COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
Moving Forward: Phase 1 begins at 12 a.m., Friday, May 15.
What will change:
- Non-essential retail – Changed from open with 10 people to open with 50% capacity.
- Restaurants and beverage services – Remains takeout and delivery; added outdoor seating at 50% capacity.
- Fitness and exercise – Remains closed; added outdoor fitness classes.
- Places of Worship – Drive-in services continue; changed from 10 person limit to 50% capacity.
- Personal grooming – Changed to by appointment only.
- Private campgrounds – Changed to open.
- State parks – Changed from day use only to day use; overnight in phases.
What will remain the same:
- Entertainment and public amusement remain closed.
- Beaches remain open for exercise and fishing only.
- Gatherings are still limited to 10 people.
- Teleworking remains strongly encouraged.
- Face coverings remain strongly encouraged.
- Childcare remains open for working families.
- Overnight camps stay closed.
- Schools remain closed.
For more information, visit:
https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia/
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Slide-deck-5.8.2020-Forward-Virginia-Phase-One.pdf
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-61-and-Order-of-Public-Health-Emergency-Three---Phase-One-Easing-Of-Certain-Temporary-Restrictions-Due-To-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
Most 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.
CDC
When you wear a cloth face covering, you help protect those around you from COVID-19. When others wear their cloth face covering, they help protect those around them, including you. Help keep each other safe by properly using cloth face coverings when out in public. Learn more about properly wearing and handling cloth face coverings: https://bit.ly/2R9av5m
VDOT
The Jamestown Scotland Ferry will begin to return to standard ferry operations on May 15. They will operate two boats from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., with boats leaving Surry and Jamestown on the hour and half-hour. At all other times, a boat will leave Surry on the hour and Jamestown on the half-hour. For more information, visit the website. https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/ferry-jamestown.asp
Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation wants to help you and your family stay engaged while feeling “safer at home.” Our Virtual Programming page offers outlets for activities for all ages to do at home, in your yard, or in our parks. New this week – let us bring the outdoors to you during Parks to Kids Day, test your artistic abilities in the Cartoon Challenge, sign up for the fun Family Trivia Night, banish the boredom for teens with indoor and DIY projects, and answer the call of the wild by exploring your common backyard birds! Get the details on this new 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.
Park Updates:
Beginning Friday, May 15, the Chickahominy Riverfront Park campground is open for all length of camp stays. Per the Governor’s phased reopenings, camping is an activity that can be done safely within social distancing guidelines The Guest Services building remains closed, but campers may make reservations and other transactions by calling 757-258-5020 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Beginning Thursday, May 21, the Guest Services service window will open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily for the sale of ice, firewood and other transactions. The Guest Services building will remain closed until further notice. Paddle craft rentals are not available at this time. The walking trail, boat ramp, fishing pier and lots of open space are open and available.
Business Updates
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is requesting tourism-related businesses complete a survey. This survey is being administered by their partner, Southeastern Institute of Research. https://sirresearch.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IbZLmd2ji1snwp
Restaurant owners are encouraged to review the Virginia ABC guidance on outside dining areas to follow regulations to open during Phase One of Forward Virginia. https://www.abc.virginia.gov/covid-19#Outdoor
As non-essential businesses begin to reopen tomorrow, business owners may need resources for personal protective equipment. We have updated our list of resources. https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3891
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
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
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.
A very limited number of face to face appointments are available. 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