March 19th Goochland County operating status

Press release from Goochland County

	5:29 PM (2 minutes ago)

Good Evening!  Below is the Goochland County Operating Status for Thursday, March 19^th.

Goochland County will be Open to the public with “Reduced Operations” across all agencies and offices during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Convenience Centers will be open and operating as normal.  All courts will have reduced operations through April 6, except for emergencies, by order of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

All Goochland County Parks and Recreation programs and indoor facilities use is canceled, all approved outdoor use of County owned athletic fields and picnic shelters as well as all department-sponsored programs and activities are cancelled through Sunday, March 29. County parks remain open to the public, but we encourage everyone to continue the practice of social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings and group activities.

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library, including the Goochland Branch Library, will be closed to the public through Saturday, March 28. The library will provide curbside service from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call the Goochland Branch at (804) 556-4774 for curbside service.

The Goochland DMV Select will be closed to the public starting through Tuesday, March 31st. The DMV Select will accept transactions to process via mail to P.O. Box 60 Goochland VA 23063.  

Goochland County Public Schools – Closed through Sunday, April 12^th

Goochland County Public Schools (GCPS) will now be closed for an additional two weeks, through Sunday, April 12.  This closure includes their regularly scheduled spring break. In addition to the regular academic day, ALL practices, games, and events are canceled until further notice. Please note the following important information as they proceed with their extended closure:

All division facilities are closed. With the exception of designated personnel, no one should enter the school facilities or offices. They have taken steps to disinfect all facilities and will keep those facilities closed until further notice.

Learning resources continue to be available. Internet connectivity should not be required for students to access any of the instructional resources sent home last week. If families find that it is, students will not be responsible for its completion during the time that schools are closed.

The full GCPS announcement is at: http://goochlandschools.org/2020/03/18/gcps-closing-extended-through-april-12/

Goochland County Public Schools – Meal Program for All Students

http://goochlandschools.org/2020/03/17/meal-distribution-locations-expanded/

Please note that Goochland County Public Schools will now supply free meals to all students as follows:

Breakfast and lunch will served at all school locations from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (pick up at the same time)

•                     Byrd Elementary Bus Loop at 2704 Hadensville-Fife Road

•                     Goochland Elementary Bus Loop at 3150 River Road West

•                     Randolph Elementary Bus Loop at 1552 Sheppard Town Road

•                     Secondary Complex Bus Loop at 3250-B River Road West

In addition, the Sunshine Food Bus began serving meals beginning today, Wednesday March 18, at:

• Company 1 Firehouse at 180 River Road West from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
• Company 3 Firehouse at 52 Broad Street Road from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
• County Line Church at 4070 County Line Road in Kent’s Store from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.
• Company 6 Firehouse at 4810 Three Chopt Road from 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. (just added)

Health District – Coronavirus Hotline

The Chickahominy Health District has launched a hotline to answer coronavirus (COVID-19) questions for residents of Goochland, Hanover, Charles City, and New Kent.

For the General Community call: 804-365-3340

For Health Care providers call: 804-365-3341

The phone lines are currently open Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For medical assistance, please contact your primary care provider or urgent care facility.

Sources to Stay Up to Date

Goochland County on Friday declared a local state of emergency as a precautionary measure over the global outbreak of the coronavirus. For updates and more information, go to:
Goochland County (www.goochlandva.us)
Virginia Department of Health (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/)
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (https://www.vaemergency.gov/)
World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/)

Respectfully,

Paul E. Drumwright | Administrative Services Manager

Goochland County | Administrator's Office

P.O. Box 10

1800 Sandy Hook Road

Goochland, VA 23063

Office:  804-556-5833

Fax:  804-556-4617

pdrumwright@goochlandva.us

Life in the age of social distancing

The next GOMM post was supposed to be about the school division budget for FY 2021. Events of the past few days have put that on the back burner.

Information from Goochland County and Goochland Public Schools (GCPS) has been and will be cut and pasted into separate GOMM posts to help get the word out as far and fast as possible. It was just announced that Goochland Schools will stay closed through April 12.  Notices will also be shared via the GOMM email notice list. Please share as you are able.

We live in scary times. It feels like we are treading water until the tide comes in when we can touch bottom to get our bearings. We are urged to practice basic hygiene, wash our hands often, disinfect anything we touch, and keep our distance from other people to prevent the spread of a disease that did not exist a year ago. These common sense measures give us something to do. For those of us of a certain age, it is reminiscent of being told to “duck and cover” under wooden school desks for protection from nuclear bombs.

In all fairness, the bombs never fell, so maybe the desks did keep us safe.

The feeling of helplessness against Covid 19 is exacerbated by the 24-hour news cycle and social media. In 1918, the media such as it was, was told to downplay the risk of the flu until it was too late to stop the deadly consequences of its spread. Today, the paranoia, if it doesn’t get out of hand, is probably a good thing. Better safe than sorry.

Keep safe, stay healthy, and wash your hands.

Goochland County opening status for March 18

Goochland County Operating Status for Wednesday, March 18th

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Drumwright, Paul	5:15 PM (2 minutes ago)
to Paul

Good Evening!  Below is the Goochland County Operating Status for Wednesday, March 18^th.

Goochland County will be Open to the public with “Reduced Operations” across all agencies and offices during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Convenience Centers will be open and operating as normal.  All courts will have reduced operations through April 6, except for emergencies, by order of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

All Goochland County Parks and Recreation programs and indoor facilities use is canceled, all approved outdoor use of County owned athletic fields and picnic shelters as well as all department-sponsored programs and activities are cancelled through Sunday, March 29. County parks remain open to the public, but we encourage everyone to continue the practice of social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings and group activities.

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library, including the Goochland Branch Library, will be closed to the public through Saturday, March 28. The library will provide curbside service from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call the Goochland Branch at (804) 556-4774 for curbside service.

The Goochland DMV Select will be closed to the public starting today, March 17th through Tuesday, March 31st. The DMV Select will accept transactions to process via mail to P.O. Box 60 Goochland VA 23063.  

Goochland County Public Schools – Meal Program for All Students

http://goochlandschools.org/2020/03/17/meal-distribution-locations-expanded/

Please note that Goochland County Public Schools will now supply free meals to all students as follows:

Breakfast and lunch will served at all school locations from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
In addition, the Sunshine Food Bus will serve meals beginning tomorrow, Wednesday March 18, at:

• Company 1 Firehouse at 180 River Road West from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m.
• Company 3 Firehouse at 52 Broad Street Road from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
• County Line Church at 4070 County Line Road in Kent’s Store from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.

Goochland Schools expand meal distribution locations

Meal Distribution Locations Expanded

March 17, 2020 By Andy Armstrong

Please note that GCPS will now supply free meals to all students as follows:

Breakfast and lunch will served at all school locations from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

In addition, the Sunshine Food Bus will serve meals beginning tomorrow, Wednesday March 18, at:

Company 1 Firehouse at 180 River Road West from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. Company 3 Firehouse at 52 Broad Street Road from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. County Line Church at 4070 County Line Road in Kent’s Store from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m

Goochland reports case of Covid 19

Press release from Goochland County

12:33 PM (5 minutes ago)

For Immediate Release                                                        

March 17, 2020                                                                

Chickahominy Health District Confirms Positive Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Goochland County

~ Second Positive Case in the Health District ~

Goochland, VA – The Chickahominy Health District (CHD) announced today its second COVID-19 case. The individual, whose health is improving, resides in Goochland County and is a male in his 60s. The disease was likely acquired from close contact with a confirmed case while traveling outside of Virginia.

“As we continue to see new cases of COVID-19 in our community and throughout Virginia, it becomes even more critical that people follow public health recommendations on social distancing and good hygiene,” said Chickahominy Health District Director, Dr. Thomas Franck. “Social distancing is one of the most effective strategies in lessening the impact of an epidemic such as COVID-19.” As of today, people should avoid social gatherings of more than 10 individuals. If you are 65 years or older, or if you have a serious chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, immune compromise), you should seriously consider staying at home. “We all have a responsibility and duty to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our community from this novel coronavirus.”

COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.

As the COVID-19 outbreak expands, recommendations may change. CHD is working with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide the best possible guidance for the community. For general questions about COVID-19, residents may call the health department’s main phone line: 804-365-4313.

“It is unfortunate to learn that a resident of Goochland County has contracted COVID-19,” shared County Administrator John A. Budesky.  “We understand this is an unusual, inconvenient and perhaps frightening time. But it is critical that everyone remain calm, and stay informed from trusted sources, and practice social distancing for the prevention and protection of our community.  Goochland County will continue to collaborate with our regional partners, the Chickahominy Health District, and the Central Virginia All Hazards Incident Management Team to respond to this pandemic.”

For the latest on COVID-19, visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.

Contact:

Caitlin Hodge

Population Health Manager

Chickahominy Health District

Email: Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Information from Goochland County about operations during social distancing

Goochland County Operating Schedule Tuesday, March 17th

Goochland County government offices and facilities will be open on Tuesday, March 17th with reduced operations starting at regular operating hours.

Convenience Centers will be open and operating as normal.  All parks and recreation programs and indoor facilities use is canceled, parks remain open to the public.  All courts will have reduced operations through April 6, except for emergencies, by order of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

All branches of the Pamunkey Regional Library, including the Goochland Branch Library, will be closed to the public through Saturday, March 28. The library will provide curbside service from Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call the branch for curbside service.

Goochland County Public Schools have established resources for their students and citizens to access meals during the divisions closure in the weeks ahead.  More information is available on their website at http://goochlandschools.org.

Goochland County will be testing our teleworking capabilities on Tuesday, March 17th, thank you in advance for your understanding. The reduced operating schedule are designed to ensure the health and safety of residents, employees and the general public.

Goochland County on Friday declared a local state of emergency as a precautionary measure over the global outbreak of the coronavirus. For updates and more information, go to:
Goochland County (www.goochlandva.us)
Virginia Department of Health (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/)
Virginia Department of Emergency Management (https://www.vaemergency.gov/)
World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/)

CVAHIMT - COVID-19 resource portal

Goochland County information about local response to Covid 19 virus

Press release from Goochland County

For Immediate Release
Contact:
March 13, 2020 Paul E. Drumwright
Administrative Services Manager
Phone: (804) 556-5833
Cell: (804) 338-5464
Email: pdrumwright@goochlandva.us

Goochland County Declares a Local State of Emergency in Response to COVID-19
Goochland, VA – On Friday morning, March 13th, Goochland County in conjunction with our regional
partners, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond declared a state of local emergency in
response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. This action allows us to take
additional steps as a region to dedicate resources and protect our communities. Although there are no
presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Goochland at this time, we are working in collaboration with our
regional partners to be proactive and mitigate the risk of any potential spread. Local strategies will be
implemented to limit large crowds and practice social distancing.
We are participating in the Central Virginia All Hazards Incident Management Team which has been
activated with emergency managers, first responders, health experts, and public information professionals
reviewing roles and responsibilities. As a region, all are committed to working with our state and local
partners to safeguard our residents and make sure we share the most current information available.
Working together as a region our top priority is to make sure our residents and visitors stay safe and
healthy.
Effective immediately Goochland County is closing all county facilities to use by the public after normal
business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) this includes evenings and weekends. The county’s Convenience
Centers & Parks will remain open normal hours. Additionally, the county is cancelling all non-essential
public meetings, including the upcoming town halls, through March 31st
.

We are encouraging community groups and organizations to cancel or reschedule all large group
gatherings through at least March 31st. In addition, we are encouraging outside groups to cancel any
planned events at all outside Goochland County Parks and Recreation Facilities.
Employee work-related travel outside of Goochland County, except for essential business, is being
restricted until further notice.
The County is taking additional efforts to protect our employees, citizens, and guests by expanding
cleaning efforts for all our buildings during the day and when county facilities are closed, including
additional deep cleanings in the evenings.
The County is also implementing a compassionate billing policy for all Utility customers, until further notice
no customers will have their water or sewer service shut off.

GOOCHLAND COUNT Y PRESS RELEASE

Ph: 804.556.5800 Fx: 804.556.4617
1800 Sandy Hook Road ● P.O. Box 10 ● Goochland VA 23063

www.goochlandva.us

Individuals who dial 911 will expect to be asked additional questions as part of the Emergency Medical
Dispatch protocols that have been put into place by Goochland County Sheriff’s Office and Goochland
County Fire-Rescue. We appreciate all individuals answering those questions to the best of their ability.
Some recommended precautions individuals can help slow the spread of the virus include:
• Wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into a tissue if possible, or your arm if not, and wash
your hands afterward;
• Frequently clean commonly used surfaces (i.e., phones, keyboards, etc.);
• Avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing;
• If you are not feeling well, please stay home and notify your supervisor promptly. Please do not
return to work until you are feeling well and free from fever for at least 24 hours;
• If you begin to experience flu-like symptoms (fever, chills) or have respiratory issues (shortness of
breath, cough), please contact your Primary Care Physician.
Through continued preparation and collaboration between localities guided by the Central Virginia All
Hazards Incident Management Team we will continue to monitor this pandemic support each other in our
regional response.
We understand this is an unusual, inconvenient and perhaps frightening time. But it’s critical that everyone
remain calm, stay informed and follow the CDC’s safety recommendations. Goochland County will continue
to provide updates on our website, www.goochlandva.us, as well as on the Goochland County Government
accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
We encourage everyone who lives or works in Goochland to sign up for Goochland’s CodeRED Emergency
Alert System. The system is used to communicate both with citizens and visitors both during emergencies
and other critical community events. In addition, the system allows citizens to opt in to receive National
Weather Service (NWS) alerts automatically when a weather event (flood, tornado, etc.) is triggered in a
targeted area of the County. For more information and to sign up visit:
https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/1380BACA5A57 or you can now enroll by texting
GOOCHLANDALERTS to 99411.
The Virginia Department of Health’s has established a public information line, 1-877-ASK-VDH3, for
questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation. This is a rapidly changing situation; we
recommend citizens use the following trusted websites for information updates.
Central Virginia All Hazards Incident Management Team (CVAHIMT) COVID-19: https://arcg.is/0qn194
Virginia Department of Health: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

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