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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Manufacturers Association is applauding an impactful donation to the fight against coronavirus from one of its member companies.
ND Paper has donated 1,500 Tyvek suits and 30,000 surgical masks to West Virginia health care providers who are on the front lines of testing and treating citizens for the COVID-19 virus.
“ND Paper is showcasing the best of what manufacturers have to offer America during this time of need. This donation will help protect those workers who are working tirelessly to keep the rest of us safe,” said WVMA President Rebecca McPhail.
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Governor Justice Executive Order No. 9-20
(see section h. specific to manufacturing operations)
The United States Coronavirus is a rapidly developing situation that requires an abundance of caution and preparation. We have been contacted by many with questions about what other companies are doing in response to the issue as well as what to expect relative to upcoming WVMA meetings and events. The best and most current information we have as to what member companies are doing is as follows:
1. The severity of COVID-19 is not to be underestimated. Social isolation is an important component as to slow the transmission of this virus and not overwhelm our healthcare system.
2. Many employers are now preparing for employees to work from home or tele-commute in some way.
3. Gatherings, including meetings and assemblies of people, are now being cancelled or postponed.
4. Health officials in West Virginia believe that the coronavirus will be identified in the state in the coming days.
5. All employers are encouraging people who may be ill to please go home, stay home and seek medical attention if deemed necessary.
The WVMA will provide timely updates in response to the developing situation. We will also monitor the situation related to our April 20-21 MMDC and provide alerts and notices accordingly. If you would like more information on the coronavirus and what you can do to be proactive.
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What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain that is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing and typically occur two to fourteen days after exposure.
Prevention
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Standard household cleansers and wipes are effective in cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Steps and Tips for Employers
- Encourage employees to stay home if they are ill
- Regularly clean commonly shared surfaces within the workplace
- Emphasize preventative measures in the workplace such as hand washing, etc.
- Employers cannot require a medical exam unless it is job related and consistent with business necessity
- Ensure tele-work agreements are updated
- Have employees take laptops/work home if there are remote-job capabilities
Service Directory
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- US DOT Expands Natl. Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a toll free hotline at 1-877-831-2250 for anyone seeking inquiries pertaining to FMCSA
- Coronavirus Fighting Products
- Coronavirus Fighting Products FAQs
- SC Dept. of Insurance – Business Interruption Insurance Coverage
As many states reopen, the WVMA is flagging best practices sheets put together by the NAM’s Manufacturing Leadership Council for your reference and use:
- Hygiene Checklist
- How to Reduce Anxiety
- Sick Employee Chart
- Temperature Screening Guide
- Travel Guide
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- The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for Amerca: 15 Days to Slow the Spread
- CDC
- CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- OSHA
- OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Johns Hopkins Interactive Map
- EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency: Risk Management for Coronavirus
- CISA – Cybersecurity for Telework
- Electric Companies and Pandemic Planning – Edison Electric Institute
- NCSL – State Action on COVID-19 (helpful for those that have operations in multiple states)
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Under the watchful eyes of many West Virginia manufacturers, the Senate has approved legislation to provide relief to all West Virginians who pay vehicle taxes plus retailers and manufacturers.
The Senate approved Senate Bill 837 by a vote of 17-16. The billwill remove personal property taxes from personal automobiles, retail inventories and manufacturing inventory, machinery and equipment.
Senate Finance Chairman Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, spoke passionately in favor of the bill several times during a long floor debate and assured the primary stakeholders – counties, cities and school boards – that this tax reform plan will make sure they continue to receive the revenues they need to serve their communities.
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As someone who grew up in West Virginia and been here all my life, it is encouraging to see the evolution of our state and communities. The reinvention of small towns who adapt to a change in the industrial landscape is inspiring. West Virginia has always been a state of neighbors helping neighbors, and I’m filled with pride when I see signs proudly stating, “All are welcome!”
That message doesn’t really apply to everyone, unfortunately, or so I’m learning.
An amendment offered by Senator Mike Romano, a Democrat in the 12th district, attempted to eliminate much needed relief for our state’s manufacturers. The Senator indicated that business tax relief would go outside of West Virginia. He forgets the number of small manufacturers that struggle in our state to survive every single day and neglects to acknowledge that small business like mine rely on other, sometimes larger businesses, as consumers of the products we manufacturer.
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Manufacturers Association is proud to announce that Kristen Harrison is joining the organization as its new communications director.
Harrison, a lifelong resident of West Virginia, brings a decade of experience in legal research and communications to the WVMA.
“Kristen understands the importance of creating a vibrant and diverse economy in our state and the important role of the manufacturing industry in West Virginia,” said WVMA President Rebecca McPhail. “She has a strong belief that young professionals should invest their time and energy in their communities to ensure a brighter future for the Mountain State. We are delighted to have her on the WVMA team as we work on behalf of the state’s manufacturers.”
A native of Charleston, W.Va., Harrison comes to the WVMA after working at Spilman Thomas & Battle, where she served in the firm’s corporate department as a project manager, overseeing energy and real estate projects. She previously served as special assistant to the chairman of the Public Service Commission.
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“We have indicated our support to the West Virginia Manufacturers Association to be with them on their attempt to get that constitutional amendment on the ballot and let the voters of West Virginia make that decision,” he said. “We are not heavily impacted — there are some small fees associated with gas storage, but other than that there’s not too much that we are impacted by.”