In light of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation all of the New River/Mount Rogers Virginia Career Works Centers are currently closed to the public. All Workshops, Hiring Events, One-on-One Intake and Group Eligibility classes are cancelled at this time.
Stayed tuned for notices of on-line workshops and a virtual job fair!
For now, we are offering a variety of services via the internet, phone and email.
Virginia Career Works Offices:
Bristol – (276) 642-7350 (serving Bristol, Smyth & Washington)
Galax – (276) 236-0016 (serving Carroll, Galax & Grayson)
Radford – (540) 831-5980 (serving the New River Valley)
Wytheville – (276) 228-4051 (serving Bland, Wythe & Smyth)
For general inquiries:
New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board– toll free – (833) NRMRWDA (833-676-7932)
Or
https://vcwnewrivermtrogers.com/ and use the chat box in the lower right hand of the page to ask questions.
Local VCW Website – https://vcwnewrivermtrogers.com/contact/
Virginia Workforce Connection – www.vawc.virginia.gov
Virginia Employment Commission – www.vec.virginia.gov
Getting Back to Work
NRV Working Smart – Working-Safe, Resource Guidebook
OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Unemployment and other Public Benefits
Governor’s Office Guidance: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/
FAQ for workers: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Frequently-Asked-Questions-from-Workers-Regarding-COVID-19.pdf
Virginia Chamber COVID Resource Center: https://www.vachamber.com/covid-19/
Virginia Employment Commission: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/
- The Governor has waived wait times and called for expedited processing of claims.
- To determine eligibility for any and all social services programs, individuals can apply via CommonHelp or by phone at 1-855-635-4370. They are processing claims for assistance.
Virginia Employment Commission Quick Reference Guide for Laid-off Employees: Quick Reference Guide
New River Community Action: http://newrivercommunityaction.org/
Radford – Terry Smusz at (540) 633-5133 ext 416 or by email tsmusz@nrcaa.org
- Request for services and intake will be done by phone
- Temporary regulations prevent the disconnection of utilities, so utility assistance is suspended until further notice. Staff or volunteers will distribute food, diapers and formula outside on office porches or in parking lots. Persons homeless or in imminent danger of homelessness may call to request assistance.
NRCA Emergency Assistance office phone numbers:
- Pulaski – (540) 980-5525
- Radford – (540) 320-7460
- Montgomery – (540) 382-6186
- Floyd – (540) 745-2102
- Giles – (540) 921-2146
Support for Impacted Businesses: disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Following a request submitted by Governor Northam on March 18, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia. Small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the Commonwealth affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. To submit a loan application through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, please visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due tomorrow, March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.
The Governor has requested that the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individuals and corporate income taxes. While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020. Please note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines
COVID-19 Pandemic Information
For information regarding the global pandemic and the latest guidance from Virginia public health officials,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
Online Connectivity for Students Who Lack It
FCC agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
- Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free WiFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time
- Charter Free Internet offer for 2 months
- AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families
- Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
- Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge
- T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge
- Altice/Suddenlink response: offers 30 MB internet to any new subscriber free for 60 days. No late fees or terminations for existing customers. Applicable to some rural localities
Minimizing Your Risks of Getting COVID-19
How to cope emotionally in the wake of a disaster:
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/recovering-disasters
You’ll probably still need to go to the store and open doors. Here are 10 ways to help avoid coronavirus when you must leave the house: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/10-ways-to-help-avoid-coronavirus-when-you-have-to-leave-the-house/
Working (From Home) in This New Reality
If you’re working from home, you’ve probably worked with your IT team on technical details. Here are some other tips to help set realistic expectations and make your time as productive as possible. https://www.npr.org/2020/03/15/815549926/8-tips-to-make-working-from-home-work-for-you
Virtual Escapes
If you’re feeling stir-crazy from being cooped-up and cut off from the outside world, these next few links offer some sanity relief: access to some of the world’s most beautiful art galleries and natural parks via online virtual tours. Here are a few links to get you started:
Five top world art galleries:
https://thespaces.com/5-galleries-you-can-tour-digitally-on-your-lunch-break/
12 Amazing Livestreams of Animals around the world:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-livestreams-animals-around-the-world-4800070
Virtually Tour These U.S. National Parks:
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/free-us-national-parks-virtual-tours-36735495
The Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums, galleries, gardens and National Zoo have temporarily shut their doors as a public health precaution aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. But while these brick-and-mortar buildings may be closed, the Smithsonian remains active in the digital sphere, making it easy for museum lovers, creatives and lifelong learners alike to experience its offerings from the comfort of their couch.
network.