Updates
Governor Ralph Northam issued a statewide Stay at Home order on March 30 to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of the novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19. The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order.
Link to full release: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/march/headline-855702-en.html
Link to Executive Order Fifty-Five: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at-Home-Order-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
Have questions for the Virginia Department of Health?
County Administrators from James City and York and Williamsburg’s City Manager will meet soon with Dr. Julian, Acting Director of the Peninsula Health District.
The conversation will focus on COVID-19 in our communities. Help us make sure we are asking the right questions. Tell us what you want to know by sending in your questions through social media, by email (renee.dallman@jamescitycountyva.gov) or by calling 757-272-3337. The deadline for questions is Monday, April 6 at 10 a.m.
The conversation will be recorded and shared soon!
Clarification on Jamestown Beach Event Park
In accordance with Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-Three, Jamestown Beach Event Park is closed to all activity except exercising and fishing. Jogging and walking are allowed on the beach. Swimming for exercise and paddle craft launching are allowed only in the designated area. Sunbathing, picnicking, grilling, sitting and loitering on the beach are not permitted. Patrons must practice social distancing; groups of more than 10 will be asked to separate. Dogs must be leashed and under the complete and immediate control of their owner at all times. Please note that restrooms at all County parks, including Jamestown Beach, are closed. For more information on County parks and trails, visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/756/Parks-Trails or call 757-259-5360.
Questions About Medicaid?
Virginia Medicaid is taking steps to improve access to care for Medicaid and FAMIS members. https://coverva.org/covid19/
Business Updates
Payroll Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest or utilities. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. PPP loans will be processed by banks and credit unions and guaranteed by the SBA. The Hampton Road Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recommends approaching the bank where you do business.
SBA: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
U.S. Department of Treasury: https://home.treasury.gov/cares
Economic Development has launched a newsletter, “Economic Development Emergency Information.” Business owners may subscribe online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/list.aspx?ListID=356 You can view the April 1 news online which includes new webinars and information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/Message/108541.
For more information for businesses, please visit https://www.yesjamescitycountyva.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3751.
Social Distancing and Group Size Reminder
We have received a citizen question about social gatherings or parties. Per Governor Northam’s Executive Order Fifty-Three, all gatherings of more than 10 people are banned. This does not include gatherings that involve the provision of health care or medical services, access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; operations of the media; law enforcement agencies; or operations of government.
What if you have a smaller party? Everyone needs to be 6 feet apart. A better solution? Host a video conference call or a phone chat.
Stress and PTSD
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has the potential to increase stress and anxiety, both because of the fear of catching the virus and because of uncertainty about how it will affect us. If you have PTSD, you may have stronger stress reactions than normal.
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness and doubt are normal during a pandemic. Fortunately, there are tools and resources that can help you manage your mental health and well-being. https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/72665/veterans-stressed-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3kKFvCndHM6DUXNTmMgUyauOslj0-tzbr4qK1IzZH4YjhS1Kq_lRK3Xi0
Helping Children Cope with COVID-19
Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. There are many things you can do to support your child:
- Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
Learn more about coping with COVID-19 by visiting https://go.usa.gov/xvxea.
Previously Released Information
Child Care for Essential Personnel
With the recent long-term closures of the public schools, many families who work in the medical field and other essential jobs in the community must find child care for their children. There are a large number of child care centers currently open and ready to enroll children of these essential personnel. Child Care Aware of Virginia has the most up-to-date information about the child care options in the region. Essential employees in need of child care can call 1-866-KIDS TLC (1-866-543-7852) for assistance. Full news release: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=3786
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
While social distancing for COVID-19, take the time to check in on friends and family to see how they are doing. Set up a daily phone or video call to touch base and share the best and most challenging parts of the day.
Need help or know someone who does?
Contact the Disaster Distress Helpline or call 1-800-985-5990
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
County Offices and Services
As announced on March 23, all James City County offices, facilities, public basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, sports courts, athletic fields, playgrounds, skate park and recreation centers and libraries are closed to the public until further notice. This includes any courts at local schools. The County continues to provide most services and staff are available for assistance by phone or email. Visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov for more information on individual departments and services.
All County parks continue to be open; however, all restrooms in County Parks are closed. The Chickahominy Riverfront Park Campground and restrooms will close on Friday, March 27 and will remain closed until further notice. In accordance with federal guidelines to curb and mitigate the spread of Coronavirus, or COVID-19, gatherings of 10 or more people in any park area will be asked to separate or leave the facilities.
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, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2020.asp
- World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus2019
- FEMA Rumor Control: https://www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Media Contact:
Renee Dallman, Public Information Officer
757-272-3337; renee.dallman@jamescitycountyva.gov