COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
Governor’s Office
Governor Ralph Northam outlined a three-phase plan to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings, when health data supports doing so at his briefing on May 4.
He has extended key provisions of Executive Order 53, which places restrictions on businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people, at least through next Thursday, May 14, at midnight. The Northam administration will continue to monitor health data to ensure that trends of positive cases are going downward, that hospital capacity remains steady, that testing is increased, and that hospitals and medical facilities have necessary supplies of PPE. For more information on key metrics, please see here.
Phase I of easing restrictions would continue social distancing, teleworking, recommendations that people wear face coverings in public, and the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people. It would ease some limits on business and faith communities, and would transition the stay at home directive to a “safer at home” guideline, especially for those in vulnerable populations.
It is expected that Phase I would last two to four weeks, as would the two subsequent phases, depending on health metrics.
More specific guidance on each phase will be available in the coming days. Slides from the Governor’s briefing are available here.
Virginia Department of Health
Don’t delay, seek help right away! Time is of the essence. Don’t let fear stop you from seeking help in a medical emergency during this COVID-19 pandemic. While staying home is the best way to prevent COVID-19, seeking help immediately is extremely important if you are having a time-sensitive medical emergency such as a heart attack, stroke or traumatic injury. Call 911 immediately if you are having a time-sensitive medical emergency:
- An ambulance will take you to the Emergency Room (ER).
- All medical personnel will have on proper personal protective equipment and will provide safe transport and treatment.
- You will be screened before you go into the ER and given a mask to protect you from possible exposure to COVID-19.
- Hospitals have policies in place regarding visitors to ensure you safety.
Resilience Week
May 3-9 is Resilience Week in Virginia. Today is Trauma-Informed Tuesday
Adjective: becoming “trauma-informed” means recognizing that people often have many different types of trauma in their lives. People who have been traumatized need support and understanding from those around them. 50 Ways to Practice Trauma-Informed Tuesday
Business Updates
Webinar: Online Sales - How Your Business Can Expand Online on Wednesday, May 13 at 11 a.m.
Virginia Community Capital has partnered with Taking Stock Project Management to present a webinar focused on helping businesses review and evaluate various online sales options, how to setup and costs to operate, security and how to cross promote. If you are a retailer interested in expanding online and need to know more about considerations and costs, register for this free online discussion and lesson. Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3FWAmcIrRTW5H1wR6YaU7Q
Yesterday, Economic Development announced a new financial opportunity for local businesses. The Greater Williamsburg Small Business Relief Fund will provide forgivable loans to businesses located in the Greater Williamsburg region. https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3908 More information: https://williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org/small-business-fund/
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 yesterday’s news online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/111667.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
Parks & Recreation
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. New this week - learn how to paint using acrylics; get an aquatic workout at home, fun for family game night, discovery-based STEM experiences for children, activity resources for children with special needs and a virtual window into the natural world of birds! Let us help you keep your spirits high and your mind and body well. The list is updated weekly! https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3765/Virtual-Programming
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. You can practice social distancing while still getting exercise and reducing your stress – come hike, bike, fly a kite, boat or fish - we can help. All County parks are open, please note:
- The James City County Marina Store service window is open daily from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for fuel sales, payments and other Marina transactions. The Marina Store remains closed and there are no bike and paddle craft rentals until further notice.
- The Chickahominy Riverfront Park campground is open for stays of 14 days or longer, as permitted by Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-Five. Long-term camping is an activity that can be done safely within social distancing guidelines. The walking trail, boat ramp, fishing pier and lots of open space are also open and available.
- The County’s tennis courts and pickleball courts are open, available for singles play only. The tennis courts are located at Jamestown High School, Warhill High School and Lafayette High School. At Veterans Park, only the eight pickle ball courts are open, 7 a.m. to sunset daily.
Patrons must practice social distancing; please maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet and groups of more than 10 are prohibited. Dogs must be leashed and under the complete and immediate control of their owner at all times. For the complete list of park amenity openings and closings, visit https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3980
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
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