CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While back in West Virginia for the time being, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin fielded questions from AARP members in the state on Tuesday.
Manchin (D-W.Va.) took part in a telephone town hall with AARP state director Gaylene Miller to answer any COVID-19 pandemic questions from virus protection to the stimulus check.
One of the first questions was from a Huntington resident on what protections should be taken when out in public for essential reasons.
“I would wear the mask any time you’re out in public, protecting others and protecting yourself. Also when you go and get gasoline, things of that sort, make sure you put the plastic gloves on,” Manchin said.
The essential trips outside of a person’s house during West Virginia’s stay-at-home order consists of the grocery store. A woman from Kincaid expressed concern with Manchin over when is the best time to shop with her elderly mother.
Stores around the state have set up hours early in the morning just for the elderly. Manchin told AARP members to contact store managers if you’re caring for an elderly loved one.
“If you want any of us to contact your store manager while you go shop and get a special disposition for you, reach out,” Manchin said.
“It’s so you’re able to have your mother still with you and be able to go in and do her shopping because we do not want her to leave the car or getting too close to anybody while you’re doing the shopping for her.”
The caller from Kincaid and one from Glen Dale both asked about the recent CARES Act and the stimulus check coming has a result of it. Manchin cleared up any confusion about who is getting a $1,200 check in the coming weeks.
“The $1,200 check has nothing to do with unemployment and you’re not penalized at all,” he said. “The $1,200 check is for being a citizen in the United States of America and making less than $75,000 a year or $150,000 if you’re a married couple.”
Under the CARES Act, a person will receive an additional $500 for every child dependent. Callers on the town hall asked Manchin about getting money if they take care of their grandchildren.
The senator said there shouldn’t be a problem in receiving that money if the grandparent has legal custody of the grandchild and/or has the child as a dependent on the most recent tax filing.
WATCH: I’m participating in a tele town hall with @AARPWV members to hear their concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We must do everything we possibly can to ensure that every West Virginian is taken care of during these difficult times. https://t.co/pgl7Q8uca3
— Senator Joe Manchin (@Sen_JoeManchin) April 7, 2020
While fielding a majority of financial questions surrounding COVID-19, Manchin also expressed worry about the medical side. He said the pandemic is a medical crisis.
“We haven’t done enough on the front end to fight the virus. That’s what is scaring me,” Manchin said.
“Until we are able to find a treatment, until they can say this is a safe drug and this is how it should be taken, people are not going to out. The economy will not return to normal until people feel safe enough that they won’t die if they contract it.”
To contact Manchin’s office with COVID-19 concerns and questions, call 304-342-5855.
AARP West Virginia encouraged members to reach out at 866-227-7458 or call 2-1-1 for the United Way.