Stay Connected with Chesterfield!
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Scroll to the bottom for more helpful links and resources to stay up to date on all things Chesterfield!
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County Response to COVID-19
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The
Chesterfield County Response to COVID-19 webpage
has links to many resources for citizens during this situation. If you are looking for information in any of the following topic areas, please click the links below to be directed to additional resources:
Other important information and updates on resources for Virginians can be found at:
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Governor Announces
Phase One Guidelines to
Slowly Ease Public Health Restrictions
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Governor Ralph Northam signed
Executive Order Sixty-One
and presented a detailed framework for the first phase of the “
Forward Virginia
” plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19. The
Phase One
guidelines will be implemented when the data meets the public health criteria outlined by the Commonwealth. The new executive order modifies public health guidance in
Executive Order Fifty-Three
and
Executive Order Fifty-Five
and establishes guidelines for Phase One.
The Governor’s phased approach is grounded in science and data and includes mitigation strategies to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus through enhanced safety practices. The plan allows localities to consider delaying implementation of Phase One guidelines based on local conditions.
Under Phase One, the Commonwealth will move to a Safer at Home strategy, which continues the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people and maintains recommendations for social distancing, teleworking and wearing face coverings. All businesses should make modifications to maintain six feet of physical distancing, increase cleaning and sanitization of high contact surfaces and provide enhanced workplace safety measures.
Many of the restrictions put in place by Executive Order Fifty-Three will remain in place in Phase One. Entertainment and public amusement venues will remain closed and beaches will continue to be open only for exercise and fishing. Childcare centers remain open for children of working families. Overnight summer camps will remain closed in Phase One.
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Chesterfield Health Department to Host Free COVID-19 Testing this Week
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Wednesday, May 13 at 9 a.m.
Greenleigh Mobile Home Park
14006 Stevenhurst Drive
Friday, May 15 at 9 a.m.
Bellwood Drive-In/Flea Market
9201 Jefferson Davis Highway
Testing is for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms and is free for uninsured or underinsured persons.
While some appointments will be reserved for walk-ups that morning,
testing is limited and appointments should be made prior to arriving.
Spanish speaking staff also will be present during the testing event.
The
Chesterfield Health District
is a state division of VDH that includes the counties of Chesterfield and Powhatan and the City of Colonial Heights.
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Chesterfield Courts:
Phase One Begins May 18
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Phase One of the
Chesterfield County Courts
increasing their docket capacity will begin next week on Monday, May 18, 2020.
This video
highlights some of the processes that have been put in place to reduce risks associated with COVID-19.
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County Planning to Reopen Some Facilities
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Chesterfield Registrar's Office Encourages County Voters to Request Absentee Ballot
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To help limit the spread of COVID-19, the
Chesterfield County General Registrar’s Office
is strongly encouraging its registered voters to seek an absentee by mail ballot for the Tuesday, June 23 Democratic and Republican Primary elections.
While absentee voting begins Friday, May 8, the last day to
request an absentee ballot
through the mail is Tuesday, June 16. All requests for absentee ballots by mail must be received by the Registrar’s Office at 9848 Lori Road by 5 p.m.
For more information regarding requesting absentee ballot applications online, fax and in-person, visit the
Registrar’s Office webpage
.
While state and local election officials are encouraging voters to seek an absentee by mail ballot because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, voters planning to vote in person may continue to do so. However, please anticipate longer than normal wait times as there will be a limited number of voting booths at each location.
Furthermore, the Chesterfield Registrar’s Office is requesting all voters who plan to vote in-person, either absentee or on Election Day, wear a face mask for your protection and continue to follow social distancing and health measures as outlined by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC).
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Drive-Thru the Metro Richmond Zoo!
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Additional Family and Parent Resources:
Staying Active - Fitness, Crafts, Learning Opportunities and More!
Mental Health and Coping
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Treasurer's Office: Receipts Reminder
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The
Office of the Treasurer
would like to remind citizens that there are multiple ways to request that a receipt for tax payments be emailed to you:
- By Phone: Call 804-748-1201.
- By Dropbox: Using the dropbox outside the Treasurer’s Office to deliver your payment? Simply write a note on the invoice coupon: “please send receipt." Just remember to include your email address!
Also, a payment confirmation number is provided for online and telephone payments.
Those interested in applying for a
tax payment plan
may do so through the online application accessible via the
Treasurer’s webpage
or by calling the Treasurer’s Office at 804-748-1201.
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May 19 Planning Commission
to be Held Virtually
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Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Tuesday, May 19 Planning Commission Meeting will be
held remotely via Microsoft Teams
as an effort to decrease the spread of the virus. The changes are designed to accommodate public input while encouraging the public to continue self-quarantining and practicing social distancing, as recommended by health officials. The Public Meeting Room, located at 10001 Ironbridge Road, will be closed.
Citizens are encouraged to use the online comment form at
www.chesterfield.gov/cpccomments
to provide comment on public hearings regarding zoning cases. Those wishing to comment must submit a new online form for each public hearing they want to comment on. Only one comment per person per public hearing will be accepted. The online form can also be used to comment on unscheduled matters. In addition to the form, comments can also be received by email at
planning@chesterfield.gov
, or by calling 804-748-1125.
The Planning Commission will accept all public comments (online portal, telephone message and email)
until 5 p.m. on Monday, May 18
to ensure the comments are provided to the Planning Commission for their consideration prior to the Tuesday, May 19 meeting at 6 p.m.
The Chesterfield Planning Commission Meeting will be livestreamed on WCCT Chesterfield Community Television, including Comcast channel 98 and Verizon channel 28, and on
YouTube.com/ChesterfieldCountyVA
.
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Chesterfield 101 Goes Virtual
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In the past, Chesterfield 101 was held in-person but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was moved to a virtual format in an effort to decrease the spread of the virus.
Three upcoming interactive sessions will be offered through Microsoft Teams, each lasting about an hour. The dates and times are:
- Tuesday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
- Thursday, May 21 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m.
While Chesterfield 101 is a free virtual learning source targeted toward all Chesterfield high school students,
registration is required
as online slots are limited to the first 30 students per session.
County Administrator Dr. Joe Casey will provide a virtual welcome at each session.
The county’s
Citizen Information and Resources Department
started the program last year with the goal of educating Chesterfield’s youth on the basics of county government including, but not limited to, the districts, the Board of Supervisors and their positions, the budget, the broad spectrum of departments and positions/careers within the county, how government impacts residents (including teens) and how citizens can be involved with your local government.
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Chesterfield Locations Featured in
Richmond Regional Tourism Video
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Originally created in 1983, National Travel and Tourism Week highlights the importance and economic impact of travel. This year, organizations across the U.S. are partnered to show the resiliency and spirit within the hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Richmond Regional Tourism reminds us, when it is safe to travel again, travel will help us move forward and will be a vital part of our economic recovery.
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Adoptable Pet Spotlight: Rosie
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Meet Rosie! This adorable girl was found roaming a neighborhood in Chesterfield and never claimed. Rosie is a sweet girl with an overall calm demeanor and does great with people. She can get spunky and has a playful side to her as well; she loves to play ball! She would probably do really well in a home with children. Rosie really enjoys going on walks, but does need a little guidance learning not to pull on the leash. Her preference is to be the only dog; she has shown not to like the few dogs she has met here in the shelter. Rosie is heartworm positive, but is currently being treated. We would send you home with her medication. If you are interested in meeting this brindle cutie, give us a call to schedule an appointment. Rosie is one-year-old Pitbull mix. Animal #567098
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Chesterfield - Open for Business:
Chesterfield County Farmers Market;
Circuit Court Clerk - Virtual Probate Appointments
CCPL - Blood Drive
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These unprecedented times have forced innovative adaptations in how Chesterfield County continues to keep resources and services available for our citizens, businesses and employees. Those adaptations have taken multiple forms, from teleworking to completely new processes, and many employees are being redeployed in other areas to keep essential functions operating.
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Chesterfield County Farmers Market
Many businesses – especially small, local businesses – have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, shoppers have a renewed opportunity to support local vendors by shopping at the Chesterfield County Farmers Market, now adapted to meet the county’s public health needs.
The farmers market is open Wednesdays through August 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Chesterfield County’s government complex, near 6701 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield, VA 23832.
This year, the market has implemented stringent social distancing rules to protect shoppers and vendors.
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Following recommendations from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as the Virginia Farmers Market Association, the market’s new rules include asking shoppers not to enter the market if they are sick, recommending facemasks be worn at all times and requesting visitors limit themselves to one shopper per household, if possible. A full list of new rules is available on the
Chesterfield County Farmers Market webpage
.
In addition, shoppers are now able to pre-order and pre-pay for items online.
According to Lynne Wingfield, employee wellness coordinator with both the county’s government and school divisions, public health remains the number one priority of the market’s management team.
“Using all of the available resources, we created market rules that have been shared through social media, the farmers market website and by on-site market volunteers,” said Wingfield. “The market management team will make updates to our rules and structure as social distancing guidelines are updated.”
Wingfield began the farmers market in 2012 as a partnership with Chesterfield Cooperative Extension Director Mike Likins as a mid-week resource for fresh, local produce and other products.
“Virginia farmers markets are an important resource for communities to provide access to local, fresh produce, food, horticultural goods and hygiene products,” said Wingfield. “Markets also support small local businesses with opportunities to sell their products in community settings. This opportunity allows residents to enjoy our beautiful county complex and purchase high-quality products.”
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Leslie Morris, chief deputy clerk, leads a virtual probate appointment while Liz Martus, deputy clerk - Probate Division, observes
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Chesterfield County Circuit Court Clerk: Virtual Probate Appointments
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced many government buildings to close their doors to the public and alter the ways they serve customers,
Chesterfield’s courts responded
by innovating to meet the needs of the moment.
Chesterfield Circuit Court Clerk
Wendy Hughes implemented a new, virtual probate process that allows citizens to go through probate while observing social distancing guidelines.
The Circuit Court’s first trial run in April was a success. Said Hughes, “While the preparation process is more cumbersome for staff, the appointment itself went extremely well. The customer was happy that we were able to accommodate his needs without requiring him to leave his home, and we were happy to assist.”
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However, virtual probate may not be appropriate in all situations and customers still have an option to schedule in-person appointments which are now handled at customer windows protected by a glass partition to allow for social distancing. Hughes said customers who opt for virtual appointments must have the ability to print and scan documents at their residence and must be able to send documents to the court immediately after their appointment.
Despite the limitations of remote probate, the virtual process has been a success.
“Handling appointments virtually is not ideal, but it’s a great option to have when individuals may not pass COVID-19 screenings or otherwise may be unable to travel to the courthouse,” said Hughes.
And while the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office will consider continuing the use of virtual appointments in the future, Hughes said she is most impressed by the dedication of the entire courts team.
“While I have always known we have a strong courts team in Chesterfield, these past weeks have revealed a depth of strength never before needed,” said Hughes. “Leadership, staff members and stakeholders from all three courts have pulled together in a monumental teamwork effort. We appreciate the patience of our county residents as we continue to balance public service and safety along with the safety and well-being of our team members and their families.”
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Chesterfield County Public Library: Blood Drive
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage. In March, the organization published a national plea for donations and Chesterfield County Public Library (CCPL) answered the call by holding a blood drive on Tuesday, April 7 at Central Library.
With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing, however, strict safety protocols were observed.
According to the Red Cross
, several measures have been implemented to keep staff and donors safe, including:
- Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy
- Providing hand sanitizer for use before the drive, as well as throughout the donation process
- Spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors, and
- Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment
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Jesse Dodd, Clover Hill Library’s customer service supervisor, donates blood
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- Wearing gloves and changing gloves with each donor
- Routinely wiping down donor-touched areas
- Using sterile collection sets for every donation, and
- Preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub
According to Jen Shepley, CCPL community services manager, the Red Cross informed CCPL that their drive registered 53 donors and collected 56 total units of blood, surpassing the drive’s 44 unit goal. In total, the donated blood has the potential to positively impact 168 lives.
Yet, CCPL isn’t done. Another Red Cross blood donation drive will be held at Central Library on June 4, 2020. To register, visit
the Red Cross website
.
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Remember to Complete Your U.S. Census!
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While April 1 was Census Day, Chesterfield encourages residents who have not yet completed their
2020 U.S. Census
to do so as soon as possible.
Completing the Census is easy!
Households should have received official U.S. Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 U.S. Census
online, by phone or by mail.
Pay close to attention to the unique number given to your household and be prepared to use it during your response.
The 2020 U.S. Census is mandatory and responses are based upon the members of a household as of April 1 (Census Day).
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To learn more about the 2020 U.S. Census, visit the official website at
2020census.gov
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Learn More About Your District
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