Coronavirus: Manassas News And Updates In Time Of Crisis

MANASSAS, VA — The new coronavirus outbreak in Virginia and across the nation is having vast impacts in the Manassas area, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday declared a stay-at-home order.

As of Tuesday, there were 1,250 cases of the coronavirus in Virginia, an increase of 230 cases from Monday. The number of deaths in the state now stands at 27 compared to 25 on Monday. Prince William County has reported 94 positive cases of the coronavirus as of Tuesday. The City of Manassas reported eight cases and Manassas Park one case.

Residents with questions about the coronavirus should call the Prince William Health District at 703-872-7759.

Here's the latest news and updates for the Manassas area:

SCHOOLS
All schools in Virginia are closed through the rest of the academic year in response to the coronavirus outbreak. MORE

BUSINESSES
To help businesses stay open, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association launched "Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week," which will run from March 30 through April 5. Several restaurants and eateries in Manassas are participating in the week.

Residents are being asked to order takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup from Manassas restaurants and post a picture on social media using #VirginiaEatsLocal to show solidarity for small businesses during this uncertain time. MORE

Meanwhile, the City of Manassas temporarily designated several parking spaces in the historic downtown area as 15-minute parking areas to facilitate pickup and delivery options during the coronavirus crisis. The designated on-street parking spaces are located along Battle and Main streets between Church Street and the railroad tracks.

This temporary designation was requested by several downtown businesses impacted by the governor's decision to close restaurants except for carryout and delivery service. MORE

HOSPITALS
The Novant Health UVA Health System has suspended all visitation, except for laboring mothers who can designate one person to be with them and patients who are minors who will be allowed one parent or guardian to remain with them. The visitor restrictions apply to the Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center and the Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center. MORE

Novant Health also wants community groups and residents to contact the health care system before bringing donations to its facilities as a way to avoid spreading the coronavirus. Anyone interested in donating goods and services should contact NHUVA.SR@novanthealth.org prior to making any donation. Once donation information is received, a community liaison officer will respond with instructions on when and how to complete the donation. MORE

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

GOVERNMENT
The City of Manassas has closed all city government buildings to the public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Residents may not enter city buildings but can access Manassas government services online at www.manassascity.org for information and to pay bills and complete city forms.

During the coronavirus crisis, Manassas will not be conducting utility shut-offs. Bill payments should be made online, if possible. Trash and recycling will continue to be collected on a regular basis. MORE

TRASH AND RECYCLING
Curbside pickup of trash and recycling is still on schedule in the City of Manassas. However, the following services have been paused until further notice:

• Bulk waste/large item collections
• Television and computer monitor collections
• Courtesy truck rentals
• Household hazardous waste, electronic and dhredding drop-off events

FOOD PANTRIES
Food assistance is available in Manassas and across Prince William County. Churches and nonprofit groups are providing meals to residents during the coronavirus crisis. MORE

RENT
Bill Daffan, property owner of the Daffan West Building in downtown Manassas, has offered all of his tenants a deferment of their rent for six months due to the coronavirus crisis. MORE