Coronavirus Guidance: Is This Arlington Meeting Necessary?

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County is taking steps to reduce the risk of spreading the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in the community by providing guidelines to groups on how to determine if a meeting or event is essential or non-essential.

“This is a time for us to be proactive – and take the necessary precautions needed to slow and minimize Coronavirus from spreading across our community,” said County Board Chair Libby Garvey, in a release. “We are examining our activities to determine which are essential and which are non-essential. If they are non-essential, they will be cancelled or postponed. If they are essential, they will be modified to minimize physical contact among those attending. This is an important step for the health and well-being of our community.”

Arlington released the guidelines to help community groups determine which gatherings are necessary and which can be postponed or canceled.

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In addition, the county is taking the following steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the community:

Since early February, public health staff have been monitoring travelers returning to the area from areas affected by the coronavirus. In addition, they have been providing guidance to the public, government officials, hospitals and healthcare providers.

County staff have been directed to practice everyday preventative behaviors at county facilities. They also are placing signage in public spaces with information about the coronavirus and frequently cleaning high-touch areas like doorknobs, buttons and front desk counters.

All buses operated by Arlington Transit receive a thorough deep cleaning and sanitizing at the end of each night. Find out what additional steps Metro is taking.

Library staff are cleaning and sanitizing as much as possible. This includes removing shared toys and making hand sanitizers available for library users.

To learn more about Arlington's coronavirus response, visit the county's website.

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