COVID-19 Updates Archive - March 2021
- March 31 Updates
- March 26 Updates
- March 25 Updates
- March 23 Updates
- March 22 Updates
- March 18 Updates
- March 17 Updates
- March 16 Updates
- March 15 Updates
- March 12 Updates
- March 11 Updates
- March 10 Updates
- March 8 Updates
- March 5 Updates
- March 4 Updates
- March 1 Updates
March 31, 2021 Update - 6:30 p.m.
Chesterfield Health District Will Expand COVID-19 Vaccination to Phase 1c
Pre-registration at Vaccinate.Virginia.gov (877-829-4682) still required
Effective Thursday, April 1, the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Chesterfield Health District (CHD) will move into Phase 1c COVID-19 vaccinations. VDH CHD will continue to prioritize vaccination for anyone in Phases 1a and 1b who registers to receive the vaccine. Overlap of vaccination of phases may occur to ensure individuals in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible.
While Phase 1b opened vaccination eligibility to frontline essential workers in prioritized industries, Phase 1c further expands vaccination to other essential workers. Phase 1c includes those from the following industries: energy; water, wastewater and waste removal (includes recycling removal); housing and construction; food service; transportation and logistics; institutions of higher education (faculty and staff only); finance; information technology and communication; media; legal services; public safety (including engineers); other public health workers; and barbers, stylists and hairdressers.
View additional phase information on the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response webpage.
All individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccination should pre-register at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
When you receive your appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, please follow these guidelines at the vaccination site:
- Appointments are required at all locations for COVID-19 vaccination in our area. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Please pre-register to be contacted for an appointment.
- Please plan to arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- Please wear vaccine ready clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.
It is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention. Continue to protect yourself and others: cover your mouth and nose with a mask, wash your hands often, stay at least six feet away from others and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household.
For more information about COVID-19 in Virginia and the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts in the pandemic, visit the VDH COVID-19 webpage.
March 26, 2021 Update - 2 p.m.
Chesterfield’s Access On Demand, GRTC to Cover Fee for Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments
Assistance available to help residents find transportation to scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointments
Chesterfield County and GRTC want to ensure the lack of transportation does not deter residents from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. If a resident has a scheduled appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but doesn’t have a way to get there, the individual is encouraged to call Chesterfield Mobility Services at 804-706-2796 and a free ride will be scheduled.
Free rides to COVID-19 vaccine appointments are being accommodated two ways:
- Through its Access On Demand program, Chesterfield will cover the $6 per trip transportation fee to COVID-19 vaccination appointments, making the trip free for those registered with Chesterfield Mobility Services.
- Those not eligible or registered though Access On Demand can still call Chesterfield Mobility Services and staff will assist them in getting a free ride through GRTC’s and Uzurv partnership program using GRTC CARES Act funding.
Residents can use this free ride service to go to a vaccine appointment anywhere in the program’s service area, including the Virginia State University and Richmond International Raceway Community Vaccination Centers.
To sign up for a free ride to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call Chesterfield Mobility Services at 804-706-2796 at least one day before your appointment to get scheduled.
Read the full news release.
March 25, 2021 Update - 9 a.m.
VDEM and VDH Urge Individuals to Not Travel to Community Vaccination Centers Without an Official Appointment or Invitation
Walk-ins are no longer being accepted
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that only those individuals who receive an appointment or invitation to attend a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) event will be permitted inside to be vaccinated. CVCs currently are intended for people eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1 in Virginia, who are at higher risk for exposure to or severe illness from COVID-19.
VDEM and VDH will continue to closely monitor demand for Phase 1 vaccinations in the areas where CVCs are operating, so that doses can be shifted as needed while continuing to vaccinate anyone in the area who is eligible in Phase 1. Fluctuating registration numbers in the initial stages of site operations have allowed for walk-ins in some isolated instances, but this is no longer the case. Each clinic in Virginia has a plan for how to administer any unused doses at the end of the day, so that eligible individuals are prioritized.
Everyone who lives or works in Virginia should pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). Additional languages are available and TTY users should call 7-1-1.
Individuals who have been invited to a CVC should keep in mind the following guidelines:
- Please plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will not be allowed in early to receive your vaccine.
- No walk-ins will be accepted at this time. Please pre-register to be contacted for an appointment.
- Bring a copy of your invitation (email, text, barcode) or other proof of your name when you arrive at the site.
For more information about COVID-19 in Virginia and the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts in the pandemic, visit the VDH COVID-19 webpage.
Read the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.
March 23, 2021 Update - 4:30 p.m.
Governor Northam Announces Limited Capacity Increases for Indoor and Outdoor Gatherings, Some Entertainment Venues as Vaccinations Rise
Approximately one in four Virginians vaccinated with at least one dose
Governor Ralph Northam has announced that as COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rise in Virginia, certain sports and entertainment venues may begin to operate with additional capacity and indoor and outdoor gathering limits will increase starting Thursday, April 1. He amended Executive Order Seventy-Two (PDF) with the next steps of the Forward Virginia plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while mitigating the spread of the virus. More than two million Virginians, or approximately one in four people, have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Commonwealth will maintain a Safer at Home strategy with continued mitigation strategies like physical distancing, teleworking and universal mask requirements. Key changes in the Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two include:
- Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase to 50 people for indoor settings and 100 people for outdoor settings. Social gatherings are currently limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.
- Entertainment venues: All indoor and outdoor entertainment and public amusement venues must continue to operate at 30% capacity. Indoor venues must operate at 30% capacity or with a maximum of 500 people, an increase from the current cap of 250 people. Outdoor venues must operate at 30% capacity, with no specific cap on the number of attendees. These venues were previously limited to 30% capacity or up to 1,000 attendees, whichever was fewer.
- Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at recreational sporting events will increase from 25 to 100 people per field or 30% capacity, whichever is less for indoor settings, and from 250 to 500 people per field or 30% capacity, whichever is less for outdoor settings.
- In-person graduation and commencement events: Last week, Governor Northam issued preliminary guidance on safe in-person graduations and commencements, which included a cap of 5,000 people or 30% of the venue capacity for outdoor events, whichever is less. Events held indoors may have up to 500 people, or 30% of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing.
View the full text of Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two and Order of Public Health Emergency Nine (PDF).
View updated Forward Virginia guidelines for specific sectors (PDF). Visit the Forward Virginia webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Virginia has now administered more than 3.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine and is currently giving approximately 50,000 shots per day. Virginians are strongly encouraged to make sure they are pre-registered at vaccinate.virginia.gov, or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), to ensure that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has all the relevant information to reach out when individuals are eligible to schedule vaccination appointments.
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 22, 2021 Update - 3 p.m.
Governor Northam Awards Over $6 Million in Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grants
Funding will assist 38 permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, and innovative pilot projects
Governor Ralph Northam has announced more than $6 million in Homeless Reduction Grants through the Virginia Housing Trust Fund for 38 projects throughout the Commonwealth. The funding will advance 102 targeted efforts to reduce homelessness, which include rapid re-housing, support services for permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless, and the pre-development of permanent supportive housing projects for individuals or families experiencing recurring homelessness.
Governor Northam and the General Assembly invested an historic $55 million in the Virginia Housing Trust Fund (VHTF) this fiscal year, and the Governor’s budget proposal increases this funding to $70.7 million in the current year. VHTF provides financing for housing construction projects that create or preserve affordable housing units, reduce the cost of affordable housing and increase homeownership. This funding is a key source of financing for affordable housing initiatives that support moderate-and-low-income families, as well as Homeless Reduction Grants to provide rapid re-housing and longer-term housing solutions for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
While the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout has led to increased homelessness rates in many communities across the Commonwealth, overall homelessness in Virginia has declined 36% since 2010, with homelessness among families dropping by 45%. Homelessness among veterans has been cut in half since 2011 and in 2015, Virginia became the first state in the country to functionally end veteran homelessness. These successes have been driven by the leadership of the Governor’s Coordinating Council on Homelessness, collaboration between state and local partners, and the allocation of funding to efforts that support a systemic approach at the community level. Resources to address homelessness in Virginia are administered through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Virginia Homeless Solutions Program, which combines state and federal funds to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
In 2021, 60% of the funding allocated to the VHTF must be used to provide loans that reduce the costs of affordable housing. Given the additional need for immediate solutions to house individuals during the pandemic, up to 40% of the VHTF is being used for grants to reduce homelessness.
View additional information about Virginia Housing Trust Fund Homeless Reduction Grants.
The following Chesterfield projects will receive Homeless Reduction Grant Awards:
Homeward
$253,750
Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties, the city of Richmond, and the town of Ashland
This project will support staffing to connect older adults currently staying in a pandemic response shelter in the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care with permanent supportive housing. Funding will support policy development and a consumer support council to integrate older adults who have experienced homelessness into the program.
St. Joseph’s Villa
$97,983
Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, and Powhatan counties, the city of Richmond, and the town of Ashland
The Flagler project will provide housing stabilization services and rent assistance for five chronically homeless individuals in need of permanent supportive housing, serving as a bridge for individuals in need of long-term housing supports to maintain permanent housing in the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care.
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 22, 2021 Update - 1:30 p.m.
Chesterfield Reopens Government Citizens Academy Virtually
Sets goal for every eligible student to complete FAFSA application and address COVID-19 related decline
Chesterfield County is now accepting applications online for the spring 2021 session of the Government Citizens Academy, which is being offered virtually to abide by public health guidelines during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Applications may be submitted at www.chesterfield.gov/GovAcademy and are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 9.
The academy’s nine meetings will occur virtually on Tuesday evenings, April 13 to June 8, from 6-7:30 p.m.
The Government Citizens Academy offers residents a first-hand opportunity to learn about the operations of Chesterfield County Government. It is intended for a diverse audience, from curious high school students, business owners, new or longtime Chesterfield residents and more. The academy, which is free, allows participants to meet local government leaders while providing feedback about county services and programs.
Hosted by the county’s Department of Citizen Information and Resources (CIR), the planned spring 2020 and fall 2020 sessions of the Government Citizens Academy were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit www.chesterfield.gov/GovAcademy or contact program administrators by email at GCA@chesterfield.gov or phone at 804-796-7100. Class size is limited, and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
View the full news release.
March 22, 2021 Update - 10:45 a.m.
Governor Announces New Service to Assist Virginia Students Applying for Financial Aid
Sets goal for every eligible student to complete FAFSA application and address COVID-19 related decline
Governor Ralph Northam has announced the launch of a new free advising service to assist Virginia students and families applying for financial aid and help address the COVID-19 related decline in completion rates of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Governor Northam also set forth a long-term goal for every eligible student in Virginia to complete a FAFSA application each year.
The Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) have partnered on a statewide effort to offer free, one-on-one FAFSA completion assistance. From Monday, March 22 through Wednesday, June 30, 2021, students and families can go to virginiacan.org/fafsa to schedule a virtual meeting and connect with an advisor who can answer questions and walk them through filling out the FAFSA application.
So far in 2021, 4,315 fewer Virginia high school seniors have completed the FAFSA, which is down nearly 10% compared to last year and mirrors the nine percent decline in FAFSA completion rates nationally. For students attending Virginia high schools with high concentrations of low-income students, FAFSA completions are down 33%. This means students who have the most to gain from state and federal aid are missing out on thousands of dollars in financial assistance for college and postsecondary training. According to a 2018 study, approximately 15,000 Virginia high school seniors that would have been eligible for Pell grants did not complete the FAFSA, amounting to more than $58 million in federal aid that students left on the table.
The FAFSA is also vitally important for Governor Northam’s new “Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back” (G3) initiative, which provides financial support to cover tuition, fees, and books to eligible Virginia students who complete a FAFSA. The G3 Program aims to make community college more affordable for low- to middle-income individuals seeking employment in high-demand sectors such as technology, skilled trades, health care, early childhood education and public safety.
To meet the Governor’s goal of ensuring that every eligible Virginia student completes the FAFSA, he has directed Secretary Qarni to convene a work group tasked with forming long-term legislative and budgetary recommendations to improve Virginia’s FAFSA completion rates. This group will include representatives from SCHEV, Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Education, along with other key stakeholders and college access experts. The work group will conduct listening sessions with community groups to collect input which will inform their final recommendations to the Governor.
VirginiaCAN, a non-profit organization with a mission to support and enhance post-high school education access and attainment for Virginians, is the lead organization in the new one-on-one FAFSA advising service. The five college access organizations participating in this effort include the Access College Foundation, ECMC’s The College Place, GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP), the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA) and the Virginia College Advising Corps (VCAC).
For more information, visit the VirginiaCAN Statewide FAFSA initiative webpage.
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 18, 2021 Update - 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, March 24 Board of Supervisors Meeting to be Held In Person
Citizens may submit comments using online form
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, March 24, will be held in person in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The online comment form is available for citizens to submit comments ahead of time.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with a work session on the proposed FY2022 budget 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 in person public input while practicing social distancing, as recommended by health officials.
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. Face coverings will be required, and members of the public will be need to pass a simple health screening before entering the building.
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, March 23) 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 Tuesday, March 23, 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, March 23 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.
Read the full news release.
March 17, 2021 Update - 6 p.m.
VDH Chesterfield Health District Moves to Vaccinate All Residents Within Phase 1b Group
More than 300 Virginia pharmacies currently receiving vaccines within federal program
The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Chesterfield Health District, which includes the counties of Chesterfield and Powhatan and the City of Colonial Heights, announced Wednesday it is expanding vaccination clinics within the health district to include all tiers in Phase 1b (PDF).
Residents interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination should pre-register at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). The statewide system allows individuals to easily pre-register for the free vaccine, confirm they are on the wait list and verify/update their pre-registration information, and learn more about Virginia’s vaccination program. Individuals are encouraged to include their age, medical conditions and contact information, to ensure they are contacted by VDH as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Phase 1b vaccinations in the VDH Chesterfield Health District were previously limited to frontline workers, such as healthcare professionals, law enforcement and teachers, and people over the age of 65, due to extremely limited quantities the health district was receiving of the COVID-19 vaccine.
However, as access to COVID-19 vaccines has increased, VDH’s Chesterfield Health District is now ready to accept all qualifying residents who fall within the Phase 1b category and are seeking a vaccine.
As the VDH Chesterfield Health District opens vaccinations to all residents within Phase 1b, the health district is also working closely with state health officials and local community partners – including Chesterfield County Government – on an appropriate time to transition the health district into Phase 1c (PDF) vaccinations.
View the full news release.
March 17, 2021 Update - 4 p.m.
Federal Retail Pharmacy Partners Expand Vaccines to Virginians Aged 16-64 with High-Risk Medical Conditions and Frontline Essential Workers
More than 300 Virginia pharmacies currently receiving vaccines within federal program
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced today that Federal Retail Pharmacy partners will expand within Phase 1b to offer vaccines to individuals who are 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, as well as frontline essential workers, including:
- Police, Fire, and Hazmat
- Corrections and homeless shelters
- Food and Agriculture (including veterinarians)
- Manufacturing
- Grocery stores (including farmers’ market food vendors)
- Public transit (including rideshare drivers)
- Mail carriers (USPS and private)
- Officials needed to maintain continuity of government (including judges and public facing judicial workers)
- Clergy/faith leaders
- Janitorial/cleaning
The expansion follows the state’s recent announcement that some Virginia communities could move from Phase 1b to Phase 1c, based upon a variety of factors, including vaccine demand decreases despite strong efforts to engage eligible populations, particularly among those who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
There are more than 300 pharmacies currently receiving vaccines within this federal program, which has the ability to expand to over 1,000 pharmacies across Virginia. Pharmacy expansion is based on equitable and fair access, demand and supply.
Individuals who are interested in getting vaccinated at a local pharmacy may visit VaccineFinder.org to find eligible pharmacy locations, hours, phone numbers and scheduling links where available. While many pharmacies have continued to work directly with the health departments to vaccinate vulnerable populations, some pharmacies have online scheduling for vaccine appointments.
VDH urges everyone who lives or works in Virginia to pre-register at vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response webpage.
View the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.
March 17, 2021 Update - 2:45 p.m.
Governor Northam Announces Draft Plan for Safe In-Person Graduations and Commencements
Governor, state officials visit schools across the Commonwealth to highlight safe return to classroom instruction
Governor Ralph Northam has released preliminary guidance for how K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, may safely hold in-person graduation and commencement events this spring. These tentative plans have been reviewed with education officials and are expected to be included in an April 1 update to Third Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two.
Graduation events held outdoors will be capped at 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Graduation events held indoors may have up to 500 people, or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less. Attendees must wear masks and follow other guidelines and safety protocols to ensure proper distancing. Preliminary guidance for safely holding graduation and commencement events can be found here.
Virginia has currently administered more than 2.7 million total COVID-19 vaccine doses, and 1.8 million Virginians—21.3% of the population—have received at least one dose, while more than one million are fully vaccinated. The statewide positivity rate is 5.4%. About 50,000 shots are being administered to Virginians each day, and the Commonwealth is on pace to have vaccine available to everyone who wants to get vaccinated by the beginning of May. The acceleration of the vaccine program and the decrease in new COVID-19 cases make it safer to ease restrictions on activities like in-person graduations.
Virginia’s schools are also meeting Governor Northam’s goal to expand opportunities for regular in-person instruction. In early February, Governor Northam directed Virginia’s 132 school divisions to submit plans by mid-March for returning students to their classrooms. At that time, 25 school divisions, representing more than a third of Virginia’s students, had no plans for in-person learning. All school divisions have now submitted plans to meet that goal and a vast majority of divisions are now offering full time classroom instruction or hybrid schedules that allow students to learn in person at least part of the week. All divisions continue to provide fully remote instructional options for students who choose to learn from home.
Over the past two weeks, Governor Northam and state officials have visited schools at every grade level in 26 school divisions throughout the Commonwealth, highlighting innovative approaches to safe classroom instruction.
Virginia prioritized vaccinating teachers and school staff early on and more than two-thirds have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The American Rescue Plan Act, which was signed into law last week by President Biden, includes $122 billion to support K-12 school recovery efforts nationwide. Ninety percent of the funding will go directly to local school districts based on the formula for distributing federal Title I funds. Ten percent of the funding under the act will support state-level initiatives to help schools recover from the pandemic. According to estimates, Virginia will receive approximately $2.1 billion, with $1.9 billion going directly to school divisions, and approximately $200 million reserved to support state-level K-12 recovery initiatives.
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 16, 2021 Update - 3:30 p.m.
VDH, VDEM Launches COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center at VSU Multi-Purpose Center in Chesterfield
Opening Wednesday, March 17, the community vaccination center events are by appointment only
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), is launching a COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at the Virginia State University (VSU) Multi-Purpose Center, located at 20809 Second Ave. in Chesterfield County.
The VSU CVC opens Wednesday, March 17 to accommodate only those already pre-registered in the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Registration system.
CVCs are organized by VDEM and VDH in consultation with local health districts and local governments; funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and operated by turnkey contractors. Vaccination centers were initiatives planned from the beginning to support communities as more vaccines became available. These sites are intended to augment work local health districts, pharmacies and healthcare facilities have been doing over the past few months to get COVID-19 shots into arms.
The vaccination sites are strategically placed to identify communities with the largest number of vulnerable populations, and communities with the largest percentage of vulnerable residents and greatest COVID-19 impact.
At this time, the VSU vaccination center is not equipped to handle unregistered residents who are seeking a walk-in appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals who show up to the VSU CVC that have not been contacted directly by VDH for a vaccine will be turned away.
Located on the historic Virginia State University campus in Chesterfield, the VSU Multi-Purpose Center is the largest sporting and entertainment facility south of Richmond – boasting 167,000 square feet with a seating capacity of nearly 6,000. Given its size, local and state health officials anticipate vaccinating up to 6,000 people per day at the VSU vaccination center.
Chesterfield County Government continues to work with state health officials and community partners to get residents vaccinated against COVID-19, which include launching the county’s COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard.
The Chesterfield County Government dashboard provides an interactive snapshot of the number of residents who have received vaccines. According to dashboard data updated Sunday, March 14, roughly 68,000 county residents have either received the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or have been fully vaccinated. The county’s goal is to vaccinate 75 percent of its vaccine-eligible residents, or about 191,000 people, in the coming months.
Read the full news release.
March 16, 2021 Update - 3:15 p.m.
Some Virginia Health Districts to Begin Transition to Phase 1C Vaccinations
All health districts are expected to move into Phase 1c by mid-April
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced that some health districts will begin the transition to Phase 1c vaccinations this week, and that all communities across Virginia should be able to open to this group of essential workers within weeks.
The decision to move from one phase to the next is made in coordination with local and state health officials and is dependent upon a variety of factors. Before moving to 1c, local health departments must have made strong efforts to reach all those eligible in 1a and 1b populations, particularly communities that have been disproportionately impacted, such as communities of color. Local health departments also must consider whether demand for vaccine has decreased among 1a and 1b populations.
Virginia began vaccinating healthcare personnel and people living in long-term care facilities in December, before moving to Phase 1b in January. Phase 1b includes those 65 and older, those 16-64 with underlying medical conditions and some frontline essential workers. Phase 1c includes additional essential workers, including those in the energy, construction, food services and other fields. Overlap of vaccination of groups may occur to ensure people in each phase are vaccinated as quickly and efficiently as possible. A full list of those included in each phase is available on the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response webpage.
All communities are expected to move into Phase 1c by mid-April. Anyone over age 16 who lives or works in Virginia will be eligible for a vaccine in Phase 2, which is expected to begin by May 1.
Anyone who wants a vaccine should pre-register for an appointment by visiting vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) from 8 a.m.-8p.m., seven days a week. Representatives are available in English and Spanish, and translation is available in more than 100 languages. TTY dial 7-1-1.
Those who have pre-registered should check the list at vaccinate.virginia.gov or by calling the call center at 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682) to ensure their information is accurate. Incomplete or inaccurate information could result in you not being contacted for an appointment.
If you are pre-registered, make sure to check your email and answer your phone, as VDH will be in contact to schedule your appointment.
For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response webpage.
View the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.
March 16, 2021 Update - 12:15 p.m.
VDEM and VDH Open Community Vaccination Centers Statewide
All community vaccination center events are by appointment only
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have started to open community vaccination centers across the Commonwealth to administer COVID-19 vaccinations on a larger scale. The site in Danville opened Monday, March 15; the site in Portsmouth will open today, Tuesday, March 16; Petersburg will open Wednesday, March 17; and Prince William is scheduled to open next week.
All community vaccination center events are by appointment only and no walk-ins will be accepted. Individuals, who have pre-registered for the vaccine and are eligible under the state’s current phase for distribution, will be contacted to make an appointment to receive their vaccine doses. To pre-register, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call the COVID Vaccine Hotline at 1-877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
Here are some helpful hints for individuals who are scheduled to visit a community vaccination center:
- Plan to arrive no earlier than 20 minutes prior to your appointment time. You will not be allowed in early to receive your vaccine.
- No walk-ins will be accepted at this time. Please pre-register to be contacted for an appointment.
- Bring a copy of your invitation (email, text, barcode) or proof of your name when you arrive at the site.
These community vaccination centers will not replace other local, small-scale efforts to deliver COVID-19. These sites are state-managed and made possible thanks to FEMA funding that was granted to Virginia for the state’s continued response to COVID-19. The sites were selected after the Virginia Department of Emergency Management conducted an equity analysis to determine the communities with the largest number of vulnerable populations and communities with the largest percentage of vulnerable population and greatest COVID-19 impact.
For more information on COVID-19 in Virginia, visit the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response webpage.
View the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.
March 15, 2021 Update - 5:15 p.m.
Governor and First Lady Northam Receive Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Virginia National Guard administered vaccines as part of new mobile vaccination teams
Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam both received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine today, Monday, March 15, 2021. Members of the Virginia National Guard administered the vaccinations as part of the first deployment of mobile vaccination teams starting this week.
The Virginia National Guard has been mobilized since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to support the Commonwealth’s response efforts, including assisting with logistics and administering COVID-19 tests. Approximately 325 Virginia National Guard soldiers and airmen operating in two battalion task forces from multiple units are supporting the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Virginia Department of Health at COVID-19 community vaccination sites across the Commonwealth. Five mobile vaccination teams will launch this week, consisting of Army and Air National Guard medics trained by the Virginia Department of Health. Each mobile team is expected to provide a capacity of up to 250 vaccinations per day in support of localities and will primarily serve hard-to-reach populations. Learn more about the Virginia National Guard mobile vaccination teams.
Virginia is now administering nearly 53,000 doses per day on average, with more than 2.7 million doses given to date. Almost 1.8 million Virginians—21 percent of the population—have received at least one dose, and more than one million Virginians are fully vaccinated.
The Commonwealth continues to expand its vaccination capabilities to match the increasing federal vaccine supply. Today, a community vaccination clinic opened in Danville as part of a partnership between the state, localities, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Two additional community vaccination clinics will begin this week in Petersburg and Portsmouth, and one in Prince William is scheduled to open next week. These clinics, like most vaccination clinics at this stage of the vaccination effort, are appointment-only.
Virginia expects to meet President Biden’s goal of expanding eligibility to all adults by May 1. Executive Mansion staff and those who travel with Governor Northam also received vaccinations today.
Virginians are strongly encouraged to make sure they are pre-registered at vaccinate.virginia.gov, or by calling 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682), to ensure that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has all the relevant information to reach out when individuals are eligible to schedule vaccination appointments.
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 12, 2021 Update - 5:30 p.m.
Governor Northam Declares March 14 Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Virginians Lost to COVID-19
Orders Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff on Sunday
Governor Ralph Northam issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, March 14, 2021 a day of prayer and remembrance to honor the Virginians who have lost their lives to COVID-19. The first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Commonwealth of Virginia on March 7, 2020 and the first death was recorded on March 14, 2020. Tragically, 9,961 people in Virginia have died from the virus as of March 12, 2021.
Additionally, Governor Northam has ordered the flags of the Commonwealth of Virginia to be lowered on all state and local buildings and grounds from sunrise on Sunday, March 14, 2021 and remain at half-staff until sunset.
The Executive Mansion in Richmond will be illuminated with an amber light from Sunday, March 14, 2021 until Sunday, March 21, 2021 to pay tribute to the thousands of Virginians lost to COVID-19. Governor and First Lady Northam are inviting people across the Commonwealth to join in commemorating the lives lost by lighting their homes and businesses amber.
In an effort to memorialize the individuals who have died as a result of COVID-19 in Virginia, the Northam Administration is creating a portal where Virginians can share the names and stories of their loved ones. Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Delegate Delores McQuinn also introduced a resolution during the 2021 General Assembly session designating March 14, in 2021 and in each succeeding year, as Victims of COVID-19 Remembrance Day in Virginia.
Read the full text of Governor Northam’s proclamation.
View a video message from Governor Northam marking the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines and to pre-register for your shot, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).
View the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
March 12, 2021 Update - 3 p.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates COVID-19 Recommendations for Healthcare Settings
Also, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Updates Nursing Home Visitation Guidance
Healthcare facilities in Virginia can expand visitation practices for residents and their families, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has announced. On Wednesday, March 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released Updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination for all healthcare settings, including but not limited to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Also on March 10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated COVID-19 Guidelines and Revised Visitation Recommendations for certified nursing homes in response to significant reductions in COVID-19 infections and transmission resulting from ongoing infection control practices and high vaccination rates in the nursing home population.
The number of new cases of COVID-19 reported in Virginia nursing home residents has been consistently decreasing since mid-January; VDH is currently observing the lowest weekly case counts since early summer 2020. As of Thursday, March 11, 279,969 vaccine doses have been administered to residents and staff in Virginia long-term care facilities. Relaxing current restrictions on indoor visitation might increase the risk for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in post-acute care facilities. However, Virginia’s progress in the vaccination of residents and healthcare personnel can mitigate some of these risks and public health officials understand that expanding visitation has substantial benefits to residents.
VDH recommends that per CDC’s updated guidance, indoor visitation could be permitted for all residents except as noted below:
- Indoor visitation for unvaccinated residents should be limited solely to compassionate care situations if the COVID-19 county positivity rate is >10% and <70% of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated.
- Indoor visitation should be limited solely to compassionate care situations, for:
- Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection until they have met criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions.
- Vaccinated and unvaccinated residents in quarantine until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.
- Facilities experiencing outbreaks should continue to follow guidance from their local health department. Nursing homes should also follow guidance from CMSon when visitation should be paused.
- Visitors should be counseled about their potential to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in the facility if they are permitted to visit.
- Additional recommendations are outlined by CDC and CMS.
It is recommended that all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes and other congregate healthcare settings adhere to these guidelines. Facilities should continue to regularly vaccinate new admissions and staff, and should adhere to CMS regulations and guidance for COVID-19 testing (PDF), including routine staff testing, testing of individuals with symptoms and outbreak testing.
Since its inception in April 2020, the Virginia COVID-19 Long-Term Care Task Force has convened as least biweekly to ensure long-term care facilities have the resources they need to combat the virus; strengthen staffing, testing and infection control measures at long-term care facilities; and keep stakeholders informed about the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care facilities. The Task Force, led by VDH and composed of leadership from Virginia state agencies, Virginia’s long-term care and hospital associations, long-term care providers and long-term care resident advocates, has been critical to the Commonwealth’s efforts to combat COVID-19 in long-term care facilities.
While VDH and the Task Force understands the milestone these updated recommendations represent, we remind Virginians that it is critical that facilities, healthcare personnel, residents and visitors remain vigilant by continuing to follow infection control recommendations such as wearing a well-fitted cloth mask or facemask, physical distancing (maintaining at least six feet between people), hand washing, staying home when sick and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This continues to be the safest way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly if either party has not been fully vaccinated.
For more information about Virginia’s efforts to support long-term care facilities, please visit the Virginia Long-Term Care Task Force website.
Read the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.
March 11, 2021 Update - Noon
Chesterfield Unveils New County-Specific COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard
Dashboard data is specific to Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield Health District
During the Wednesday, March 10 Board of Supervisors meeting, county staff, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Chesterfield Health District, unveiled a new, robust COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard specific to Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield Health District (Chesterfield County, Powhatan County and the City of Colonial Heights) that includes an estimated timeline to reach the county’s community vaccination goal of 75 percent.
The Chesterfield COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard uses data pulled directly from VDH daily and integrates the University of Virginia Weldon Cooper Center 2020 population estimates for Chesterfield and other localities in Virginia. The goal of the dashboard is to provide an interactive snapshot of the progress of vaccine distribution in the county and the number of residents who have been vaccinated. It also allows a side-by-side comparison between Chesterfield and other localities in the vaccination effort.
This new tool maximizes the data the county already receives from VDH and publishes it in a way for better access and understanding by our residents.
Read the full news release.
March 10, 2021 Update - 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 16 Planning Commission Meeting to Be Held In Person
Residents may submit comments using online form
The Chesterfield Planning Commission will hold its Tuesday, March 16 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 state and federal health officials.
Those 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.
Residents 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. Monday, March 15 to ensure the comments are provided to the Planning Commission for their consideration prior to the 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, March 16.
View agenda, staff reports and presentations for the Tuesday, March 16 Planning Commission meeting.
The Chesterfield Planning Commission meeting will be livestreamed on WCCT Chesterfield Community Television, including Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 28, and on the Chesterfield County YouTube.
For additional Planning information, visit the Planning Department webpage.
Read the full news release.
March 8, 2021 Update - 6 p.m. (updated March 24)
Proposed FY2022 Chesterfield Budget Community Meetings to be Virtual
Meeting livestreams will be available via Chesterfield County’s Facebook and YouTube pages, Comcast 98, Verizon 28
Chesterfield County will host a series of virtual community meetings to review the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Budget (PDF) with the Board of Supervisors and county budget administrators.
The virtual community meetings will be broadcast live on the county’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, along with Comcast 98 and Verizon 28. The meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the following days:
- Thursday, March 11 – Dale District - View the March 11 Virtual Community Meeting
- Monday, March 15 – Clover Hill District - View the March 15 Virtual Community Meeting
- Wednesday, March 17 – Midlothian District - View the March 17 Virtual Community Meeting
- Monday, March 22 – Matoaca District - View the March 22 Virtual Community Meeting
- Tuesday, March 23 – Bermuda District - View the March 23 Virtual Community Meeting
Each meeting will include a presentation followed by a question and answer session. While all virtual sessions are open to anyone in the community, each event is scheduled with a specific Board of Supervisor member.
All are welcome to join a meeting that is most convenient to their schedule regardless the district they reside.
Residents unable to attend one of the virtual community meetings can also provide feedback and comments on the Budget Feedback Form or by sending an email to blueprint@chesterfield.gov. View more information in the county’s budget website, Blueprint Chesterfield.
A public hearing on the proposed FY22 budget is schedule for Wednesday, March 24 with anticipated budget adoption during the Wednesday, April 7 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Read the full news release.
March 5, 2021 Update - 6 p.m.
Virginia Works to Mitigate Evictions Crisis, Implement Long-Term Solutions to Increase Housing Stability
Chesterfield residents and landlords can access local rent relief
Governor Ralph Northam announced the new Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Program, to help build capacity and implement eviction prevention and diversion programs that address the underlying causes of evictions.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development was directed to design and implement the pilot program using a coordinated systems approach to effectively prevent evictions and address immediate and long-term housing needs. This includes creating a collective impact model where organizations that serve as a safety-net within the community collaborate to ensure households have early access to resources to stabilize their housing situations.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic fallout has exacerbated housing instability and inequality in the Commonwealth and across the country, with disproportionate impacts on communities of color and low-income communities. Virginia has responded in part by providing rent and mortgage assistance through the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program. Localities have also utilized federal and local funds to administer their own rent relief initiatives. While state and local efforts seek to assist households facing eviction or foreclosure due to the pandemic, the goal of this pilot is to address systemic issues impacting housing insecurity and the high rate of evictions in Virginia.
Tenants and landlords currently in need of rental assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program should check their eligibility by completing the self-assessment or by dialing 2-1-1 from their phones. Tenants may be eligible for rent arrears payments back to April 1, 2020 and up to three months of payments into the future. The Commonwealth remains focused on helping eligible households access resources to maintain housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future. For additional housing resources, visit StayHomeVirginia.com.
Read the full news release on the Virginia Governor Newsroom.
Chesterfield County Residents and Landlords
Chesterfield residents can access local rent relief via Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS), which received $10 million to administer the Chesterfield Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance program (CERA).
CERA Program Details
The CERA program is available to help renters who experienced an economic hardship due to COVID-19 meet up to 15 months of past and future rent and utility obligations starting as far back as April 1, 2020.
CERA program funds are only available to renters and can be used for the following:
- Rent and rental arrears
- Utilities and home energy costs and arrears
- Other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic
Applying to CERA
Chesterfield residents can apply to the CERA program two ways:
- Complete the online application.
- Call ACTS at 804-644-2401, press No. 2 and leave a message. Spanish-speaking residents should to press No. 5. All calls will be returned in the order they were received.
Chesterfield landlords may apply to the CERA program on behalf of their tenants by visiting the Chesterfield Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Information for Landlords webpage.
For more information on eligibility, priority households and what documents are needed to apply, visit the ACTS Chesterfield CERA webpage.
Read the full news release.
March 4, 2021 Update - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, March 10 Board of Supervisors Meeting to be Held In Person
Citizens may submit comments using online form
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, March 10, will be held in person in the Public Meeting Room at 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The online comment form is available for citizens to submit comments ahead of time.
The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with a work session on the proposed FY2022 budget 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 in person public input while practicing social distancing, as recommended by health officials.
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. Face coverings will be required, and members of the public will be need to pass a simple health screening before entering the building.
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, March 9) 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 Tuesday, March 9, 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, March 9 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.
Read the full news release.
March 1, 2021 Update - 10:30 a.m.
Virginia to Begin Offering New, One-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Following Federal Approval
Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the third vaccination to receive FDA approval
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that a new single-dose COVID-19 vaccine will begin being offered in Virginia following federal approval of a third vaccination that has been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from the disease.
On Saturday, Feb. 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a new vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson. The EUA allows the vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for those 18 and older.
Virginia is expected to receive 69,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week, which will be prioritized for mass vaccination clinics across the state. An additional allotment is expected to be sent to pharmacies participating in a federal partnership to help vaccinate priority groups, such as those 65 and older, at no cost.
VDH encourages all providers who schedule vaccine appointments to advise individuals which vaccine they will receive, because the Johnson & Johnson vaccine differs from those available from Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna in that it requires only one dose, rather than two. All three vaccines have been proven to be effective at preventing COVID-19-related hospitalization and death.
For more information about COVID-19 in Virginia and the Commonwealth’s ongoing efforts in the pandemic, visit the VDH COVID-19 webpage.
Read the full news release on the Virginia Department of Health Newsroom.