Health and Medicine
NEWS RELEASE: Governor Ralph Northam today ordered all K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum. Localities will maintain authority over specific staffing decisions to ensure students maintain continuity of services or learning, while protecting the public health of teachers and staff.
“We are taking this action to keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID-19,” said Governor Northam. “I recognize this will pose a hardship on many families, but closing our schools for two weeks will not only give our staff time to clean and disinfect school facilities, it will help slow the spread of this virus. This is a fluid and fast-changing situation. We will do everything possible to ensure that students who rely on school nutrition programs continue to have access to meals, and that the disruption to academics is as minimal as possible.”
Virginia Department of Education officials are working closely with school divisions and the Department of Social Services to ensure students who qualify for free or reduced lunch programs are able to access those programs while schools are closed. The Department of Education will issue guidance and memos to superintendents across the Commonwealth to provide specifics about the continuity of education, school nutrition, and updated public health guidelines.
“We recognize this decision places burdens on many of our parents and families, especially for those who rely on school nutrition programs for access to healthy food for their children,” said Secretary of Education Atif Qarni. “However, we believe closing Virginia schools is in the Commonwealth’s best interest as we seek to stop the spread of COVID-19. Virginia will continue to explore and implement innovative approaches to provide meals to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch during this closure.”
School officials are also working to minimize disruptions to instructional time.
“The Department of Education is working closely with divisions to minimize disruptions to our students’ academic development by encouraging schools to provide students and families with educational resources throughout this time,” said Dr. James Lane, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are committed to help divisions address all the implications of these closures and will seek to provide each division with maximum flexibility to address local needs as they arise, especially as it relates to make-up days.”
On Thursday, Governor Northam declared a state of emergency for Virginia, which will provide increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians.
Governor Northam also halted specially-scheduled state events and conferences for 30 days, and banned out-of-state travel for state employees, with allowances for individuals in border communities.
Ongoing State Response Efforts
The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to execute a multi-agency response plan across all levels of government. Ongoing statewide efforts include the following:
Justice-Involved Populations
The Department of Corrections (DOC) has canceled offender visitation at all facilities until further notice. Off-site video visitation is still available.
A dedicated COVID-19 public information line with an updated, recorded message is operational. The phone number is (804) 887-8484.
DOC has implemented a screening protocol for offenders coming into state facilities from local jails.
Virginia provided detailed guidance to correctional facilities and other work locations regarding approved hand washing, sanitizing, and disinfectant products, and instructions for the proper use of those products to provide protection from COVID-19.
State Workforce
The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) has directed all state agencies to update their emergency operations and paid leave policies, and Virginia will begin implementing a phased transition to teleworking for state employees.
Virginia is setting an example by activating paid Public Health Emergency Leave for state employees who have recently traveled to high-risk areas.
All official travel outside of Virginia by state employees has been halted, with increased flexibility for inter-state commuters and essential personnel. State employees have been advised to limit in-person meetings and non-essential work-related gatherings. Specific guidance will be released to agency heads and state employees, and Virginia will revisit these guidelines after 30 days.
Vulnerable Populations
The Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Department of Social Services are preparing options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical services, including the potential for in-home care and food support.
In the event of extended school closures, the Department of Social Services is working with local partners, such as food pantries, to ensure no one goes hungry.
Transportation
The Department of Rail and Public Transportation is coordinating with Metro, Amtrak, Virginia Rail Express, and transit agencies across Virginia to adjust cleaning schedules according to CDC protocol.
Washington Dulles International Airport is one of 11 airports designated by the federal government to receive flights from China. The CDC is conducting screenings of passengers at Dulles who have been in China or Iran during the past 14 days.
Virginia is also working with transportation partners to help reduce the potential spread of disease.
(Liberty University photo)
Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Junior raised the possibility today on national television that North Korea and China might have conspired to release the coronavirus on the United States. Falwell appeared this morning on Fox and Friends, where he recounted a conversation with a restaurant owner:
“But I had a — the owner of a restaurant asked me last night, he said, do you remember the North Korean leader promised a Christmas present for America, back in December? Could it be they got together with China, and this is that present? I don’t know. But it really is something strange going on.”
Falwell says it remains his hope Liberty can continue in-person classes after next week’s spring break. The university has already cancelled large gatherings on campus.
A local U.S. Congressman is taking additional steps to help those concerned about the coronavirus outbreak. WFIR’s Ian Price has more:Carilion Clinic is now restricting visitors for all of its hospitals as a social distancing measure in efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Access is now permitted only through main entrances of all Carilion hospitals, no visitors under 18 are allowed, most patients will be restricted to one visitor, and anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay away.
NEWS RELEASE: (March 12, 2020) – Carilion Clinic announced it will implement visitor restrictions for all its hospitals out of an abundance of caution. Restrictions will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, March 13.
Carilion’s top priority is the safety and well-being of its patients and staff. Visitor restrictions are as follows:
Main entrances to all Carilion hospitals will remain open. All other entrances will be closed.
No visitors under the age of 18 will be permitted onsite.
No visitors will be permitted for inpatient psychiatric and behavioral health patients due to the communal nature of the visiting areas on those units.
Patients will be limited to one visitor, excluding pediatric patients who are able to have up to two visitors.
Visitors with flu-like symptoms (cough, congestion, runny nose, fever, etc.), must refrain from visiting patients at the hospital.
These restrictions act as social distancing measures, minimizing the spread of germs. Please consider other ways to connect with patients remotely, through technologies like Facetime and Skype.
All Carilion hospitals will implement these restrictions starting at 8 a.m., Friday, March 13:
Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital
Carilion Giles Community Hospital
Carilion New River Valley Medical Center
Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital
Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital
As the situation evolves, Carilion continues to monitor potential needs and considerations for additional restrictions. To stay updated on Carilion’s coronavirus response, go to CarilionClinic.org/coronavirus.
NEWS RELEASE: Out of an abundance of caution for public health, the City of Roanoke is urging residents and visitors to educate themselves regarding Coronavirus COVID-19. The City of Roanoke is working closely with our neighboring jurisdictions, the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, local partners and local health officials to compile the most accurate and up-to-date information. A website has been established at www.roanokeva.gov/coronavirus. There you can find links to the most up-to-date information regarding the virus.
Although cases of the Coronavirus in Virginia have gone up, we have not seen community transmission of the virus. That is why we are taking this time to plan and mitigate to decrease the chances of further spreading the virus.
At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, Governor Ralph Northam declared a State of Emergency concerning the Coronavirus. With this declaration, the City of Roanoke is recommending social distancing and is urging scheduled public assemblies/events to cancel or reschedule.
The City of Roanoke has cancelled non-essential events for the next 30 days which include:
- Library Events and Library Community Room Events (Libraries will remain open at this time)
- Parks and Recreation Events and Rentals (Preston Park and Eureka Recreation Centers will remain open at this time; the Fishburn Mansion will cancel all events).
- Roanoke Fire-EMS tours/events/public visitors
- Roanoke Police tours/events
- Roanoke City Jail Visits (virtual visits are available)
No new assembly permits will be accepted for the next 30 days.
Residents are urged to utilize online resources for payments and permits.
REMINDER: Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patients have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath (symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.) If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms or are having an emergency, please call 9-1-1 and answer all questions as prompted.
TIPS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw tissue in the trash.
The City will provide updates as they become available via social media and online at www.roanokeva.gov/coronavirus.
For specific questions, email: communityengagement@roanokeva.gov
(from Downtown Roanoke Inc.) Amid heightened concerns of community spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the State of Emergency issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Downtown Roanoke, Inc. (DRI) and our Board of Directors is announcing the cancellation of the 2020 Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Shamrock Festival. This announcement comes after discussions with City of Roanoke administration and emergency services. We feel the only path forward is to follow their recommendation and cancel our portion of Saturday’s event.
We understand the disappointment from our businesses, community, and those who planned to travel here. We share in that disappointment not just for our organization and all the people who love this event but especially for our local businesses that may be impacted by this. We encourage everyone to support local businesses always, now more so than ever.
There wasn’t much new health-related information at this morning’s “Spread Facts Not Fear” update on COVID 19, organized by the Roanoke Regional Chamber, but the Virginia Department of Health and Carilion Clinic speakers again addressed the importance of hand washing and “social distancing” to prevent contracting or spreading the coronavirus. The VDH will also hold a series of public information sessions beginning with one at the South County Library at 6:30 on Monday night. On the 18th the Belmont Library in Roanoke City has a 2pm session; the Salem Library has one the next day at 10am and the Hollins branch hosts a meeting with the VDH on March 25th at 3:30. Chamber President and CEO Joyce Waugh says business preparation for future pandemics may include more routine working from home and online meetings:
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Thursday in response to the coronavirus pandemic, as the state’s number of confirmed cases grew to 17.
Northam advised all Virginians to avoid large gatherings “for the time being.” He said he was canceling all state conferences and large events for the next 30 days and urged local governments and private organizers to follow suit. He also announced new restrictions on travel for state workers.
“The situation is fluid, and it is changing rapidly,” Northam said at a press conference with other state officials and top lawmakers.
“Virginians should know that we have longstanding plans in place to deal with pandemics. We have trained for them and we are ready for this,” Northam said.
Virginia has 17 “presumptive positive” cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.
Dr. Lilian Peake, the state epidemiologist, said at the press conference that there is so far no sign of “community spread” of the virus, meaning cases where it’s unclear how the patient acquired it.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for some, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people who contract it recover within weeks.
Thursday’s announcement from Northam came as colleges, public school districts and workplaces around the commonwealth were re-evaluating their protocols.
A cascade of Virginia colleges began announcing Wednesday that they were canceling on-campus instruction, at least temporarily. They included the University of Virginia, William & Mary, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Longwood University, where a student tested positive for COVID-19.
Some public school districts in Virginia have announced temporary closures so that teachers can prepare for the possibility of implementing distance learning. Chesterfield County schools said they would be closed to students Friday, and Fairfax County schools were to be closed Monday.
Some large private employers, including Capital One, encouraged employees to work from home.
UPDATE: The VHSL has canceled its high school basketball finals in Richmond – naming the Lord Botetourt girls team and the Cave Spring boys state co-champions in their respective divisions.
PREVIOUS: The Cave Spring boys and Lord Botetourt girls basketball teams will play their state championship games Friday evening before very small audiences. The VHSL has decided to conduct all Friday and Saturday games only before immediate family, essential tournament staff, and credentialed media.
From the VHSL: Due to the rapidly changing landscape regarding COVID-19, the VHSL Basketball Tournament is announcing that all games for Friday and Saturday will be played with only direct family members in the stands from both teams due to the threat of the novel coronavirus. [Thursday’s] schedule will go as planned. Each participating school will submit a list of immediate family members to the VHSL and only those will be permitted to enter the Siegel Center.