NORFOLK, Va. — Cities in the Hampton Roads area are beginning to declare local states of emergencies in advance of potential impacts due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.
As of 10:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Norfolk have declared a local state of emergency. Gloucester County also declared a local state of emergency.
The declarations allow the cities to ask for state and federal resources and seek state and federal reimbursement if the cost of the city’s response to the coronavirus reaches a certain threshold.
This comes after Norfolk announced it would close all city buildings to the public from Monday, March 16 to Monday, March 30. Norfolk city employees will continue to report to work during this time. Essential services, including trash pick-up and services provided by Norfolk Community Services Board, will continue as normal.
Virginia Beach declared their state of emergency around 4:45 p.m. Friday. The city said public facilities will remain open for business, and city meetings will keep their current schedule, but officials recommend residents who don't have to attend those meetings stay home.
Public access to all Gloucester County offices and buildings is temporarily suspended on Monday, March 16th and Tuesday, March 17th to facilitate additional planning and preparedness efforts. Staff will report as usual.
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