March 19 Status Update: The Latest from York County

March 19, 2020
 
This email is part of an ongoing status update from York County.  Prior updates are not included below, but are posted on our website.  View the March 18 status update at:  www.yorkcounty.gov.
 
York County Administration
On Tuesday, March 17, Governor Ralph Northam announced new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 including the avoidance of non-essential gatherings of 10 or more people, per federal guidelines.  This does not apply to essential services such as grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities, airports, bus and train stations, and manufacturers. 
 
We encourage you to follow the Governor's order and limit the number of individuals in popular gathering spots - restaurants, gyms - to no more than 10.  We recognize the hardship this places on everyone - from business owners to employees to citizens - and applaud you for the creative steps you are taking to continue providing services to the community.
 
By working together and implementing social distancing today, we may reduce the incidence of this virus tomorrow. 
 
Central Purchasing
All County offices are closed to the public. However, the Purchasing staff is reporting to work and can accept sealed Bids and Proposals. If you need to deliver a Bid or Proposal to our office, please call 890-3864 upon arrival at our location and staff will come to the door to accept your documents and deliver them to the office to be time-stamped.  For more information, visit www.yorkcounty.gov/purchasing.

Fire & Life Safety
The department continues to respond to emergency calls for service. While fire stations are closed to public for visits/tours, individuals that show up at a fire station with an emergency will be provided appropriate care. For general questions, citizens may contact the department's administrative office at 890-3600.
 
Parks and Recreation
York County parks are open to the public, however playgrounds are closed.  Those choosing to utilize our parks and asked to follow the recommendations for social distancing and to limit group size to 10 people or less.  The Beach Picnic Area and Yorktown Beach are open to the public. Social distancing is encouraged.  The Beach Picnic Area parking lot is once again open to vehicles following the completion of the Comte de Grasse Street drainage and sidewalk project (more information to follow about this project).  If you have questions about our parks, please visit www.yorkcounty.gov/parksandrec or call 890-3500.
 
Planning and Development Services

• The April 8 meeting of the Planning Commission has been cancelled.
• The Building Safety Office is closed to the public, however staff is in the office to assist you.  Please call 890-3522 for more information.  Procedures have been implemented for permit submits, construction plan review, permit issuance, and field inspections.  Visit www.yorkcounty.gov/buildingsafety. 

 
York-Poquoson Sheriff's Office
The March 31 Gun Safety Class has been cancelled. We will announce when the next class is scheduled.  For non-emergency questions, please call 890-3621.  In an emergency, always call 911.
 
For a listing of York County phone numbers, visit www.yorkcounty.gov/directory.
 
The closures/cancellations listing is regularly updated on the County's website - www.yorkcounty.gov - and is being shared on the County's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/yorkcountyva/. 
 
 
COVID-19 Information 
 
Symptoms of COVID-19 - fever, cough, shortness of breath - have ranged from mild to severe, and like other respiratory illnesses, it is spread through coughing and sneezing. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the disease, and the CDC recommends that we take the following steps to help prevent the spread of not only this virus, but the flu and other respiratory diseases as well:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

 
York County officials continue to monitor COVID-19 and are in regular contact with regional officials and representatives of the Virginia Department of Health.  Citizens are reminded to ensure they seek up-to-date information from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).