To follow along with Gov. Ralph Northam’s Twitter Q&A, click here and follow along with #AskGovNortham. Also, see below for the Qs and As.
Thanks to everyone who joined us today, and to those who sent in so many great questions—I wish we had time for all of them.
For the latest guidance, up-to-date-information, and #COVID19 resources, you can always visit https://t.co/XNjzM5VF5W.
#AskGovNortham— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
You can’t beat @MamaJsRVA! https://t.co/O2ygvzAmlg
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Thank you for the question, and we thank your daughter for her service. Our rest areas remain open, and @VDOT has enhanced cleaning and protective measures in place. https://t.co/Ibd0oIuq6R
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: #AskGovNortham As a grocery worker in the epicenter of Virginia, how often is your data updated that you use to consider actions like Stay-at-Home orders and others? Are there any 'red lines' that you have that will trigger immediate response? 1/2
– @Maxss114— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
▪️ We've directed hospitals to stop performing elective surgeries to conserve PPE
▪️ We've received our third shipment from the national stockpile
▪️ And we'll continue looking at any and all leads. Businesses who want to donate PPE should email private.sector@vdem.virginia.gov. https://t.co/ld8csR6ME0— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: He goes into the office every day. My siblings &I have been begging him to stop. We're worried about him, &I know there are a lot of kids in VA just as concerned about their parents too. Can you emphasize how important it is for them to work fr… #AskGovNortham
– @lizchar— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Thanks for the great question, Chris. You don't need any documentation for allowable travel, and law enforcement won’t be asking for it. https://t.co/7M8AbnQVwx
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
We need people just like you to be thinking creatively and strategically about how we can help protect our frontline healthcare workers, as well as patients. You make Virginia proud. Send us a DM and I’ll have my team follow up. https://t.co/eahRc2S9L2
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Every day I hear stories of Virginians helping each other. These are tremendously challenging times, but just as we did after the tragedy in Virginia Beach, our whole Commonwealth is coming together. We will take care of each other—and we will get through this together. https://t.co/PcGZnYLLNU
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: @GovernorVA Rural VA had so much momentum before COVID-19. The detrimental economic impacts of the pandemic are just beginning to emerge. How will you make sure that rural VA is not left behind once long term economic recovery resources … #AskGovNortham
– @unitedwayswva— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Thanks, Ashley. We expect to receive guidance from @USDOL any day on how to release funds to independent contractors, gig workers, and sole proprietors. Visit https://t.co/pykan0aAHq to apply—payments will be retroactive to the date the federal CARES Act was signed into law. https://t.co/ExPNyJZkHg
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
I know Virginians are hurting right now. Here's what we are doing:
✅ Suspending eviction proceedings until April 26th
✅ Developing a program to defer mortgage payments for mortgages backed by @VHDA
✅ Halting evictions for 60 days for people with housing choice vouchers https://t.co/FNst9uemlK
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Yes, if we all take this seriously and practice social distancing, we will flatten the curve. The models we're looking at suggest #COVID19 will peak in Virginia in the next 4-8 weeks, but this can change based on the actions we take right now. Thanks to you both for staying home. https://t.co/EG9SZXgzWB
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: #AskGovNortham I know the tourism is a major industry in Virginia and is suffering right now. What can be done to help the hotels, attractions, restaurants weather COVID-19?
– @careyhc— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Great question—I signed an executive directive extending the validity of driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations for 60 days beyond the original expiration dates and @VirginiaDMV has notified our law enforcement networks so there won’t be any penalties. https://t.co/CUmNizweXS
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Unfortunately, Virginia’s fiscal year does not align with the federal fiscal year. The state’s year ends June 30, while the federal ends in October. If we moved tax deadlines past that date, it would create a massive hole in our current budget, requiring large cuts to services. https://t.co/ywJq8u807e
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
The federal Families First Coronavirus Act makes paid family medical leave options available to many businesses. Learn more here: https://t.co/4hI8akoW4Q. And if you have to stay home to care for a family member, you should apply for unemployment benefits through @vaemploy. https://t.co/fdQtkFoCXg
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
According to @CollegeBoard, the next SAT is scheduled for the first weekend of June, but that is subject to change. We know students are anxiously awaiting more details—you can find additional information and updates at https://t.co/bAXBvoNIMQ. https://t.co/80BI2NFmZf
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Let me be clear—we need med school students in this fight. The best way you can help is to volunteer with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps, where you will be matched with an assignment based on need and your skill set. Sign up at https://t.co/T1yakxkb6f. https://t.co/5HACKIjy8H
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
The lack of testing supplies is a tremendous problem in public and private labs nationwide, which is a big reason for this backlog. Thankfully we just doubled our ability to process tests in our state lab, which does not have a backlog and can now give results in 12-24 hours. https://t.co/LQPSBXzGf2
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Great question, Ebony. #COVID19 is a new disease and we have limited information about risk factors. We do know that people with underlying medical conditions could be at higher risk for severe illness from the virus. That’s why staying home and practicing good hygiene is key. https://t.co/ie6EGiiw9H
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Yes, @VDOE_News has announced a variety of waivers for different teacher licenses. You can find more information online here: https://t.co/fpaI65wgtR. Thanks for all you are doing for Virginia’s students during these challenging times. https://t.co/lEtsupDfcv
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Remind your loved ones that this is a serious crisis, and there are serious consequences for ignoring the measures we’ve put in place. Not only can you be charged with a misdemeanor for violating the ban on 10-person gatherings, but you’re putting yourself and others at risk. https://t.co/ivIrEBbFp6
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
No Virginia family should go without the services they need due to #COVID19. Last week @VDSS issued emergency SNAP benefits to 225,000 households and will do so again on April 16. Families receiving TANF can apply for a one-time emergency benefit of $500 to help meet their needs. https://t.co/QlNpK2EezC
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
My administration is working with the General Assembly on a plan for how they can safely conduct the scheduled reconvened session on April 22. In the meantime, I have been reviewing and signing bills to ensure we meet the April 11 deadline for action on legislation. https://t.co/YWgTyxiWcX
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: Are you satisfied with the support the State has received from the federal government? What should they keep doing and where do they need to improve? #AskGovNortham
– @eLazzaro_— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Our Commonwealth is large and geographically diverse, which means the virus may peak at different times in different places. We are developing a Virginia-specific model that will tell us more, but for now, we want all Virginians to be prepared for this to last months, not weeks. https://t.co/71Gyk14CJP
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Absolutely. @VDOE_News has already requested any PPE not needed by our school staff be donated, and many have provided us with extra masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. We’re so grateful to our schools for pitching in to protect our healthcare workers and those in need. https://t.co/F2SUzoOiqI
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Thanks for the great question, Shari. Two weeks ago, I directed @VAemploy to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits to help support working Virginians affected by the #COVID19 outbreak. To apply, visit https://t.co/pykan0aAHq or call 1-866-832-2363. https://t.co/RyWruPdUYJ
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
The @VaNationalGuard currently has about 150 personnel supporting our #COVID19 response efforts, from transporting supplies to emergency logistics. As we find areas where we need more capabilities or resources are spread thin, I will mobilize additional VNG to help fill any gaps. https://t.co/QzacZXzMHp
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
Q: #AskGovNortham I consider myself compliant with all guidelines. I have continued to go to local Hs track and walk. I keep my distance from the few others who may be present. Should I be doing this or not?
Also, are projects that require Lowes’ trip consid…
– @PearseReid— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020
