COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
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.
As we enter Phase 1, please remember the following important tips from the Virginia Department of Health:
Practice Social Distancing.
- If you have to go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Do not gather in groups. Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces.
- For additional information see Practicing Social Distancing During COVID-19.
Wash Your Hands Frequently to Limit the Spread of Germs.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, rubbing your hands together for at least 30 seconds until they are dry. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
- Clean your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- For additional information see: How Can I Avoid Getting COVID-19?
Wear Cloth Face Coverings in the Community.
- The most important way to protect others and yourself from getting COVID-19 is by staying home as much as possible and staying at least 6 feet apart from others when you go out in public places.
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Wear a cloth face covering when you are in public places, such as the grocery store, where it may be difficult to keep at least 6 feet apart from others.
- Face coverings are not needed for going outside by yourself to take a walk or work in your garden, etc.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unable to remove the mask without help.
- Learn more about Cloth Masks and Cloth Face Covers.
For more information about Phase 1, visit:
Business Updates
James City County is pleased to announce that it has allocated $500,000 to the Greater Williamsburg Small Business Relief Fund. At their May 12 meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously allocated funding to support a contribution to the Greater Williamsburg Business Relief Fund, which was established by the Williamsburg Community Foundation and the Greater Williamsburg Partnership in partnership with the VA 30 Day Fund at the end of April. The Greater Williamsburg Small Business Relief Fund provides forgivable loans to businesses located in the Greater Williamsburg region. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3951
The. U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together a publication, “Ready to Reopen: A Playbook for Your Small Business” that may be helpful for small business owners. https://www.uschamber.com/reopening-business PDF: https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/uschamber_reopen_guide.pdf
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention has compiled a list of business FAQ to assist business owners. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/general-business-faq.html
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 15 news online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/112745.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
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.
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=3950.
Park Updates:
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 can make reservations and complete 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 11a.m. – 4 p.m. daily for the sale of ice, firewood and other transactions. The Guest Services building will remain closed until further notice. Paddlecraft rentals are not available at this time. The walking trail, boat ramp, fishing pier and lots of open space are open and available.
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