COVID-19 Updates and Reminders
Governor’s Office
To familiarize yourself with what Phase 1 includes and does not include, visit https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/all-releases/2020/may/headline-856681-en.html for details.
Voter Registration and Elections
The next election for James City County voters is Tuesday, June 23 and it is a primary. James City County does not have an election in May. The deadline to register for the June 23 election 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
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People 65 years and older
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthmavPeople who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- People with liver disease
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html for more information.
Federal Trade Commission
Here are five things you can do to avoid a Coronavirus scam:
- Ignore offers for vaccinations and home test kits.
- Hang up on robocalls.
- Watch out for phishing emails and text messages.
- Research before you donate.
- Stay in the know. ftc.gov/coronavirus/scams
Business Updates
The Governor of Virginia has published regulations, guidelines and best practices for a variety of business sectors as Phase One of Forward Virginia begins on Friday, May 15. https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia/ There is also a PDF available online: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/Virginia-Forward-Phase-One-Business-Sector-Guidelines.pdf.
As businesses begin to look at reopening and/or planning to transition to the ’new normal,’ there are a number of factors to consider and decisions to be made. The Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recommends reviewing the guidance that they have compiled in their Recovery Resource Center to determine your next steps. Wherever your business may be currently, the Virginia SBDC suggests starting at the very beginning of the checklist and working your way through. http://www.virginiasbdc.org/recoveryresourcecenter/
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 11 news online: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicSend/ViewMessage/message/112246.
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=3950
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