Manassas Hunkering Down To Contain Spread Of Coronavirus

MANASSAS, VA — From city hall to the police department, the City of Manassas is taking steps to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, by evaluating which types of activities are essential and avoiding face-to-face contact.

The Prince William Health District has reported three positive cases of the coronavirus as of Monday. But public health experts are predicting the number of people with the coronavirus in Prince William County and across the country will surge to potentially unmanageable levels unless local jurisdictions quickly implement policies to contain the spread.

The City of Manassas released a meeting guidance memo Monday that suggests city council meetings will continue to meet in person and that city meal and health services programs will still be available.

But other activities that are not essential or time-sensitive will be canceled, postponed, or modified in some way to protect Manassas residents and staff, the city said. "To help us do this, the City has created a set of determining factors to help guide decision-making, which at this time will remain on a case- by-case basis with as much notice given as possible," the city said. "We also strongly encourage other organizations to use these guidelines across our community."

The determining factors include:

• Does the gathering meet a statutory requirement?
• Is the work of the group required for business continuity?
• Would not having the event cause undue hardship?
• Is the meeting not essential or does it pose a risk to likely attendees?
• Can the gathering be rescheduled, in whole or in part?
• Can the activity be offered in a virtual format?
• Does the event’s target population include people in the high-riskcategories?

The Manassas City Police Department on Monday issued a notice encouraging the public to call the police department, not visit its headquarters, for non-emergency assistance. Calling rather visiting "allows our staff to address citizens’ needs while respecting social distancing recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control," the police department said. The police department's non-emergency line is 703-257-8000.

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The police department also is suspending fingerprint services until March 30 at which time the city will re-evaluate whether to resume conducting the service.

All schools, libraries and community centers in Manassas and the surrounding Prince William County area are closed until further notice.

The city said Monday that the Manassas Museum will be closed until April 14. During that time, all programs, events and meetings will be canceled. The city also will not accept any new private park, field, or event reservations. Manassas city parks will remain open, but restrooms in parks will be closed until April 14.

In order to avoid face-to-face contact, the city is encouraging residents to pay utility bills or make other payments to the city by using the the city's website or by telephone at 844-278-9120.

Manassas also has created a new text feature to keep residents informed during the coronavirus crisis. Text the word "CityHealth" to 888-777 to sign up for alerts.

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• VA Coronavirus Count Climbs Above 50; UVA Reports First Case
• How Manassas Residents Are Dealing With The Coronavirus