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.
Federal Trade Commission
Contact Tracers and Scams - It’s important to watch out for scams during COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know:
- Contact tracers do not need your personal information.
- Do not open text messages that include web links from unidentified numbers.
- A real contact tracer will only ask the names and phone numbers of individuals you have been in contact with while infected.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-contact-tracing-text-message-scams
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations like COVID-19. You may feel anxiousness, anger, sadness, or overwhelmed. Find ways to reduce your stress to help yourself and the people you care about.
• Learn the common signs of stress.
• Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
• Talk with family and friends by phone, text, or email.
• If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
Learn more about stress and coping during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Virginia Department of Health
When going outside, help protect yourself and others by following these guidelines:
- Wear a cloth face covering.
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people.
- Avoid touching surfaces & wash your hands frequently.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html
Police
If you are dealing with a violent intimate partner relationship, services are still available to you. Visit our website or call 757-566-0112. https://jamescitycountyva.gov/2721/Alliance-on-Violence-Against-Women
Business Updates
The Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade has created a compilation of resources and information for Virginia businesses in relation to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
https://www.commerce.virginia.gov/covid-19/
On May 27, SCORE will be offering a free webinar, "A Smarter Approach to Your COVID Marketing Strategy." If you are confused about where to start with your COVID marketing strategy or not seeing the results you have hoped for, then this session is for you. You will learn a smarter, more practical approach to getting the word out about your business and you will not need a marketing degree to do it. Register: https://www.score.org/event/smarter-approach-your-covid-marketing-strategy
Business owners are encouraged to sign up for the Economic Development Emergency Information newsletter. Subscribe online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?ListID=356. Previous messages are available online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?PRVMSG=356.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
Voter Registration and Elections
James City County does not have an election in May. The next election for James City County voters is Tuesday, June 23 and it is a primary. The deadline to register for the June 23 polling day or to update your address or other registration information is Tuesday, May 26.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage all James City County Voters to Vote from Home by absentee ballot. Visit the website for your options for obtaining an application or making your request: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/1044/Voter-Registration-Elections
Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes
James City County personal property and real estate tax bills have been mailed and are due Friday, June 5. If you did not receive your tax bill, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 757-253-6705. Taxes are still due even if you did not receive the bill.
The Board of Supervisors voted on May 5 to not charge a late payment penalty for personal property tax payments made between June 6, 2020 and midnight, Aug. 5, 2020. Interest will be charged at a rate of rate of ten percent (10%) per annum (about .83% monthly) for all payments made after June 5, 2020. Visit the website for more information: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3919
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