Virus Roundup: Information for Virginians during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Virginians have been directed to stay at home until June 10 except to seek medical attention, go to work, care for household members, or to obtain groceries and other necessities.
Officials are providing daily updates on the status of the coronavirus situation in Virginia to help older residents and those caring for them to protect themselves and to help keep the virus from spreading.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The latest information and policies on COVID-19 from Gov. Ralph Northam can be found at
governor.virginia.gov
Information also is available at:
virginia.gov/coronavirus/
The Virginia Health Department updates its information daily on COVID-19, including the number of cases in the state and a breakdown by locality. The department’s website includes information on symptoms of the new coronavirus, tips for preventing exposure and steps to take if you feel ill or have been around someone with it.
Go to vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
FOOD ASSISTANCE
There are several resources for older Virginians needing help with food.
For Virginians who need help getting enough to eat, Feeding America operates seven food banks around the state. The addresses can be found at:
feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/virginia
The Meals on Wheels program delivers a hot meal Monday through Friday to homebound citizens 60 and over. To find a program in your area enter your ZIP code on the Meals on Wheels America site: mealsonwheelsamerica.org
The state’s Farm Market Fresh program helps eligible Virginians 60 and older get fresh, locally grown fruit, vegetables and herbs. A list of participating localities can be found at
vda.virginia.gov/sfmnp.htm
GROCERY STORES
Grocery stores have taken precautions to enable customers to observe social distancing guidelines, and many have designated special times for older Virginians to shop, as they are more vulnerable to COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Some stores also are offering free grocery pickup or delivery services.
Walmart has designated a senior shopping hour every Tuesday for customers 60 and older. In addition, its pharmacies offer drive-thru, curbside pickup and mail delivery for older customers. Hours at individual stores can be found by clicking on store finder at corporate.walmart.com/important-store-info
Target has dedicated the first hour of business on Tuesdays and Wednesdays to patrons 65 and older. To find your store’s hours, go to:
target.com/store-locator
Whole Foods is allowing customers 60 and older to shop an hour before its stores open to the general public. Store hours and a list of those with grocery pickup services can be found at wholefoodsmarket.com/company-info/covid-19-response/how-we-are-serving-our-customers
Kroger Co. is limiting the number of customers in its stores at one time, and is restricting shopping to customers 60 and older in Virginia from 7-8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The company is also expanding pickup and delivery options. For more information, go to kroger.com/hc/help/faqs/covid-19/general
Giant Food is allowing seniors, caregivers and anyone with a compromised immune system to shop from 6-7 a.m. daily at its stores. The company also is restricting the number of people in the store at one time. More information is available at giantfood.com/covid19/
Food Lion’s hours for customers 60 and older are 7 to 8 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. More information is available at foodlion.com/customer-service/covid-19-info/
EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING AND VEHICLES
To file for unemployment benefits if you have been laid off from you job due to the coronavirus pandemic, go to: vec.virginia.gov
The Virginia Housing Development Authority is offering help to its clients who are having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage because of COVID-19. Rather than calling the department, they are asked to visit this website: vhda.com/about/Pages/VH-COVID19.aspx
All state Department of Motor Vehicles offices are closed. Residents who need to renew a license or vehicle registration may do so online, but DMV will grant a 60-day extension to those unable to do so or those whose license or registration expires before May 15: virginia.gov/coronavirus/public-services-and-public-employees/#855814
SENIOR SERVICES
In response to COVID-19, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services has developed a page with links to key resources for older citizens and their caregivers:
vadars.org/cov19info.htm
For issues related to nursing homes and assisted living, contact:
elderrightsva.org
Other websites offering guidance on issues related to aging and disabilities are:
Virginia Navigator: virginianavigator.org
Senior Navigator: seniornavigator.org
Area Agencies on Aging: vda.virginia.gov/aaamap.htm
Virginia Department of Veterans Services: dvs.virginia.gov
AVOIDING FRAUD
Con artists have come up with ways to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to prey on citizens. Visit AARP’s Fraud Watch Network for information on COVID-19 scams:
www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/