The Shadow
Covington officials are taking steps to update residents on steps the city is taking to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
“The city wishes to provide its citizens and businesses an update on steps in place and those being initiated in an effort to mitigate COVID-19 in the community,” City Manager Krystal Onaitis.
City government officials and Covington’s school officials continue to remain in communication with each other. There is also a concerted ongoing effort to work in tandem with neighboring officials in the region.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that no gatherings of 50 or more people be held for at least eight weeks. This recommendation applies to public and private gatherings.
Due to the revised guidelines, city parks and facilities will remain closed to organized events. Also, the city will not be scheduling any events during this timeframe. Parks may visited at an individual’s own risk.
The Virginia Department of Health’s Town Hall meeting scheduled for today at the Alleghany Regional Library has been cancelled.
The Alleghany Regional Library will be closed through March 28, 2020.
At this time, all area schools remain closed through March 27.
Social distancing continues to be recommended for the general public by the Centers for Disease Control. There are emerging guidelines relating to those age 65 years and up, that outings should be limited to those that are essential.
Core guidelines provided from the Virginia Department of Health and CDC, continue to center on promoting basic hygiene.
Effective immediately water shut-offs within the city of Covington shall be suspended until further notice. This is a proactive step to ensure all citizens and businesses have access to water for hand washing and other basic hygiene/sanitation needs.
Fees for late payment shall still apply and bills will be continue to be issued.
The city of Covington is working to align community support services for those that are currently or may become homebound during this time.
This can include meal delivery and we are working to determine other essential needs. More information will be provided as efforts evolve with other community partners.
Covington City Hall and all city offices remain open. At this time, city officials encourage citizens and businesses requiring assistance to call city offices and/or email staff. An updated contact directory is going to be posted on http://www.covington.va.us/.
Payments to the city may be made at the city’s drop box, or by calling the City.
Again in accordance with CDC and VDH guidelines, the city encourage folks in the Highlands to practice and promote social distancing, frequent hand washing with soap and water, coughing or sneezing into your arm or tissue and staying home if you are sick.
If you feel you have the flu, flu-like symptoms, high fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, contact your primary care physician or a local doctor’s office to determine if you need to be seen and what they recommend.
For more information on COVID-19, the following online resources are recommended, CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ , or the VDH website: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/, for those without internet, VDH has a hotline that can be used, 1-877-ASK-VDH3.
