March 19 COVID-19 Public Briefing
City of Richmond COVID-19 Public Briefing
March 19, 2020
Accessing City Services
City services are limited to the essential services that each department provides. As an example, the Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities administrative offices are closed to the public, but custodial staff is still cleaning park bathrooms for public use.
A lot of callers who ask about city services inquire about finance. Questions like:
- Is the Finance Department able to accept payments at City Hall while closed to the public?
- Will I have to complete my application for Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled this month?
- I I submitted my 2020 Business License tax payment recently and have to close my business due to the impact of COVID-19, am I eligible for a refund?
are all answered in this Finance Department FAQ document.
A comprehensive list of available city services during the city closure will be available on the website soon.
Supporting the Elderly
Some residents have reported receiving scam calls. If you get a call from someone claiming to represent the City of Richmond, state, or businesses like Dominion, and that person attempts to extort you, hang up immediately and report the call here.
Here’s a warning the city released today about scams. Please share this information with elderly friends and family, especially if they have been victim to a scam before.
How to directly support the elderly
Senior Connections is the leading non-governmental agency serving seniors in the region. They use monetary donations to purchase of food and personal items, help with utility payments, support for transportation, and support activities to communicate with older adults to prevent isolation. You can donate here.
Volunteers are also needed to call older individuals to check on them and help assemble care packages. To find out more about volunteer opportunities, please call 804-343-3000 or visit the Senior Connections website.
Healthcare Resources
Continue to use the Richmond City and Henrico County Coronavirus Hotline for health-related inquiries: 804-205-3501.
The hotline is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Service is available in Spanish.
The Richmond and Henrico Health Department, the local branch of the Virginia Department of Health, tested over 100 people at the Dorey Park testing station on Wednesday, March 18. Testing centers will continue to be set up regionally. Click here to learn more about the testing centers.
From the Governor: On March 19, 2020, the Governor announced that Virginia has expanded its capacity for testing. Virginia’s Medicaid agency has been granted additional flexibility that allows for the elimination of co-pays, 90-day prescriptions, and enhanced telehealth options. The uninsured are encouraged to apply for coverage. Here’s a link to the agency’s dashboard.
Addressing Childcare Needs
DSS has provided guidance on its state website for both operators and parents to ensure that conditions are safe and sanitized. Click here to read the guidance letter and click here to view the resource dashboard they have made available to providers.
Economic Relief Opportunities
For individuals
The state has received 10,000 unemployment claims since many unemployment restrictions have been lifted. Virginians can now apply for unemployment benefits without a weeklong waiting period.
Those who have lost their jobs, seen hours cut, or have been forced to stay home should explore the opportunity to receive unemployment benefits. Eligibility has expanded this week, and you may be eligible in light of the pandemic and its effects. Apply here.
The Virginia individual and corporate income tax payment due date is expected to shift from May 1 to June 1, with filings still due May 1. Interest will still accrue, on payments after May 1. More information on changes to tax protocol will be come from the state soon, according to the Governor.
The state police will not be enforcing motor vehicle inspection violations for the time being.
For small businesses
The Small Business Administration has approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia, which means that small businesses in the area are able to apply for low-interest loans of up to two million dollars. Learn about the federal loan opportunity through SBA here, and click here to access a useful fact sheet.
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due March 20 for a period of one month.