Coronavirus: Fredericksburg News And Updates In Time Of Crisis
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The new coronavirus outbreak in Virginia and across the nation is having vast impacts in Fredericksburg, including the closure of schools and many businesses.
The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and additional measures and closures continue to be announced. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday declared a stay-at-home order.
As of Tuesday, there were 1,250 cases of the coronavirus in Virginia, an increase of 230 cases from Monday. The number of deaths in the state now stands at 27 compared to 25 on Monday. The Fredericksburg area reported 35 positive cases of the coronavirus. As of Tuesday, Stafford County had reported 24 cases, Spotsylvania seven cases, King George 3 cases and Fredericksburg one case.
Here are the latest updates from Fredericksburg:
SCHOOLS
All schools in Virginia are closed through the rest of the academic year in response to the coronavirus outbreak. MORE.
BUSINESSES
To support restaurants offering takeout, curbside pickup, and no-contact delivery, a statewide promotion called “Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week” is taking place. Residents are encouraged to order takeout from at least three area restaurants during the week of March 30-April 5.
A new website called fxbglovelocal.com was just created that will help Fredericksburg residents choose which local restaurants to support next week and beyond.
Fredericksburg breweries also are finding ways to keep their customers satisfied while generating revenue during these uncertain times through curbside pickup and deliveries. MORE
HOSPITALS
Mary Washington Healthcare's Health Link nurse triage team is available daily from 6 a.m. to midnight to assist people with determining the best level of care for their symptoms. The nurses can be reached at 540-741-1000.
Mary Washington Healthcare is not allowing visitors inside its hospitals, with the exception of laboring mothers and minors. MORE
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MENTAL HEALTH
As the coronavirus crisis increases concerns and anxiety among residents in the community, residents are encouraged to contact the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board if they need assistance. The organization has an emergency therapist available 24 hours a day. Residents should call the organization's emergency line at 540-373-6876 if they need help.
PETS
With the support of the Bissell Pet Foundation, the SPCA of Fredericksburg is holding an "Empty the Shelters" event where adoption fees are reduced to $25 for animals seven months or older. The event, which runs through Wednesday, is being held in response to the coronavirus, which is placing increased demands on animal shelters and rescue groups. MORE
NEIGHBORS
Fredericksburg is asking residents to open their front doors at 6 p.m. each day walk out and say "hello" to their neighbors from a distance. The City Council wants residents to incorporate "Step Outside, Say Hello!" into their daily routines to stay in touch with neighbors, especially the elderly, during the coronavirus crisis. MORE
FRED NATS
The Fredericksburg Nationals were scheduled to play their first home game on April 23. With a stay-at-home order in place in Virginia through early June, the timing of the home debut of the FredNats remains up in the air. As long as construction is permitted to continue during the coronavirus crisis, workers should now have plenty of time to put the finishing touches on the stadium when/if the 2020 baseball season begins. MORE
This article originally appeared on the Fredericksburg Patch
