta crisis, pero por el bien de nuestros vecinos, especialmente de aquellos más vulnerables entre nosotros, les ruego a los richmondeses que tomen esta orden en serio. Estaremos más seguros y a salvo en casa”.

Si desea ver el texto completo de la orden del gobernador, haga clic aquí.

Preguntas frecuentes recibidas por el Departamento de Servicios Sociales durante el cierre por COVID-19

¿Cómo puedo solicitar beneficios?
- Llame al: 1 (855) 635-4370
- Por internet: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/spanish
- Envíe su solicitud por fax al: (804) 646-7018
- Buzón del DSS en Marshall Plaza (900 E. Marshall Street)
- Buzón del DSS en Southside Plaza (4100 Hull Street)
¿Cómo puedo averiguar el estatus de mi solicitud de beneficios (SNAP/estampillas, TANF, y MEDICAID)?
- Llame al: 1 (855) 635-4370
- Por internet: https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/spanish
¿Cómo puedo obtener una tarjeta EBT (de estampillas) de reemplazo si mi tarjeta se pierde, se daña, o es robada?
- Llame al 1 (866) 281-2448
- (Línea de asistencia gratuita, abierta 24 horas al día)
¿Cómo puedo denunciar el maltrato o descuido de un menor de edad o un anciano?
- Llame para denunciar maltrato infantil: (804) 646-0438
- (Antes o después del horario de oficina: 1 (800) 552-7096)
- Llame para denunciar el maltrato de ancianos: (804) 646-7405
- (Antes o después del horario de oficina: 1 (888) 832-3858)
¿Quién es mi trabajador social?
- Llame al 311 o al (804) 646-721
¿Dónde puedo encontrar recursos adicionales durante la pandemia del COVID-19?
- Distribución de alimentos: https://www.rvaschools.net/Page/7351
- Subsidio para el cuidado de niños: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/cc/index.html (En la parte superior izquierda de la página, haga clic en “Select Language” y luego haga clic en “Spanish”).
¿Se repartirán beneficios SNAP (estampillas) de emergencia o SNAP para desastres (D -SNAP)?
- Sí. Virginia repartió asignaciones de emergencia a los hogares el 25 de marzo y las volverá a repartir el 16 de abril. Los beneficios de emergencia extenderán la asignación actual de su hogar hasta la asignación máxima permitida para una familia de ese tamaño.
¿Habrá un aumento a los beneficios SNAP (estampillas) para los que actualmente reciben beneficios SNAP durante la emergencia pública del COVID-19?
- Sí. Virginia repartió asignaciones de emergencia a los hogares el 25 de marzo y las volverá a repartir el 16 de abril. Los beneficios de emergencia extenderán la asignación actual de su hogar hasta la asignación máxima permitida para una familia de ese tamaño.
¿Por qué no recibí la asignación de emergencia?
- La asignación de emergencia se calculó según la asignación máxima para el tamaño de la familia, menos la cantidad que se repartió para marzo del 2020. Si ya recibió la asignación máxima, no sería elegible para recibir la asignación de emergencia.
¿Se repartirá la asignación normal de SNAP (estampillas) del mes de abril, 2020?
- Sí. La asignación normal se repartirá según el calendario normal de fechas escalonadas que ocurre los días 1o, 4 y 7 de cada mes.
¿Califico para recibir beneficios de SNAP (estampillas)?
- Puede hacer una evaluación preliminar por internet entrando a https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/spanish. Desplácese hacia abajo hasta la mitad de la página y haga clic en “¿Soy elegible?” Recuerde que esta es una evaluación preliminar; tendrá que solicitar SNAP para recibir una decisión final.
¿Ha cambiado el proceso de solicitar SNAP (estampillas)?
- No hay cambios a las políticas del proceso de solicitar SNAP. Los hogares deben presentar una solicitud de beneficios de SNAP al Departamento de Servicios Sociales de la localidad donde residen.
¿Cómo puedo obtener seguro de salud?
- Puede solicitar Medicaid en cualquier momento entrando a https://www.commonhelp.virginia.gov/spanish. Medicaid cubre una variedad de servicios, incluyendo las pruebas y el tratamiento del COVID-19.
Me preocupa que se me puedan acabar los medicamentos recetados. ¿Qué puedo hacer para prepararme?
- Medicaid está permitiendo que sus miembros pidan un suministro de medicamentos para 90 días para varias recetas comunes. Pregúntele a su médico o en su farmacia.
¿Mi cobertura actual será cancelada si tengo un cambio de circunstancias y/o he enviado tarde los documentos para la renovación?
- No. Medicaid de Virginia no cancelará la cobertura para individuos elegibles debido a un cambio de circunstancias o cuestiones de documentación. Nuestra prioridad es mantener su cobertura durante este período. Si tiene algún problema, por favor contáctenos en http://www.dmas.virginia.gov/contactforms/#/general (En la parte superior derecha de la página, haga clic en “English” y luego haga clic en “Spanish”) para que le podamos ayudar.