COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
James City County offices, facilities and libraries are closed to walk-in traffic. The County continues to provide most services by appointment, by phone or online. Visit jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-253-6728 for more information on individual departments and services. County parks and trails are open, and visitors are asked to follow social distancing guidelines. For more information about park amenities, call 757-259-5360.
DMV
Beginning May 18, 2020, DMV is opening 11 customer service centers statewide for specific, appointment-only services. Appointments will limit the number of people in an office at one time to ensure social distancing and efficient service. Please do not visit DMV unless you have an appointment.
The closest office in our area opening on May 18 is Hampton DMV, 8109 Roanoke Avenue, Hampton, VA 23605-1637. Visit the website for more information and to make an appointment. https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#appointments.asp
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Scams
The FBI has posted a new information on what you can do to avoid being victimized by a scam: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/norfolk/news/stories/breaking-through-the-noise-how-to-avoid-becoming-a-victim-of-covid-19-scams-051220
Business Updates
Have you taken the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint to Get Virginians Back to Work Survey? The survey is 14 questions and should take about five minutes to complete. Survey deadline is Friday, May 15. Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NWSZB7N
SCORE Mentors have published an article, 5 Ways to Maximize Small Business Cash Flow During the COVID-19 Outbreak," that may be useful for business owners.
https://www.score.org/blog/5-ways-maximize-small-business-cash-flow-during-covid-19-outbreak
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 May 13 news online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/112357.
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 – sign up for the Tour D’ Trails mountain bike trials for some friendly competition, reduce your stress though play and fun online games, create your own DIY therapeutic activities, take the panoramic tour of Yosemite National Park and the Ford’s Theatre, plus virtual health and wellness opportunities abound through the College of William & Mary’s Department of Health & Wellness. Check out our new list of programming at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3765/Virtual-Programming. and our ongoing list of programming at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24687/Ongoing-Virtual-Programs-PDF. The list is updated weekly.
James City County has a variety of opportunities available in our parks to maintain your mental wellness and connect to nature during these uncertain times. Whether you want to get some exercise or reduce your stress, we can help. All County parks are open; however, patrons must practice social distancing. Please maintain a social distance of at least 6-feet and groups of 10 or more 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://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3924
Park Updates:
- 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 currently open for stays of 14 days or longer, as permitted by Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-Five. Beginning June 11, in accordance with the order, the campground will accept short-term campers (stays of 13 days or less). Camping is an activity that can be done safely within social distancing guidelines. The Guest Services building remains closed, but campers may make reservations by calling 757-258-5020. 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.
Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center
Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center is open and providing patient care through virtual visits. If patients are interested in scheduling a virtual visit, we ask that they call our main line at 757-259-3258. Both current and new patients are welcome. During this time, our operating hours have changed to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
We will begin a soft-opening on Monday, May 11 and will be offering a very limited number of face to face appointments. All patients who enter the building are being asked to bring and wear a face mask. At this time, visitors are not permitted in OTMDC to accompany a patient to an appointment, unless the patient is under 18 years of age. Upon arrival, all patients will be screened and have their temperature taken at the door.
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