COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
From the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Face Coverings
The most important way to protect others and yourself from getting COVID-19 is by staying home and practicing social distancing when you have to go out. The CDC has recommended that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public places such as the grocery store where they will be around other people and it may be difficult to keep distance. Face coverings are not needed for going outside by yourself to take a walk or work in your garden, etc.
How to make a face covering: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Are You at Higher Risk for Severe Illness?
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People aged 65 years and older
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised
- Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- People with liver disease
Learn what you can do to protect yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/groups-at-higher-risk.html
Social Services
Have you lost your job or had your hours reduced due to COVID-19? You may be eligible for assistance through the Department of Social Services. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3822
Need help? Know someone who does?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
Business Updates
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has released best practices for retail food stores, restaurants and food pick-up and delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-during-emergencies/best-practices-retail-food-stores-restaurants-and-food-pick-updelivery-services-during-covid-19
Businesses are encouraged to join the Virginia Department of Emergency Management Private Sector Portal. This portal provides useful information to businesses in the private sector and has a new website with updated information. http://bit.ly/VaPrivateSector
Business owners are encouraged to sign up for the Economic Development Emergency Information newsletter. Subscribe online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?ListID=356. You can view the April 15 news online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/109863.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
Parks & Recreation
James City County has a variety of opportunities available in our parks to maintain your mental wellness and connect to nature during these challenging times. Visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3804 to learn what’s open and closed.
Parks & Recreation wants to help you keep your spirits high and your mind and body well during these challenging times. Check out our new Virtual Programming page where you’ll find fun activities for all ages to do at home, in your yard, or in our parks. Look for more activities and how-to videos each week! https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3765/Virtual-Programming.
Cancellations
April 16 Policy Committee meeting
April 23 Agricultural and Forestal District Advisory Committee meeting
For more information
- Hotline: 757-564-2140
- https://jamescitycountyva.gov/covid
- www.facebook.com/jamescitycounty
- www.twitter.com/jamescitycounty
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information:
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH): www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus, Phone: 1-877-ASK-VDH3 or Peninsula Health District Call Center: 757-564-7069, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- FEMA Rumor Control: www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Media Contact:
Renee Dallman, Public Information Officer
757-272-3337; renee.dallman@jamescitycountyva.gov