Loudoun Creates Information Hub For Residents During Coronavirus

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County has created an online hub of interactive maps and web-based applications that will help residents pick the right times to go grocery shopping or find restaurants that offer home delivery during the new coronavirus crisis. The site also features maps that provide specific information for older residents and people with health issues.

One interactive map helps residents find grocery stores and pharmacies with designated hours for shopping. These shopping hours are designated for older adults, as well as people with underlying health issues or compromised immune systems who are at greater risk of complications from the COVID-19 respiratory disease.

The searchable map also links to stores’ websites, which include contact information. Users can search by a street address and view which stores have modified hours.

“Our goal right now is to support businesses in any way possible, including highlighting those that are still open and using innovative marketing, products, specials and services,” Loudoun County Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said Thursday in a statement.

Rizer said his department is encouraging businesses to continue to find creative ways to conduct business. "We also urge Loudoun residents to support local businesses as they weather an unprecedented business interruption," he said.

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The crisis is making it harder for people to find times to shop when stores are not busy. Grocery delivery services often take at least a week to delivery a grocery order.

On Monday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order for residents to stay at home unless they need to go out for essential business. Routine parts of peoples' lives such as going to a hair stylist or barber shop are now prohibited. People also must delay getting certain medical procedures such as mammograms or going to the dentist because offices have shut down except in cases of emergencies.

Loudoun County Assistant Administrator Valmarie Turner said the county is partnering with nonprofit groups and Loudoun businesses to promote the new online hub.

Another interactive map on the site helps residents find food assistance sites, including food banks, pantries and prepared meals. The hub also includes a link to the Loudoun County Public Schools meal distribution sites.

The new interactive maps can be found on the county's website.

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