Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
434-970-3129
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2020
The Latest Coronavirus Information for
the City of Charlottesville
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Earlier today, the Virginia Department of Health’s Thomas Jefferson Health District (TJHD) announced that a resident of the City of Charlottesville has tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This marks the first case in the Thomas Jefferson Health District. The positive case is an individual in their late 50s and it appears to be a travel-related infection.

In an effort to contain and mitigate the Coronavirus, the City of Charlottesville will begin operations on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 with only essential employees reporting to work. This staffing plan will be in effect for at least the next two weeks and will be reevaluated on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Notice will be made to the public if this schedule should change.

The public is encouraged to use all available online and telephonic options for conducting business at City Hall. This includes using our payment drop boxes on both sides of City Hall and the drive through drop box located between the City Hall Annex and the Key Recreation Center. We ask that all in-person transactions be curtailed unless absolutely necessary.

The Neighborhood Development Services team will be accessible to the public needing to conduct essential business with that department through the Market Street entrance only.
Tonight's City Council Meeting

The public is discouraged from attending the Charlottesville City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2020. In-person attendance will be limited to the first 30 participants and seats will be made available on a first come first served basis. The eight people who have pre-registered to speak under Community Matters will have a reserved seat until 6:30 p.m.
 
We encourage the public to view the meeting remotely via our streaming platforms. We are also piloting a Zoom webinar which will allow remote participants to speak at public hearings on budget and tax rate. See: www.charlottesville.org/zoom to register. Public comment can always be sent to City Council via email at Council@charlottesville.org .

The following VIEW ONLY options already exist for residents:
  1. View the City Council broadcast on Comcast Cable TC Channel 10
  2. View the broadcast on our website livestream: www.charlottesville.org/streaming
  3. View the broadcast on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlottesvilleCityHall
Local COVID-19 Resources

The Virginia Department of Health's Thomas Jefferson Health District has opened a hotline at (434) 972-6261 which is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions regarding the Coronavirus. The public can leave messages that will be returned as soon as possible. If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, they should call 911.

The City’s website homepage features a link to the Virginia Department of Health’s primary information resources on the Coronavirus.

Share this shortcut to reach the VDH Coronavirus website: www.charlottesville.org/coronavirus

Mental Health Resources
 
New resources are available from the Community Mental Health & Wellness Coalition: 
 
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Persons with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by contacting ada@charlottesville.org or (434) 970-3182.
City Council Vision: To be one community filled with opportunity
Mission : We provide services that promote equity and an excellent quality of life in our community

Goal 1: An Inclusive Community of Self-sufficient Residents
Goal 2: A Healthy and Safe City
Goal 3: A Beautiful and Sustainable Natural and Built Environment
Goal 4: A Strong, Creative and Diversified Economy
Goal 5: A Well-managed and Responsive Organization
Sent by the City of Charlottesville Office of Communications, 605 E. Main St. Charlottesville, VA 22902
Brian Wheeler, Director of Communications
PHONE: 434-970-3129 EMAIL:  wheelerb@charlottesville.org