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The original item was published from 3/13/2020 6:31:00 PM to 3/14/2020 10:43:06 AM.
News Flash
Petersburg News
Posted on: March 12, 2020[ARCHIVED] COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources & Updates
Petersburg, Virginia COVID-19 UPDATES (Updated 3/13/2020)
The City of Petersburg is encouraging City employees and community members to heed necessary precautions to minimize the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Currently, there are multiple confirmed cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is in constant communication with Petersburg administrative leaders, local health districts, the CDC, and other partners.
The best defense against the virus is rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face and always cover coughs and sneezes to minimize airborne pathogens.
Petersburg City Council Meeting scheduled for March 17, 2020 has been postponed until further notice.
City Government Offices Will Remain Open
City staff will continue working with our Director of General Services to clean and disinfect public areas. However, given the rapidity of the COVID-19 spread, it is still strongly encouraged to continue practicing extreme personal hygiene including frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching your face, and covering coughs and sneezes to minimize airborne pathogens.
Currently, to limit in-person interaction and avoid the spread of any respiratory illnesses, we are strongly encouraging our residents to use online payment portals, drop box and pay by mail to limit any potential exposure.
City Events and Outreach
Effective immediately, City sponsored events will be limited to no more than 30 participants. The Centers for Disease Control has yet to provide guidance on maximum event size, although it offers important advice to planners.
When an event is taking place, planners should communicate to visitors and participants the importance of exercising their personal discretion. Please advise individuals not to attend if they fall into a category recommended for quarantine, they have underlying chronic health conditions, or they are sick.
Postponed Events include:
- March 17, 2020 City Council Meeting
- Fiscal Management Building Open House/Ribbon Cutting
- Petersburg Black History Month Festival
- Don-A-Matrix Day Fitness Festival
Governor Northam Declares State of Emergency, Outlines Additional Measures to Combat COVID-19: Click Here
Petersburg City Public Schools Coronavirus updates: Click Here
Virginia State University Coronavirus Updates: Click Here
Southside regional medical center Coronavirus updates: Click Here
Travel abroad and Spring Break
With Spring Break near, it is important for families to become familiar with guidance and travel warnings posted on the Centers for Disease Control website. If you are traveling to a country with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, the CDC guidance states: “Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.” CDC TRAVEL GUIDELINES
Keep your Family Safe
If you or your child has symptoms of illness that would prevent participation at work or school, then please remain at home. Returning to work or school too soon may delay recovery from illness and may potentially expose others.
Petersburg Department of Social Services Resources:
Calls for Medicaid: 1-855-242-8282
Customer Service Center: 1-855-635-4370
RESOURCES:
Health District COVID-19 Video: Click Here
World Health Organization Videos: Click Here
Resources for Faith-Based Leaders: Click Here
Emergency Food Bank Assistance: Click Here
Meals on Wheels Assistance: Click Here
Links to more resources on COVID-19:
COVID-19 Main Information Sites:
COVID-19 Facts:
COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention:
COVID-19 Help Stop Misinformation:
COVID-19 Community and Household Preparation:
COVID-19 Travel Guidelines: