Loudoun Declares Local Emergency In Response To Coronavirus

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County government declared a local emergency Monday morning in response to the continued spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19. Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet issued the declaration in coordination with Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall.

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors is expected to formally ratify the declaration at its next business meeting scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m., the county government said.

The local declaration of emergency relaxes formal procurement requirements to allow Loudoun County to more easily acquire any goods or services needed to assist in the response to the threat posed by the coronavirus. The declaration also modifies normal employment rules so that employees can be reassigned to county operations involved in response activities.

A local declaration of emergency is sometimes a requirement for residents and businesses to obtain financial aid and emergency loans offered by the federal or state governments.

“It is critical that we remove any barriers to the county’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Randall said in a statement. “This declaration will give us more flexibility as we respond in the coming days, weeks and months to this public health threat.”

The declaration of a local emergency in Loudoun follows the declaration of a statewide emergency from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and local declarations from other jurisdictions in the region.

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The declaration also follows many steps the county has already taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Last week, Loudoun County schools closed in response to the order from Northam for all schools in Virginia to shut down for two weeks. County libraries, parks and recreation, and senior facilities also have closed down.

Like every jurisdiction across the country, Loudoun County is encouraging residents to take steps to limit the spread of coronavirus, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid non-essential travel.

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