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The WV Central Newspaper serving Wheeling and surrounding area since 2000.

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice reports $29.9 million revenue surplus for August 2021
CHARLESTON, WV – Today, Gov. Jim Justice announced that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for August 2021 came in at $29.9 million above estimates.

“The State of West Virginia continues just to percolate along and do absolutely wonderful,” Gov. Justice said. “If you'll think back a few years, we had doom and gloom all the time. Now, all I do is continue to report to you good number after good number.”

August collections of nearly $383.5 million were 15.7% ahead of prior year receipts.

Year-to-date collections of $689.3 million are $58 million above estimates.

“Our growth continues from the standpoint of all kinds of different sectors,” Gov. Justice said.

Personal income tax collections were nearly $5 million above estimate and 7.2% ahead of prior year. YTD collections were $19.7 million above estimate.

Consumer sales tax receipts were nearly $12.9 million above estimate and 7.3% ahead of prior year. YTD collections were $8.3 million above estimate and 4.3% ahead of prior year.

Severance tax collections totaled $45.9 million. Collections were $8.9 million above estimate and 213% ahead of last year. YTD general revenue fund severance tax collections were $19.9 million above estimate and $45.3 million ahead of last year. Current natural gas prices are roughly triple the price at this time last year. Average coal prices are also higher along with higher production for both natural gas products and coal.

“The State is doing wonderful,” Gov. Justice said. “We're on really rock solid ground and we're just gonna keep building on it.”

09/01/2021

MANCHIN ANNOUNCES $2.9 MILLION FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT WEST VIRGINIA AIRPORTS

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $2,986,835 from the American Rescue Plan and annual appropriations for five West Virginia Airports. This funding is distributed through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and will support airport improvement projects at five airports. Senator Manchin previously announced $1,953,098 to support improvement projects at the Martinsburg and Morgantown airports.

“The American Rescue Plan continues to provide critical relief to West Virginia and our economy. West Virginia regional airports play a key role in spurring economic growth by increasing tourism and serving as hubs for manufacturing and other businesses,” said Senator Manchin. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan will support various improvement projects at five regional airports, helping our regional and state economies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a pilot myself, I am committed to helping West Virginia’s aerospace industry thrive and I will continue to advocate for our regional airports.”

Individual awards listed below:

$1,145,089 – Morgantown Municipal-Walter L Bill Hart Field
Senator Manchin previously announced $1,603,098 in funding for the same improvement project.
$626,584 – WV Regional/Shepherd Airport
Senator Manchin previously announced $350,000 in funding for the same improvement project.
$606,666 – Jackson County Regional Airport
$547,102 – Elkins-Randolph County Regional Airport
$61,394 – Upshur County Regional Airport

09/01/2021

https://ocentral.com/west-virginia-central

09/01/2021

GOVERNOR REMINDS WEST VIRGINIA GRANDFAMILIES ABOUT NEW VACCINE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Gov. Justice also offered a reminder that he recently announced the launch of an initiative that will provide a $150 voucher for back-to-school supplies to all vaccinated grandfamilies in West Virginia – families where grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

To qualify, all vaccine-eligible members of the grandfamily – including grandparents and grandchildren ages 12 and older – must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The family must also be enrolled in West Virginia State University’s Healthy Grandfamilies program.

Healthy Grandfamilies – which provides information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more grandchildren – will assist in the administration of the school voucher incentive. According to the organization, about 19,000 West Virginia children live in households with a grandparent or grandparents as their primary caregiver.

“What would we do with 19,000 kids if we lost their grandparents to this dreaded disease?” Gov. Justice said Wednesday. “We really need to get these families vaccinated.”

Registration for the school voucher incentive will begin next Tuesday, Sept. 7.

09/01/2021

HOSPITALIZATIONS CONTINUE TO SURGE AMONG UNVACCINATED WEST VIRGINIANS
During Wednesday’s briefing, Gov. Justice reported that 647 West Virginians are currently hospitalized with COVID-19; the highest number of hospitalizations in over seven months.

Of the patients currently hospitalized, 202 are in the ICU and 102 are on ventilators. Both of these numbers continue to rapidly approach the all-time records in West Virginia. The number of ICU patients topped out at 219 during the biggest case surge to-date in January. The number of patients on ventilators topped out at 104.

The Governor continued his urgent plea for more West Virignians to choose to get vaccinated immediately.

“You’ve got to help me by getting vaccinated. It’s the only way out of this,” Gov. Justice said. “This thing is doing anything but getting better; it continues to get worse, and as long as we still have a significant population that’s unvaccinated, it’s going to continue to get worse.”

09/01/2021

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice to unvaccinated: “You don’t need to die and you don’t need to get sick to make a point.”
Patients in ICUs, on ventilators set to surpass record highs
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia COVID-19 pandemic response leadership team held another news briefing today to update the public on the State’s latest pandemic response efforts.

09/01/2021

WE WON WE WON

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency in all 55 counties due to increasing flood threat from Ida
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to the increasing threat of flash flooding and severe storms from now-Tropical Depression Ida.
State of Emergency Declaration
“All West Virginians need to absolutely be ready for the potential impact Ida may bring to our state,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginians should pay extra close attention to emergency officials and media outlets. And please: do not endanger yourselves, your loved ones, or our first responders by trying to drive through flood waters.”

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a nearby cold front and the impending arrival of Ida will begin to spark periods of moderate to heavy rain today.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected to occur through Wednesday, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible. West Virginia has received several inches of rainfall recently, which has primed soils and rivers for potential flooding.

The State of Emergency allows state agencies to coordinate ahead of a possible weather event, including by pre-positioning personnel, vehicles, equipment and other assets.

The following is a summary of current preparations by various State agencies:

West Virginia National Guard:
“We are currently deep into planning and bringing online personnel, equipment and additional assets that are typically in high-demand during flood events,” stated Lt. Col. Walter “Wally” Hatfield, Director of Operations. “With Ida posing a risk to the entire state, we are working closely in support of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to stand up a whole-of-government response. Coordinating with the State Emergency Operations Center, multiple Community Assistance Teams and Liaison Teams of Guard personnel are being strategically positioned throughout the state to assume a proactive posture providing assistance to local communities as quickly as possible should we be called on to do so.”

“Gov. Justice has initially authorized State Active Duty status for up to 60 Guardsmen, and we are ready to activate as many as is needed should conditions deteriorate rapidly,” said Hatfield. “Our top priority is always the safety and survival of our fellow West Virginians, and we will do everything we can to meet any challenge Mother Nature might throw at us in the next 72 to 96 hours.”

West Virginia Emergency Management Division:
Emergency Management staff will operate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on 12-hour shifts, with coordinating agencies on standby. The SEOC will monitor for overnight updates, including weather forecasts as well as river and stream level reports, and relay any alerts to the SEOC.

EMD is also hosting twice-a-day virtual briefings with the National Weather Service for county and local emergency agencies statewide. These briefings provide the latest Ida forecasts and operational updates, among other information.

EMD has been in contact with all county emergency management agencies, with no unmet needs or resource requests reported at this time.

West Virginia Division of Highways:
District Engineers and District Managers in all 10 West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) districts were meeting with county administrators in their districts to brief them and ensure all counties are prepared to deal with heavy rainfall.

Employees will be on 24-hour standby through the duration of the weather event. Standard DOH storm protocols include making sure all equipment and vehicles are gassed up and ready to go and stored out of low-lying areas. Highways districts also have fuel reserves on-hand to fuel vehicles and equipment of the West Virginia National Guard if the Guard should be mobilized for flood response.

DOH is paying close attention to weather reports and stands ready to deal with any emergencies that may arise.
Weather forecast:
Portions of FEMA Region III – which includes West Virginia – have received several inches of rainfall over the past two weeks from Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Henri, and other systems, which has primed soils and rivers for potential flooding.

Local rises on creeks and streams and resulting flash flooding is anticipated. In addition to the flash flooding threat, there is a potential for some flooding on main stem rivers by midweek where the heaviest rain falls.

Gusty winds and thunderstorms are also forecast as Ida passes through the state. Tornadoes are possible Tuesday night in southeast West Virginia and Wednesday in the Eastern Panhandle.

Isolated power outages are also possible due to gusty winds that may exceed 30 miles per hour and saturated soils.

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice announces over $1 million in STOP Violence Against Women Act grants
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has awarded $1,085,964.00 in STOP Violence Against Women grant program funds to 26 projects across West Virginia.

The purpose of these funds is to establish or enhance teams whose core members include victim service providers, law enforcement, and prosecution to improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women.

“The people who commit these terrible acts against women need to be held accountable. We must always do what it takes to make sure they’re brought to justice,” Gov. Justice said. “I have great pride in this important grant program because I truly believe it is making a difference that matters.”

The grants provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the establishment or enhancement of these teams.

Additionally, statewide projects are funded to provide training and educational opportunities for all victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecution, and court personnel throughout the state.

These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, and are administered by the Division of Administrative Services, Justice, and Community Services.

Funds were awarded to the following:

CABELL
Branches Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. - $53,763.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Cabell County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Cabell County Prosecutor's Office, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, CONTACT of Huntington, and the Huntington Police Department.

CALHOUN
Family Crisis Intervention Center - $19,667.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Calhoun County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Intervention Center, and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department.

FAYETTE
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $28,286.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Fayette County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Fayette County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

GRANT
Family Crisis Center Inc. - $5,503.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Grant County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office, the Family Crisis Center, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department.

GREENBRIER
Family Refuge Center - $39,478.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Greenbrier County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Greenbrier County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Refuge Center, and the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department.

HARRISON
Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE Inc." - $39,801.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Harrison County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Harrison County Prosecutor's Office, the Task Force on Domestic Violence “HOPE, Inc.”, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Clarksburg Police Department.

KANAWHA
Kanawha County Commission - $16,232.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Kanawha County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Kanawha County Prosecutor's Office, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Charleston Police Department.

LOGAN
Logan County Commission - $25,052.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Logan County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Logan County Prosecutor's Office and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department.

MARION
Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE Inc." - $44,508.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Marion County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, the Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE, Inc.", and the Fairmont Police Department.

MARSHALL
Marshall County Commission - $22,221.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Marshall County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Marshall County Prosecutor's Office, the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program, and the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

MINERAL
Family Crisis Center Inc. - $5,503.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Mineral County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Mineral County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Center, and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department.

MINGO
Tug Valley Recovery Shelter - $64,464.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Mingo County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Mingo County Prosecutor's Office, the Tug Valley Recovery Shelter, and the Mingo County Sheriff's Department.

MONONGALIA
R**e & Domestic Violence Information Center - $77,838.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Monongalia County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Monongalia County Prosecutor's Office, the R**e, and Domestic Violence Information Center, the Morgantown Police Department, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department.

MONROE
Family Refuge Center - $30,044.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Monroe County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Refuge Center, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

NICHOLAS
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $28,747.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Nicholas County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Nicholas County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department.

OHIO
Ohio County Commission - $64,508.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Ohio County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Ohio County Prosecutor's Office, the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program, the YWCA Cultural Diversity, and Community Outreach Program, the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center, and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department.

PRESTON
R**e & Domestic Violence Information Center - $21,972.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Preston County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Preston County Prosecutor's Office, the R**e, and Domestic Violence Information Center, and the Preston County Sheriff's Department.

PUTNAM
Putnam County Commission - $27,332.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Putnam County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, the Family Counseling Connection - REACH Program, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.

RALEIGH
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $47,825.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Raleigh County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Raleigh County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Beckley Police Department.

RANDOLPH
Women's Aid in Crisis - $21,347.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Randolph County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Randolph County Prosecutor's Office, Women's Aid in Crisis, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.

ROANE
Family Crisis Intervention Center - $17,147.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Roane County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Roane County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Intervention Center, the Spencer Police Department, and the Roane County Sheriff's Department.

UPSHUR
Upshur County Commission - $23,332.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Upshur County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Upshur County Prosecutor's Office, Women's Aid in Crisis, and the Buckhannon Police Department.

STATEWIDE
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia - $58,240.00
These funds provide for continued training for court personnel in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.

West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence - $51,300.00
These funds provide for the continued enhancement of the statewide domestic and sexual violence database; to provide training and technical assistance for STOP Teams, Allied Professionals, and Domestic Violence Programs on cultural diversity and cultural competency.

West Virginia Foundation for R**e Information & Services - $154,422.00
These funds provide for training activities, the ongoing development and capacity building of service providers to victims of sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking crimes, and to provide training and resources for these programs to provide services to sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking victims.

West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute - $97,432.00
These funds provide for the development and continuation of strengthening prosecution strategies and best practices as well as improving prosecution-based victim services in cases involving violence against women through training and the development of resources.

08/27/2021

NO WORRIES WE HAVE IT UNDER CONTROL.... OH YEA WHO EVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR RECENT BOMBING.... BE GOOD OR WE COMING AFTER YOU TOO.

08/27/2021

THEY ARE CALLING FOR A DAY OF MOURNING IN THE US..... THEY SHOULD BE CALLING FOR THE RESIGNATION OF BIDEN. AMERICA SHOULD NOT BE MOURNING THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED AND GROW SOME BALLS AND TAKE THAT COUNTRY BACK. BUT NO. SENILE JOE IS STUCK ON PULLING OUT BY THE END OF THE MONTH.... IS THIS MAN RE****ED?

08/27/2021

BIDEN THREATENS ISLAMIC FORCE WITH RETALIATION... REALLY. HE IS PULLING OUT AND HE THREATENS? HE SHOULD GROW BALLS AND INSTEAD OF PULLING OUT. GO BACK IN AND FINISH WHAT HE STARTED. ONCE YOU PULL OUT JOE.... YOU WILL HAVE THEM DETONATING BOMBS IN AMERICA... THEN IT BE TO LATE. I CALL FOR JOE'S RESIGNATION ON THE BASIS OF CLEAR INCOMPETENCE.

08/27/2021

MANCHIN, CAPITO ANNOUNCE $1.3 MILLION FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH SERVICES IN WEST VIRGINIA

Charleston, WV – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,381,409 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) for preventative health services. This funding is part of the Preventative Health and Health Services (PHHS) Block Grant Program, which supports efforts to eliminate health disparities, address emerging health issues and prevent premature deaths by focusing on preventable risk factors.

“West Virginia consistently lags nationally in health outcomes and ranked last in life expectancy in 2020. Improving our fellow West Virginians’ health and standard of living is one of my top priorities,” said Senator Manchin. “I am pleased the CDC is investing in West Virginia to improve preventative health services across the state, and I will continue to fight for funding to support access to quality healthcare and vital prevention programs in the Mountain State.”

“This funding is welcome news as it will provide the resources needed to help improve important services across our state, while also recognizing potentially serious conditions before it is too late. These services should be available to West Virginians regardless of location, and they are vital to the well-being of our residents. I will continue to advocate for funding like this that encourages better care and increases the accessibility of that care for West Virginians,” Senator Capito said.

08/27/2021

Gov. Justice orders all U.S. and State flags to be flown at half-staff through Monday, August 30
CHARLESTON, WV – In accordance with President Joe Biden’s proclamation, Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation ordering that all United States and West Virginia flags on all State-owned facilities throughout all of West Virginia be displayed at half-staff, beginning immediately and continuing until sunset on Monday, August 30, 2021, to honor and pay our respects to the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

08/27/2021

UPCOMING EVENTS - WETZEL/TYLER CHAMBER NEWS
August 27th - September 2nd

Friday 8/27 - High School Football Season Begins
Saturday 8/28 - Sistersville Ferry, "Free Ride Day" - Courtesy of Peoples Bank (Details Below)
Saturday 8/28 - AutumnFest Queen Pageant

Tuesday 8/31 - Ground Breaking - Bayer Heritage FCU, in Steelton, New Martinsville 10 AM

Tuesday 8/31 - Events & Special Programs Committee meeting to plan September 11th event, 5:15 at Stalder's Creamery - all are welcome

Wednesday 9/1 - Save A Life Day - Wetzel County Center for Children & Families

September 1-3 - WV Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting & Business Meeting

AutumnFest Queen Pageant
Bayer Heritage FCU
Save a Life Day
WV Chamber Site
To have your event listed, E-mail a flier or detail about your event to:
[email protected]

08/27/2021

New law extends COVID tax credit for employers who keep workers on payroll

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service urges employers to take advantage of the newly-extended employee retention credit, designed to make it easier for businesses that, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, choose to keep their employees on the payroll.

The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted December 27, 2020, made a number of changes to the employee retention tax credits previously made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), including modifying and extending the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), for six months through June 30, 2021. Several of the changes apply only to 2021, while others apply to both 2020 and 2021.

As a result of the new legislation, eligible employers can now claim a refundable tax credit against the employer share of Social Security tax equal to 70% of the qualified wages they pay to employees after December 31, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Qualified wages are limited to $10,000 per employee per calendar quarter in 2021. Thus, the maximum ERC amount available is $7,000 per employee per calendar quarter, for a total of $14,000 in 2021.

Employers can access the ERC for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2021 prior to filing their employment tax returns by reducing employment tax deposits. Small employers (i.e., employers with an average of 500 or fewer full-time employees in 2019) may request advance payment of the credit (subject to certain limits) on Form 7200, Advance of Employer Credits Due to Covid-19, after reducing deposits. In 2021, advances are not available for employers larger than this.

Effective January 1, 2021, employers are eligible if they operate a trade or business during January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2021, and experience either:

A full or partial suspension of the operation of their trade or business during this period because of governmental orders limiting commerce, travel or group meetings due to COVID-19, or
A decline in gross receipts in a calendar quarter in 2021 where the gross receipts of that calendar quarter are less than 80% of the gross receipts in the same calendar quarter in 2019 (to be eligible based on a decline in gross receipts in 2020 the gross receipts were required to be less than 50%).

Employers that did not exist in 2019 can use the corresponding quarter in 2020 to measure the decline in their gross receipts. In addition, for the first and second calendar quarters in 2021, employers may elect in a manner provided in future IRS guidance to measure the decline in their gross receipts using the immediately preceding calendar quarter (i.e., the fourth calendar quarter of 2020 and first calendar quarter of 2021, respectively) compared to the same calendar quarter in 2019.

In addition, effective January 1, 2021, the definition of qualified wages was changed to provide:

For an employer that averaged more than 500 full-time employees in 2019, qualified wages are generally those wages paid to employees that are not providing services because operations were fully or partially suspended or due to the decline in gross receipts.
For an employer that averaged 500 or fewer full-time employees in 2019, qualified wages are generally those wages paid to all employees during a period that operations were fully or partially suspended or during the quarter that the employer had a decline in gross receipts regardless of whether the employees are providing services.

Retroactive to the March 27, 2020, enactment of the CARES Act, the law now allows employers who received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to claim the ERC for qualified wages that are not treated as payroll costs in obtaining forgiveness of the PPP loan.

For more information, see COVID-19-Related Employee Retention Credits: How to Claim the Employee Retention Credit FAQs.

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