Loudoun Limits Public Access At Government Center: Coronavirus

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County is discontinuing all in-person services provided on floors 2 through 5 at the Loudoun County Government Center in Leesburg, except for meetings made by appointment, the county said Monday. The county is making the change as part of an effort to promote social distancing in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.

Loudoun County announced the restrictions on the same day that Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a "stay at home" order as cases of the coronavirus topped 1,000. The "stay at home" order calls for residents to stay home except to obtain food and other essential services, obtain medical care, travel to and from work, take care of other individuals or animals, visit a relative and meet other needs.

Members of the public will continue to have access to the first floor of the Loudoun Government Center building during regular business hours, where they can drop off or pick up documents, such as permits or land development applications.

Several departments and divisions also have secure drop boxes in the lobby, including the Departments of Building and Development, Planning and Zoning, Health, Human Resources; the Offices of the County Attorney and Mapping and Geographic Information; and the Division of Procurement.

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Essential services also will continue to be provided with modified conditions on the first floor of the government center. The first floor customer service counters for the Commissioner of the Revenue and Office of the Treasurer will remain open with social distancing measures in place.

Loudoun County has many services available either online or by phone for residents and businesses. They include:

• Employment assistance, including resume critiques and coaching sessions
• Filing personal property information
• Obtaining information on land development applications
• Paying taxes
• Reporting an issue or asking a question through Loudoun Express Request
• Scheduling a construction inspection
• Services from the Loudoun County Public Library
• Submitting address applications
• Viewing animals available for adoption

Northam's order is in effect from March 30 until June 10, unless changed or rescinded by another executive order. Northam said at a Monday press conference most people were complying with the state's guidance, but last weekend officials observed packed beaches and recreational areas.

Under the order, beaches in Virginia are closed to visitors except for exercise and fishing. Private campgrounds must close for short-term stays, and higher education institutions must halt in-person classes and instruction. Northam also asked out-of-state travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days, particularly those from areas hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak.

While Loudoun County parks are still open for trail and leisure use, playgrounds, athletic courts and fields at both county-operated parks and Loudoun County Public Schools are closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Closure signs have been posted on Loudoun County Public School campuses and at Loudoun County parks. Residents and businesses are subject to restrictions in compliance with Northam's Executive Order 53.

Loudoun County wants residents to call the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at 703-777-1021 if they observe a potential violation of the order. Violations of the governor's order are a misdemeanor, which carry a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

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