Fredericksburg Declares State Of Emergency To Handle Coronavirus

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The City of Fredericksburg declared a state of emergency Monday in response to growing concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. A state of emegency gives the city government the ability to use its full powers to deal with emergencies.

Fredericksburg is taking action in alignment with guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health to practice social distancing as part of a community mitigation strategy, City Manager Timothy J. Baroody said Monday in a statement.

Fredericksburg is canceling all city-sponsored events and activities, including activities managed by the Parks, Recreation and Events Department, effective immediately. Employee work-related travel outside of Fredericksburg, except for essential business, is being restricted until further notice, Baroody said.

The city is taking additional efforts to protect its employees and the public by expanding cleaning efforts for all buildings during the day. It also has implemented a "compassionate billing policy" for all utility customers. Until further further, no customers will have their water or sewer service cut off.

The state of emergency declaration states that all public officials and employees of Fredericksburg "are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in discharge of the duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in the execution of emergency laws, regulations, and directives, state and local."

"All citizens are called upon and directed to comply with emergency measures, to cooperate with the City of Fredericksburg Coordinator of Emergency Management in the execution of emergency operational plans, and to comply with the lawful directions of properly identified public officials," the declaration states.

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Federal and state health officials are recommending that all local government, businesses, community organizations and faith-based institutions reschedule or cancel meetings or gatherings involving more than 50 people for the foreseeable future. People over age 60 who have chronic medical conditions or people with compromised immune systems are being told to avoid large gatherings of people altogether.

On Sunday night, Mary Washington Healthcare said it is treating its first coronavirus patient at its Stafford Hospital, the hospital system said Sunday night. The Virginia Department of Health on Sunday increased the number of confirmed cases in the state to 45. The state health department has not reported any positive coronavirus cases in Stafford County. Three cases have been reported in Prince William County and one case in Spotsylvania County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging the public to take the following steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Consider using a 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you do not have access to soap and water.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Practice social distancing, keeping up to six-feet between yourself and others when in public such as standing in line at the store.
• Avoid attending events, concerts, or meetings with 50 or more people. Avoid crowded restaurants or bars where you cannot practice social distancing.
• Stay home if you are sick. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve. Wash your hands with soap and water after you cough or sneeze.
• If you do need to seek care when sick, wear a facemask when in the hospital, urgent care, or doctor's office. You do not need a facemask if you are not sick.
• Clean common surfaces daily. These include doorknobs, phones, bathrooms, keyboards, countertops, light switches. Clean or remove commonly touched items, like books, magazine, and remote controls.

SEE ALSO:
Mary Washington Healthcare Treating Its First Coronavirus Patient
Virginia State Of Emergency Declared: What Does That Mean?
First Coronavirus 'Community Spread' Case Reported In Virginia