COVID-19 Updates Archive - July 2020

July 28, 2020 Update - 6 p.m.

Governor Northam Announces $644.6 Million in Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund Dollars Distributed to Local Governments
Second round of payments completes allocation of funding Virginia received under federal CARES Act, provides a total of $1.3 billion to localities

Governor Ralph Northam announced that the Commonwealth will distribute $644.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding to local governments in its second and final round of allocations. These payments represent the remaining 50 percent of local allocations and do not include $200.2 million that Fairfax County received directly from the federal government. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) established the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to provide funding to states and eligible units of local government navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Virginia received approximately $3.1 billion as its share of the $150 billion CRF. While the CARES Act does not require that states distribute funding to local governments with populations less than 500,000, the Governor recognizes that cities and counties of all sizes have expenses related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and directed these federal dollars to localities.

Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne sent a memorandum to cities and counties in Virginia on May 12, 2020 outlining the distribution of the first round of allocations to local governments, totaling $644.6 million. Once the second and final round of payments are disbursed, the Governor will have distributed 100 percent of the local allocations the Commonwealth received under the CARES Act, providing a total of $1.3 billion to localities.

Similar to the first round, the second round of funding will be allotted proportionally based on population. Consequently, the second round of allocations will be equivalent to the amount each locality received in the first round on June 1, 2020. The Secretary of Finance issued an updated memorandum to cities and counties regarding the second and final allocation of federal CRF dollars. View the updated memorandum, which includes the distributions by locality.

To receive the second allocation, localities must submit a new certification form and complete an online survey regarding the use of their CRF dollars. After these two documents are completed and submitted, the Department of Accounts will initiate the transfer of funds to the local Treasurer. Localities can expect to receive the transfer from the State Comptroller within five business days following confirmation of receipt of the completed documents.

The CARES Act requires that CRF dollars only be used to cover costs that (1) are necessary expenditures incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, (2) were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the state or government; and (3) were incurred during the period of March 1, 2020 and December 30, 2020.

Current federal rules prohibit state and local governments from using the CRF to replace lost revenues and address significant budget shortfalls. State and local government officials have requested that this restriction be lifted in future stimulus packages, or that additional federal funds are provided to address the loss of state and local revenue.

Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.  

July 27, 2020 Update - 4:30 p.m.

Governor Northam Urges Virginians to Prepare for Hurricane Season Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Agencies and cabinet members participate in preparedness exercise to test hurricane readiness, plan for disaster response during ongoing health crisis

Governor Ralph Northam is reminding all Virginians to prepare now as peak hurricane season approaches and the Commonwealth continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier today, the Governor and his cabinet joined state local public safety agencies for a virtual exercise to test Virginia’s hurricane readiness and address the challenges of managing disaster response and recovery efforts during the ongoing health crisis.

One of the key statewide coordination efforts is the development of the Virginia Hurricane Evacuation Guide During the COVID-19 Pandemic, which highlights preparedness, response and recovery actions in the event of tropical weather in coastal areas of the Commonwealth. This year’s guide includes pandemic considerations such as updating kits to include sanitation and personal protective supplies and following public health guidance. The Commonwealth is also preparing to adjust operations to ensure the delivery of critical services while adhering to social distancing guidelines and keeping people safe from storm impacts.

The traditional Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and forecasters are projecting an above average season—there have been eight named storms so far this year, and the first hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season made landfall in Texas on July 25.

Virginians know the devastating impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms and recognize these threats are not isolated to coastal areas. High winds, flooding and tornadoes have also caused significant damages to inland communities. Hurricanes can be unpredictable in terms of timing and scope, and this year, it is particularly vital to prepare for hurricane season in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Northam is calling on all Virginians and those visiting the state to prepare now by knowing your risk, purchasing flood insurance, developing a family communication plan and making an emergency kit. It’s important to know what to do to protect yourself, your loved ones, your business and your community.

• Know your zone. Evacuation may become necessary depending on the track and severity of the storm. Review Virginia’s evacuation zones at KnowYourZoneVA.org. It is important to note that the zone colors have been updated for 2020. Users can enter their physical address in the search bar of the website to view and confirm their designated evacuation zone.
• Complete a family communication plan. Prepare for how you will assemble and communicate with your family and loved ones. Identify meeting locations and anticipate where you will go. 
• Check your insurance coverage. Remember, there may be a waiting period for a flood insurance policy to become effective, and be aware that not all hurricane-related losses, such as flooding, are covered under traditional policies. Now is the time to review your coverage and contact your insurance agent for any changes. If you are not insured against floods, talk to your insurance agent or visit floodsmart.gov. If you are a renter, now is the time to ensure you have adequate coverage to protect your belongings.
• Make an emergency kit. Assemble an emergency kit that includes nonperishable food, water, medication, sanitary supplies, radios, extra batteries and important documents. Learn more about building an emergency supply kit.
• Stay informed. Identify where to go for trusted sources of information during emergencies. Check with your local emergency management office to sign up for alerts that go directly to your phone or email. Be sure to monitor local news for watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials. Power outages are always a concern during weather events—make sure you have a battery-operated radio available so you can still receive life-saving alerts.

There are many resources available to assist with hurricane planning efforts. Learn more about preparing your business, your family and your property against hurricane threats at vaemergency.gov/hurricanes and ready.gov/hurricanes. Additional information about preparing for hurricanes during the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.  

July 27, 2020 Update - 3 p.m.

Governor Northam Announces $70 Million Rebuild VA Economic Recovery Fund for Small Businesses, Nonprofits Impacted by COVID-19
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to approximately 7,000 applicants

Governor Ralph Northam today announced $70 million for small businesses and nonprofit organizations whose normal operations were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be made available through Rebuild VA, a new economic recovery fund, and grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to approximately 7,000 applicants to cover eligible expenses.

Rebuild VA will be administered by the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). Businesses and nonprofits must be in good standing, have annual gross revenues of no more than $1.5 million and have no more than 25 employees. Eligible businesses and nonprofits include food and beverage establishments, non-essential retail, exercise and fitness, entertainment and public amusement, personal care and personal grooming services and private campground and overnight summer camps. Businesses must also certify that they have not received federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds or other federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

SBSD worked together with the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to develop Rebuild VA. The parameters for the initiative were established in House Bill 1505, which was amended during the reconvened session to implement a grant program for certain small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to accomplish the Northam administration’s objectives for diversity, equity and inclusion, half of the program funds will be distributed to eligible small businesses and nonprofits operating in low-income and economically disadvantaged communities. This will help to meet the needs of underserved businesses and nonprofits with broad geographic diversity, while ensuring there is adequate representation of minority- and women-owned businesses.

Rebuild VA funding may be utilized for the following eligible expenses:

• Payroll support, including paid sick, medical or family leave, and costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during those periods of leave;
• Employee salaries;
• Mortgage payments, rent and utilities;
• Principal and interest payments for any business loans from national or state-chartered banking, savings and loan institutions or credit unions, that were incurred before or during the emergency;
• Eligible personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfecting materials or other working capital needed to address COVID-19 response.

SBSD will hold several webinars to review eligibility requirements and documentation needed to apply when the application opens on Monday, August 10, 2020. View a one-pager on Rebuild VA.

For more information about Rebuild VA, eligibility criteria, covered expenses and how to submit an application, please visit governor.virginia.gov/RebuildVA.

Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.  

July 24, 2020 Update - 3 p.m.

Chesterfield Extends Grace Period for Penalties and Interest on Personal Property Tax Payments
Grace period now extended to Aug. 31, original deadline was previously set for July 31

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors voted at their Wednesday, July 22 meeting to extend through Aug. 31, 2020 the grace period during which penalties and interest will not be assessed for late personal property tax payments. The grace period also applies to business personal property taxes, but it does not apply to real estate taxes.

The board previously voted in May to establish a grace period through July 31 for personal property tax payments originally due on June 5.

The Treasurer’s Office urges citizens, if able, to utilize a non-cash, remote method of payment, including paying online, through online banking, by phone, by mail, through an automatic payment service or via a drive-thru drop box located in the parking lot of the Chesterfield County Administration building, 9901 Lori Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

Tax balances may also be viewed through the Treasurer Office’s online payment portal using a tax account number, property address (real estate accounts only) or map parcel number (real estate accounts only), all of which are listed on the tax statement.

Receipts

Citizens using the on-site drop box may request to receive a receipt by writing “receipt requested” on their invoice coupon, and a receipt will be mailed to the address on the account. If an email address is provided, the Treasurer’s Office will email the receipt to that address.

Citizens who pay over the phone will receive a payment confirmation number, which serves as a receipt. Citizens who pay online will be able to print a receipt.

Tax Payment Plans

Payment plans are available for both personal property and real estate tax payments, though the terms and conditions of the plans are determined on a case-by-case basis. Those interested in applying for a tax payment plan may do so through the online application accessible via the Treasurer’s webpage, www.chesterfield.gov/Treasurer, or by calling the Treasurer’s Office at 804-748-1201.

As required by law, participating in a payment plan will not prevent additional interest and fees from accruing on a taxpayer’s account after Aug. 31, 2020.

Tax Payment Options

 The Treasurer’s Office is open for in-person payments Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The office is located at 9901 Lori Road, Room 101, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

Several additional tax payment options are available, including:

• Online Banking: The online bill payment service of a taxpayer’s bank may also be used to pay Chesterfield taxes. Please note that the payment effective date will be the date that the Treasurer’s Office receives the bank’s payment. Please allow sufficient time for processing by your bank. This payment must include the tax account number located on the tax invoice. A separate payee account is required for each unique tax account number. Please use the following remittance address for processing:

Treasurer, Chesterfield County
P.O. Box 70
Chesterfield, VA 23832-0906 

• Online: Payments may be made through the Treasurer’s online payment portal 24 hours a day. To complete the transaction, taxpayers will need their tax account number (located at the top right corner of each tax statement) and a valid credit or debit card (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or VISA).
• Phone: Payment by phone is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-833-299-6593. To complete a transaction by phone, taxpayers will need the tax account number located on their invoice and a valid credit or debit card.
• Mail: Taxes may be paid by check through the mail using the return envelope enclosed in the tax statement. Checks should be made payable to “Treasurer, Chesterfield County.” Please include the coupon from the bottom of the tax invoice. Payments will not be considered late if postmarked on or before the tax due date.
• Drop Box: A drive-thru payment drop box is located in the parking lot of the Chesterfield Administration Building, 9901 Lori Road, Chesterfield, Virginia 23832. No postage is necessary for payments made at the drop box, but payments must be made by check or money order. Payments must include the coupon from the bottom of the tax invoice. Envelopes are available at the drop box, and payments dropped by 11:59 p.m. are considered to be received that same day.  Taxpayers may request a receipt by mailed to them by writing “receipt requested” on the invoice coupon.
• Automatic Payment Services: The Chesterfield Treasurer’s Office offers convenient automatic payment services (APS) that allow payments to be automatically debited from a bank account on the tax due date. For information on how to sign up, visit the Treasurer’s Office webpage. Please be advised that it may take 30-45 days to activate this service for a taxpayer.

For more information about tax payment options, please visit the Office of the Treasurer webpage and watch the educational video COVID-19 Tax Payments on the Chesterfield County YouTube channel.

• The Treasurer’s Office is responsible for the distribution of tax invoices and the collection of tax payments. Taxpayers with questions regarding the assessment of taxes should contact:
• For personal property tax assessment questions, call the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 804-748-1281.
• For real estate tax assessment questions, call the Real Estate Assessor’s Office, 804-748-1321.

If taxpayers have questions about paying their taxes, they may contact the Treasurer’s Office, 804-748-1201.

Please note that first-half real estate taxes not paid on or before the June 5 deadline and personal property taxes not paid on or before Aug. 31 may be subject to a late payment penalty and/or interest.

July 24, 2020 Update - 9 a.m.

Chesterfield Board Of Supervisors Approves Economic Relief Measures for Residents, Businesses
Board of Supervisors approve $50,000 for rental and mortgage relief, nearly $1.9M in Back In Business grants awarded

The Chesterfield Board of Supervisors approved allocating $50,000 for area residents seeking rent and mortgage assistance because of the ongoing economic impacts caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic during its July 22 meeting.

The $50,000 for county rent and mortgage relief is part of the $30 million Chesterfield received as part of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act, signed by President Donald Trump in March.

The dedicated $50,000 will be directly allocated to the Area Congregations Together Service RVA (ACTS RVA), a regional nonprofit tasked with providing funds, support and other resources to people and families experiencing a financial crisis throughout Central Virginia and metro Richmond.

County renters and homeowners who are having trouble making their monthly rent or mortgage payment, or are simply interested in learning more, are strongly encouraged to call and leave a message at 804-644-2401. Interested residents who meet the following qualifications also can fill out this form for possible assistance.

ACT RVA was selected as metro Richmond’s primary relief agency for rent and mortgage assistance by the state after Governor Ralph Northam’s eviction moratorium ended July 1, which is forcing several families – including thousands affected economically by the impacts of COVID-19 in Chesterfield – to find alternative ways to make mortgage and rent payments by the end of the month.

Chesterfield will not be handling any direct rental or mortgage assistance for residents affected economically by COVID-19.

Because of a high volume of inquiries and individuals in need of assistance, it may take ACT RVA a few days to respond to each inquiry.

Meanwhile, nearly $1.9 million in grants were awarded to qualified Chesterfield businesses seeking financial relief as part of the Chesterfield Economic Development’s Back In Business (BIB) grant program.

The Board of Supervisors approved allocating $5 million in CARES Act money to launch the Back in Business grant program in June to Chesterfield Businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since June 18, Chesterfield Economic Development has awarded BIB grants to more than 200 county businesses.

July 22, 2020 Update - 9 a.m.

Chesterfield County Public Schools - School Board Approves Virtual Start to 2020-21 School Year
Phased-in re-entry plan would include meeting task force-developed metrics

The Chesterfield County School Board voted Monday night to start the 2020-21 school year in a virtual learning setting, with students participating online at home while teachers teach from their classrooms. Meanwhile, Superintendent Dr. Merv Daugherty will create a public health task force to determine key metrics for an eventual safe in-person return to school.

School division leaders and School Board members considered the benefits of in-person instruction, socialization opportunities and families returning to work, as well as the safety of staff and the ability to monitor and manage state and federal recommendations. The need for specific health-related metrics resonated with many School Board members.

The “ífs” that concerned school division leaders included being able to safely transport a limited number of students; the ability to enforce requirements for wearing facial coverings; the ability to serve students in classrooms given social distancing requirements; and potential costs associated with reopening schools.

In lieu of an immediate return to in-person instruction, Daugherty proposed a phased-in re-entry:

• 100 percent virtual learning to start the year
• Level 2 special education students (adaptive curriculum) and Levels 1-4 English language learners transitioning in soon after the start of the year
• Hybrid model rotating cohorts of students when data provides the opportunity
• Full return to in-person instruction when data provides the opportunity

School division leaders have been working diligently to plan for a variety of instructional options in advance of the start of the 2020-21 school year. Chesterfield County Public Schools has a long-standing investment in and commitment to the infrastructure, device access, instructional resources, and sustained teacher training required for blended and online learning. Since mid-March, the Superintendent’s leadership team has acted deliberately to “future-proof” the school division so that it is able to serve families whether students are learning from within our buildings or learning from home.

The school division will provide every student with a Chromebook, expanding all students’ learning abilities beyond the traditional four walls of a classroom. In addition, buoyed by community support from local non-profits and foundations, the school division will collaborate with Comcast to offer free Internet service to families who qualify. Families living outside of Comcast’s reach may be eligible to receive a free hotspot device in order to connect online.

School division leaders will finalize virtual learning plans for presentation at the School Board’s Aug. 11 retreat.  The school division also will create a health-safety task force to help determine definitive metrics that will allow for the safe re-entry of students to in-person instruction. Board members requested weekly updates and monthly presentations.

Watch the School Board meeting.

 For more information, visit the Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) website.

Read the full news release on the CCPS News webpage.

July 16, 2020 Update - 5:30 p.m.

July 22 Board of Supervisors Meeting to be Held In Person
Meeting will be in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road; citizens may submit comments using online comment form

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, July 22, will be held in person in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The online comment form is also available for citizens to submit comments ahead of time.

The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. with a work session followed by the 6 p.m. evening session. Both sessions will be held in the Public Meeting Room and will be available for viewing on Comcast Channel 98, Verizon Channel 28, and live streamed on chesterfield.gov and the county’s YouTube channel.

Measures are being put in place to accommodate public input while practicing social distancing, as recommended by health officials.

Those citizens wishing to participate in person will be required to wear a face covering and pass a simple health screening before entering the building. In order to maintain the 6-foot social distance requirement, seating will be extremely limited; however, TV monitors will be set up outside the Public Meeting Room.

Due to the COVID 19 occupancy limits of the Public Meeting Room, the general public will not able to be seated in the room, however, citizens requesting to speak before the Board will be given the opportunity to comment in person at the appropriate time.

Citizens who wish to make comments on the portion of the Board’s agenda known as "Citizen Comment Period on Unscheduled Matters" can submit comments via the online form; or call in comments and leave a message at 804-748-1808. A maximum of 15 citizens may leave comments for this meeting in accordance with the Board’s procedures on “Citizen Comment Period on Unscheduled Matters.” The portal will close at 5 p.m. on the day prior to the scheduled board meeting (Tuesday, July 21) in order to prepare comments for the public and the board to see in a timely manner; prior to the Board meeting.

Citizens who wish to provide input on any and all of the public hearing items on the agenda are encouraged to submit comments via the online form. Citizens without internet access may call in comments and leave a message at 804-748-1808.

The public hearing comment form and the meeting agenda are posted online for citizens to view, and citizens are encouraged to view public hearing agenda items and all attachments before submitting a comment.

There are no limits on the number of citizens that can comment on each public hearing item; however, each citizen may submit only one comment per public hearing topic. The allotted comment space is equivalent to the 3-minute allotted time of in-person board meetings. At the end of each day through July 21, the clerk will post all public hearing comments received that day for the public to view. Public hearing comments will be received until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 in order to prepare comments for the public and the board to see in a timely manner, prior to the board meeting.

All comments received will be distributed to the board and posted online for the public to view in advance of the meeting and will be made a part of the board’s official public record within the rules of procedure adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

• The online public comment form may be accessed directly at www.chesterfield.gov/BOScomments.
• The public comment voicemail phone number is 804-748-1808

As a reminder, the Board of Supervisors meeting will be available for viewing on Comcast Channel 98, Verizon Channel 28, and live streamed on chesterfield.gov and the county’s YouTube channel.

July 15, 2020 Update - 4:15 p.m.

Virginia Adopts First-in-the-Nation Workplace Safety Standards for COVID-19 Pandemic
In the absence of federal guidelines, newly adopted workplace safety rules will help protect Virginia workers from the spread of COVID-19 

Governor Ralph Northam announced the adoption of statewide emergency workplace safety standards in response to the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. These first-in-the-nation safety rules will protect Virginia workers by mandating appropriate personal protective equipment, sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training and hazard communications in workplaces across the Commonwealth. The actions come in the absence of federal guidelines.

Newly adopted standards require all employers to mandate social distancing measures and face coverings for employees in customer-facing positions and when social distancing is not possible, provide frequent access to hand washing or hand sanitizer and regularly clean high-contact surfaces. In addition, new standards require all employees be notified within 24 hours if a coworker tests positive for the virus. Employees who are known or suspected to be positive for COVID-19 cannot return to work for 10 days or until they receive two consecutive negative tests.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board voted today to approve an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease prevention after Governor Northam directed the creation of enforceable regulations in May. These temporary emergency standards will remain in effect for six months and can be made permanent through the process defined in state law.

The emergency temporary standards, infectious disease preparedness and response plan templates, and training guidance will be posted on the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry website at doli.virginia.gov. Workers who feel unsafe in their workplace can file a formal complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.  

July 15, 2020 Update - 11 a.m.

July 21 Planning Commission Meeting to be Held In Person
Residents can also submit comments ahead of the meeting using an online form

The Chesterfield Planning Commission will hold its Tuesday, July 21 meeting in person in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road.

Measures are being put in place to accommodate public input while still practicing social distancing, as recommended by health officials.

Residents wishing to comment in person will be required to wear a face covering and pass a simple health screening before entering the building. In order to maintain the 6-foot social distance requirement, seating will be extremely limited; however, TV monitors will be set up outside the Public Meeting Room.

Citizens are encouraged to use the online comment form at www.chesterfield.gov/cpccomments to provide comment on public hearings regarding zoning cases. Those wishing to comment must submit a new online form for each public hearing they want to comment on. Only one comment per person per public hearing will be accepted. The online form can also be used to comment on unscheduled matters. In addition to the form, comments can also be received by email at planning@chesterfield.gov, or by calling 804-748-1125.

The Planning Commission will accept all public comments (online portal, telephone message and email) until 5 p.m. on Monday, July 20 to ensure the comments are provided to the Planning Commission prior to the 6 p.m. meeting for their consideration.

The agenda, staff reports, and PowerPoint presentations for the July 21 Planning Commission Meeting can be found on www.chesterfield.gov/plan.

The Chesterfield Planning Commission Meeting will be livestreamed on WCCT Chesterfield Community Television, including Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 28, and on YouTube.com/ChesterfieldCountyVA.

July 13, 2020 Update - 10:15 a.m.

Chesterfield Emergency Operations Center to End COVID-19 Call Center Services this Week
Residents with COVID-19 related inquiries should contact the Chesterfield Health District 

Effective Friday, July 17, the Chesterfield County Emergency Operations Center Call Center will conclude its operations after experiencing significantly low call volume.

Launched on March 19, the call center presented updated information regarding county resources to assist residents who may not have internet access or needed clarification on available county services during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If residents have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

COVID-19 related questions should be directed to the Chesterfield Health District at 804-318-8207 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or the VDH Hotline at 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (1-877-275-8343) if it is after 4:30 p.m.

Chesterfield County will remain a source for accurate and timely information for our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents, businesses and guests can connect with the county in a variety of ways, including the following social media handles:

• Twitter (@ChesterfieldVa)
• Facebook (@ChesterfieldVA)
• YouTube (Chesterfield County)
• Nextdoor (Chesterfield County Government)

July 7, 2020 Update - Noon

Chesterfield Health Department Announces Free July COVID-19 Testing Dates
Residents should make appointments prior to attending

As part of a statewide push to increase testing across the commonwealth, the Chesterfield Health Department is hosting free COVID-19 testing events throughout the month of July.

Note: Appointments should be made with the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-318-8207 before each event.

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Beulah United Methodist Church
6930 Hopkins Road
(150 tests available)

Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 9 a.m. to noon (Drive-thru only)
River City Sportsplex
13030 Genito Road
(300 tests available)

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
First Baptist Church of South Richmond
6201 Ironbridge Road
(150 tests available)

Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 9 a.m. to noon (Drive-thru only)
The Heights Baptist Church
17201 Jefferson Davis Highway
(300 tests available)

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Falling Creek Ironworks Park
6407 Jefferson Davis Highway
(150 tests available)

Wednesday, July 29, 2020 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Crystal Lake Apartments
3501 Meadowdale Blvd.
(150 tests available)

Testing is for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms and is free for uninsured or underinsured persons.

While some appointments will be reserved for walk-ups that morning, testing is limited and appointments should be made with the Chesterfield Health Department at 804-318-8207 before each event.

Residents who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms as defined by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), should make an appointment prior to arriving.

Spanish speaking staff also will be present during the testing event.

July 1, 2020 Update - 9 a.m.

Governor Northam Prohibits Congregating in Bars, Stresses Caution As Virginia Moves to Phase Three
With cases rising in other states, Virginia will maintain current restrictions on bar seating, congregating

Governor Ralph Northam announced that bar seating will remain prohibited in restaurants as the Commonwealth moves into Phase Three of the Forward Virginia guidelines. While key health indicators in Virginia are improving, the Governor made clear that he is taking a cautious approach and is prepared to implement tighter restrictions if needed.

To reduce the likelihood of patrons gathering in bar areas without observing social distancing guidelines, bar seating and congregating areas of restaurants will remain closed except for those passing through. Restaurants may use non-bar seating in the bar area, as long as a minimum of six feet between tables is provided.

Virginia is currently averaging more than 10,400 tests per day—exceeding Governor Northam’s goal—and hospitals continue to report ample supplies of personal protective equipment. The percentage of positive tests has dropped to six percent from a high of 20 percent in mid-April. The number of Virginians hospitalized with a positive or pending COVID-19 test has declined significantly over the past several weeks, and more than 1,200 contact tracers are presently working throughout the Commonwealth.

Despite these positive trends, Governor Northam is monitoring increases in several states, and taking proactive steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Virginia. Governor Northam also continues to remind Virginians that they are safer at home, especially if they are high-risk or vulnerable. All Virginians must continue to comply with the statewide face covering requirement in indoor public spaces, and Virginians are strongly encouraged to:

• continue teleworking if possible
• wash hands regularly
• maintain six feet of physical distance when outside of home
• get tested immediately if you have COVID-19 symptoms

View Executive Order Sixty-Seven and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven (English version).
View Executive Order Sixty-Seven and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven (Spanish version).  

View sector-specific guidelines for Phase Three (English version).
View sector-specific guidelines for Phase Three (Spanish version).

Visit virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.