24.5.20

DPL POWER OUTAGE Scheduled 29 May 2020 - N.Woodward Virginia Hillside Ave

8.5.20

The Delaware Department of Labor announced the launch of a new unemployment insurance benefits system that will process claims for independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and others as detailed in the CARES Act.

announced the launch of a new unemployment insurance benefits system that will process claims for independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and others as detailed in the CARES Act.

These individuals can file benefits claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance beginning the week of May 11, 2020.

For more information and FAQs, visit:

https://news.delaware.gov/2020/05/04/new-system-to-support-applications-for-pandemic-unemployment-announced/

Wilmington – Today, May 04, 2020, the Delaware Department of Labor is announcing the launch of a new unemployment insurance benefits system that will process claims for independent contractors, self-employed individuals, and others as detailed in the CARES Act. These individuals can file benefits claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance beginning the week of May 11, 2020.

Under federal guidelines, for workers to be eligible for PUA, they must first apply for benefits through the traditional unemployment system and be denied. Applicants will then receive a letter of denial for traditional unemployment benefits.

The denial letter will trigger a second letter explaining their potential eligibility for PUA and specific instructions on how to apply. The letter will explain information on the following:

How to access the new PUA Benefits website
Login details for logging into the website.
Documentation required when applying for PUA benefits.

PUA FAQ’s

What are the requirements for me to be eligible to get PUA benefits?

To be eligible for PUA benefits you must submit a self-certification as part of your PUA claim attesting that you meet one of the following COVID-19 reasons:
I have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and am seeking a medical diagnosis;
A member of my household has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
I am providing care for a family member or a member of my household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
A child or other person in my household for which I have primary caregiving responsibility is unable to attend school or another facility that is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and the school or other facility care is required for me to work;
I am unable to reach my place of employment because of a quarantine imposed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency;
I am unable to reach my place of employment because I have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19;
I was scheduled to commence employment and do not have a job or am unable to reach the job as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency;
I have become the breadwinner or major support for a household because the head of my household has died as a direct result of
COVID-19;
I had to quit my job as a direct result of COVID-19; or My place of employment is closed as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

When Can I Apply?

The system will be online and ready to take applications as of the week of May 11, 2020.

What Should I Do Now?

If you are covered under PUA and have not applied through our traditional unemployment system, please visit http://ui.delawareworks.com to apply online.

Note: If you are eligible for benefits under PUA, have applied for unemployment benefits through the current system, and received a denial of benefits or received a determination letter showing “Zero” or insufficient wages, you have already completed the first step of this process and will receive a PUA application letter once your claim has been transferred to the new system.

How much will my benefit be?

Workers eligible for PUA benefits could receive anywhere from $733.00 to $1000.00 per week in total benefits. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $133 per week, it can be as high as $400 if documentation is provided to support a higher weekly benefit amount. Pay statements, W2s, 1099s, and tax returns are examples of documentation that can be submitted to support a higher weekly benefit amount. In addition to the weekly benefit amount, eligible individuals will receive an additional $600 per week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation.

Note: Eligible claimants will only receive the additional $600 benefit through the week ending July 25, 2020. Your approved unemployment insurance benefits may last, depending upon eligibility through the week ending December 26, 2020.

Will payments be retroactive?

Delaware’s system will allow applicants to apply for benefits back to the week of March 15th, 2020 when Governor Carney issued the first amendment to Delaware’s State of Emergency declaration. However, the added $600 benefit will only be retroactive to the week ending April 4, 2020.

What Are My Next Steps?

Submit your initial claim for Unemployment Benefits today using the current unemployment insurance benefits application system at www.ui.delawareworks.com. If you are covered under PUA and have not filed for traditional unemployment; You must first create an account and receive a claim number created in the existing system before submitting your application to receive PUA benefits. Again, if you have already completed this step, you will receive a letter with further instructions.

Gather the Proper Documents.

The new PUA unemployment benefits application will require you to provide proof of identification. Please have ready the information below.

Applicants must provide (If applicable):

Social security number or ITIN
If you are not a citizen of the United States, your A Number (USCIS Number)
Your residential address
Your mailing address (if different from residential address)
Your telephone number
Your email address
Your date of birth
Your earnings records for 2019, which include (if applicable):
Tax returns
1099 forms
Pay stubs
Bank statements
W2
If you want to use direct deposit for payment, your bank account and routing numbers. All others will receive payment via debit card.
If you operate as a business entity, a valid business license or proof of ownership.

To view our most updated frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding unemployment insurance, click here.

If you would like to be notified when the application for benefits is available for self-employed individuals and independent contractors in Delaware, text uifacts to 555888.

————-

Additional resources are available on our websites at dol.delaware.gov or ui.delawareworks.com. You can also call our offices at 302-761-8446. Call hold time is longer than usual. For a quicker response please email uiclaims@delaware.gov. Include your full name, including middle initial, contact information and claim number.

To process an initial claim for unemployment benefits please visit ui.delawareworks.com

Delawareans with questions about coronavirus [COVID-19] or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or 711 for people who are hearing impaired from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

###

Contact:

Kenneth Briscoe

Director of Communications

Delaware Department of Labor
kenneth.briscoe@delaware.gov

NO WIPES DOWN THE PIPES

Our sewers are designed to dispose of only toilet paper and human waste. As we navigate through this difficult pandemic, we understand people may using more wipes and paper towels. Please make sure you are throwing them away in the trash rather than flushing them! Wipes and paper towels do not break down and can lead to costly sewage backups. #CleanStreamChampion #GreeNCC

Delmarva Power Warns Customers About Utility Scammers During COVID-19 Pandemic

Contact

Timothy Stokes

866-655-2237 (media hotline)

Delmarva Power Warns Customers About Utility Scammers During COVID-19 Pandemic

NEWARK, Del. (March 26, 2020) – With Delaware, Maryland and the world experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Delmarva Power is reminding customers to always be on alert for potential scams targeting energy customers. Scams occur throughout the year, but the company has seen an increase in scam attempts with scammers using this health crisis to take advantage of energy customers throughout the United States. The company has received reports that scammers are threatening to shut service off, and also are offering cash or credit incentives in order to obtain a customer's personal or financial information.
"It is unfortunate that scammers are using the public's concerns around health and financial uncertainty to deceive and further harm our customers," said Derrick Dickens, senior vice president and Chief Customer Officer for Pepco Holdings, which includes Delmarva Power. "We want to provide our customers with tools and information that can help ward off would be scammers and help put a stop to these ongoing scamming attempts."
In some cases, scammers are duplicating the recorded message that customers hear when calling a legitimate company, so when customers call the number provided by the scammer, it sounds like an actual business. Some scammers also use caller ID "spoofing" to replicate an energy company's phone number.
Throughout the year, Delmarva Power takes steps to raise awareness among its customers, including posting tips to social media, adding alerts on the delmarva.com homepage, sharing articles with tips and resources on The Source, issuing news releases, and participating annually in Utilities United Against Scams Day in March and November. Any customer who believes he or she has been the target of a scam is urged to contact their local police and call Delmarva Power immediately at 800-375-7117 to report the situation.
Don't Get Scammed: Customers can avoid being scammed by taking a few precautions

Never provide your social security number or personal information to anyone initiating contact with you claiming to be a company representative or requesting you to send money to another person or entity other than Delmarva Power.
Always ask to see a company photo ID before allowing any Delmarva Power worker into your home or business.
Never make a payment for services to anyone coming to your door.

How to protect yourself

Delmarva Power representatives will never ask or require a customer with a past due balance to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.
Customers can make payments online, by phone, automatic bank withdrawal or by mail.
Customers with a past due balance will receive multiple shut off notifications – never a single notification one hour before disconnection.
If a customer ever questions the legitimacy of the call, hang up and call Delmarva Power at 800-375-7117.

It is important to remind customers again of the many energy assistance programs available to help meet their energy needs. Delmarva Power offers a number of programs to help customers in Delaware and Maryland through temporary or extended financial hardship. Additionally, Delmarva Power is suspending service disconnections and waiving new late payment charges at least until May 1 and working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options. Delmarva Power is also working with residents whose service was previously disconnected to have service restored. Those customers should contact the company at 800-375-7117. As part of the reconnection process, Delmarva Power Customer Care representatives will work with residents to help identify assistance programs that can supplement bill payment and can help ensure service remains on after this pandemic.
To learn more about Delmarva Power, visit The Source, Delmarva Power's online news room. Find additional information by visiting delmarva.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Delmarva Power's mobile app is available at delmarva.com/mobileapp.

Concerned about your Unemployment Benefits? Please join Cerron Cade, Secretary of Labor for the State of Delaware for a Facebook Live

Please join Cerron Cade, Secretary of Labor for the State of Delaware for a Facebook Live Thursday, May 7th.

The Secretary will be updating the public on the Delaware Department of Labor's efforts to support Delawareans who have had their employment impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

He will also address the most recent public questions and concerns regarding Unemployment Benefits during this unprecedented time.

For the most recent updates to our frequently asked questions regarding unemployment benefits, please text uifacts to 555888

McKean FFA - Read if you planted any flowers recently! ..The temperature is going to drop Today

McKean FFA Please read if you planted any flowers recently!

The temperature is going to drop ....

KILLING FROST OR FREEZE & SNOW FLAKES: THE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW LIST!

It pains me as a gardener myself to write these words. Very rare and unusual for this point in the year to even have to utter such nonsense.

Mother's Day is this weekend, and that is typically the rule of thumb for putting out the annuals and garden veggies. We are going to be put to the test this weekend. IF you jumped and planted ANY annuals, or certain veggies in the garden, or have fruit trees, you will need to cover them up tomorrow.

I would also do it in the morning with rain arriving in the afternoon. No need to get soaked doing it. I would also leave them covered until Monday! Saturday morning will be the hard hit,

Sunday morning is also cause for caution. NW suburbs of Philadelphia is most susceptible, but even northern Delaware and just over the river in NJ of I-95 is a cause for alarm.

If you live in northern Chester, Montgo, Bucks, or in Berks and Lehigh Counties, the rain could end as some wet snow flakes after midnight Friday! If you can't cover anything, some may survive, but part of the plant may die, while other parts could grow back.

VEGETABLES THAT ARE COLD TOLERANT (no need to cover)

Arugula
Broccoli
Beets
Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower
Celery
Cabbage
Carrots
Cilantro
Kale
Leeks
Parsley
Peas
Radish
Scallions
Sage
Thyme
Turnips

***ANYTHING NOT ON THE LIST YOU NEED TO COVER***

DEADLY: If you grow rhubarb and there is a frost, it becomes toxic to eat!!!!!!

FLOWERS/PLANTS THE ARE COLD TOLERANT

Mums
Coral Bells
Coreopsis
Hosta
Lenten Rose
Lavender
Poppy
Roses
Shasta Daisy

SOME PLANTS TO COVER

Bee Balm
Astilbe
Bleeding Heart
Peony (I have so many)
Coneflowers
Salvia
ALL Annuals (including begonia and impatients)
BEST WAYS TO COVER:
Old Sheets and pillow cases
Blankets

NO PLASTIC bags (it will burn the plant if touching)

Empty trash cans (upside down over the plant)

Drop clothes

7.5.20

REMINDER: Register to Vote for the 2020 Presidential Primary

The deadline to register to vote for Delaware’s June 2nd presidential primary is this Saturday, May 9th.

Social distancing due to COVID-19 is a valid reason to vote by absentee ballot. Take a look at the step-by-step guide on how to request an absentee ballot.

Click here to register to vote or request an online absentee ballot.

Click here for more information on the Department of Elections website.

Unemployment Benefits Resources for Delawareans

Updates on Delaware's Coronavirus Response

Unemployment Benefits Resources for Delawareans

The Delaware Department of Labor has received unprecedented numbers of unemployment insurance claims. If you need to speak to a live person about your unemployment insurance benefits claim, please use the numbers below and follow the automated prompts.

(302) 368-6600
(302) 739-5461
(302) 856-5611

Additional Resources:

Delawareans can file for unemployment benefits online, he re.
Questions can be emailed to uiclaims@delaware.gov.
File an appeal, request an address change or complete fact finding documents on the claimant portal, here.

For more answers to Frequently Asked Questions on unemployment benefits, click here.

6.5.20

Fourteenth Modification: State of Emergency Declaration

FOURTEENTH MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR THE

STATE OF DELAWARE DUE TO A PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has determined that a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) presents a serious public health threat, and has advised the public that asymptomatic individuals may be carriers of the COVID-19 virus and may unknowingly spread the virus to other individuals in close proximity, and therefore, social distancing is required to help mitigate the individual exposure to (and community spread of) the COVID-19 virus; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State to protect its citizens from a public health emergency that could threaten the lives of those who live and work here; and
WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued a State of Emergency due to the public health threat of COVID-19, which became effective as of 8:00 a.m. E.D.T. on March 13, 2020 (the “COVID-19 State of Emergency”); and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the First Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to advise that the CDC issued new guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommending that organizers halt gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks due to the public health threat of COVID-19, including conferences, social events, concerts and other types of assemblies; and
WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Second Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration that modified the limitations on public gatherings of 50 or more people and, among other things, placed certain restrictions on the operation of certain businesses and facilities in the State of Delaware; and
WHEREAS, on March 21, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Third Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to close all Delaware beaches, except to persons using the beaches for exercise or to walk their dogs, subject to certain precautions recommended by the CDC on COVID-19, which became effective as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T.; and
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T. and 4:02 p.m. E.D.T., respectively, I issued the Fourth and Fifth Modifications to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to close all non-essential businesses in Delaware, except those that can offer goods and services on the Internet, and to order a Shelter in Place for Delaware residents; and
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T. I issued the Sixth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide a moratorium on evictions and foreclosure proceedings to enable Delawareans to shelter in place safely, extended the presidential primary, provided for absentee balloting during the COVID-19 crisis, provided for a modified state procurement process, and placed a moratorium on cancellation of insurance policies for delay in premium payments caused by the economic uncertainty; and
WHEREAS, on March 29, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Seventh Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide for the self-quarantine of travelers from areas severely impacted by COVID-19 outside the State of Delaware into the State; and
WHEREAS, on March 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Eighth Modification to the State of Emergency declaration to permit a comprehensive approach to the provision of childcare in the State of Delaware during the State of Emergency to support essential workers; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Ninth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to permit a comprehensive approach to the provision of childcare in the State of Delaware during the State of Emergency to support essential workers; and
WHEREAS, on April 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Tenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to further restrict the operation of non-essential businesses to limit the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on April 10, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. E.D.T., I extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, as modified; and
WHEREAS, on April 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. E.D.T., I issued the Eleventh Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide increased guidance and support to long-term care facilities to protect our most vulnerable populations and permit remote notarization under limited circumstances; and
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2020 at 4:15 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Twelfth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to allow the Public Health Authority to activate more out-of-state health care workers to assist in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on April 25, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Thirteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to require the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, including in grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission; and
WHEREAS, COVID-19 has created significant obstacles for tenants who are attempting to obtain new housing and these obstacles can prevent tenants from being able to move out of their existing rental units at the end of their leases through no fault of their own; and
WHEREAS, the provision in Section 5515, Title 25 of the Delaware Code allowing a landlord to assess double rent from holdover tenants penalizes tenants who fail to vacate their rental units at the end of their leases, thereby incentivizing tenants to vacate their units even if they have not secured adequate alternative housing; and
WHEREAS, the intent to the Sixth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration was to suspend and prevent all such penalties during the State of Emergency; and
WHEREAS, the assessment of such a penalty at this time is contrary to the interest of preserving public health and ensuring that individuals remain in their homes during the public health emergency; and
WHEREAS, certain persons age 65 and over who may qualify for the Senior School Property Tax Credit Program must file new applications in each County by April 30th of each year; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to extend the 2020 application deadline to ensure the health and safety of potential applicants that may require additional time to meet the application documentation requirements while following current shelter-at-home and social distancing requirements under the State of Emergency; and
WHEREAS, for public health reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that those who certify a person’s death do so electronically.
NOW THEREFORE, I, JOHN C. CARNEY, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, in an effort to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the State of Delaware, do hereby order that the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, as modified by the First through Thirteenth Modifications and extended on April 10, 2020, shall remain in effect until further notice, with the following modifications and additions:

1. Effective immediately, the Sixth Modification of the Declaration of the State of Emergency, dated March 24, 2020, is hereby clarified as follows:

a. Paragraph B is modified by changing its title to “B. EVICTIONS AND HOLDOVER TENANTS:”

b. The first sentence of subparagraph B.1. is modified by adding the following underlined text: “Until the state of emergency is terminated, and the public health emergency is rescinded, the provisions of Chapter 55, Title 25 and Chapter 57, Title 25 of the Delaware Code are hereby modified as follows:”

c. A new subparagraph B.1.e. is added as follows:

e.1. No tenant subject to the holdover provisions of Section 5515(b), Title 25 of the Delaware Code shall be required to pay a sum that exceeds the monthly rental under the previous rental agreement, computed and pro-rated on a daily basis, for each day the tenant remains in possession for any period.
2. No tenant subject to the holdover provisions of Section 5515(b) of Title 25 of the Delaware Code shall be liable for further losses incurred by the landlord except to the extent that the tenant would have been liable for those types of losses if they had been incurred under the previous rental agreement.

2. Effective immediately, notwithstanding the provisions of Title 14, § 1917 (c)(2) of the Delaware Code, the April 30, 2020 application deadline for the Senior School Property Tax Credit Program is hereby extended to June 1, 2020.

3. Effective May 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T., all medical certifications of death in this state, pursuant to Title 16, § 3123 of the Delaware Code, shall be completed, signed, certified and filed electronically through the Delaware Vital Events Registration System (DelVERS).

4. This Order has the force and effect of law. Any failure to comply with the provisions contained in a Declaration of a State of Emergency or any modification to a Declaration of the State of Emergency constitutes a criminal offense. 20 Del. C. §§ 3115 (b); 3116 (9); 3122; and 3125. State and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the provisions of any Declaration of a State of Emergency.

APPROVED this 30th day of April 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

John C. Carney
Governor