Covington Taking Enhanced Measures To Limit Exposure

The city of Covington staff and its elected officials are working diligently to monitor the continued increase in the COVID-19 case counts locally, and have made the decision to continue enhanced measures to diminish potential exposure as much as possible. 
“Our sole goal is to protect those we serve as well as our employees who keep the city running,” said Covington City Manager Krystal Onaitis.
Through November, the city will continue the following measures to ensure the safety of all with regards to services and facilities. 
“We truly appreciate everyone’s understanding and work to adapt during these continuously changing times,” Onaitis said. “We will continue to update our citizens, businesses and employees as any information becomes available.
“Please stay safe, healthy over the Thanksgiving Holiday and when you take a moment to count your blessing, just remember that we are #AllInThisTogether,” she added.
Governor’s Mandate
Effective: Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020:
• There will be a 25-person limit on indoor and outdoor gatherings, down from 250.
• There is an expanded mask requirement, including children aged 5-plus.
• A 10 p.m. on-site alcohol curfew.
• Be aware of increased enforcement. Enforcement will occur through the Virginia Department of Health.
Remaining In Effect
The departments within Covington City Hall:
• Will remain closed to the public until further notice for walk-ins.
• Offices will continue teleworking outside of the building through Friday, Nov. 27.
• Anyone in need of assistance is asked to please contact those offices, via telephone or email. Numbers and email addresses for  city hall offices are located on the city’s website: www.covington.va.us.
• Payments for utilities and other items can be made by placing them in the dropbox on the side of city hall. Citizens are urged to leave a check or money order, please no cash. Payments over the phone will continue.
• The Covington Public Works Department will remain closed to the public until further notice. The department will be running a skeleton crew and teleworking, through the end of the month, Nov. 27.
• The city will be answering emergency public works requests with a limited capacity. If you need assistance, please contact the office at (540) 965-6321 or (540) 965-6322.
• If an emergency arises you are encouraged to contact Covington Dispatch at (540) 965-6333 anytime 24/7.
• Toward the end of the month, the city will re-evaluate the status of COVID-19 cases and will update citizens and businesses on what, if any, services changes can be made safe for all.
City of Covington Facilities & Sponsored Events
The City of Covington will not sponsor events within any of the City’s Facilities until further notice, due to the increase in cases as well as the new restrictions the governor has put into place.
These include Jackson River Sport Complex, all park shelters, red train depot, etc. 
“We apologize for any inconvenience, but we must take steps to keep everyone healthy, and safe,” Onaitis said.
• With the governor’s mandate placing a capacity on gatherings of no more than 25, the city will no longer be booking any events at its facilities until the mandate is lifted, as the goal is health and safety for all.
• The Highlands COVID-19 Task Force continues to meet as a smaller group.
“The focus is centered on support across all local governments on operational needs, law enforcement needs and supporting educational efforts underway, and talking with health care providers during this unfortunate spike in cases our area is continuing to see,” Onaitis said.
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Elizabeth Gardner with the Virginia Department of Health registers a patient during a drive-up COVID-19 testing event Wednesday afternoon at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Testing was conducted by the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health districts, along with VDH. (Gavin Dressler Photo)