If a month ago anyone were to say that practically everyone would be resigned to stay in their homes, not go to work unless deemed essential personnel, schools would be closed and children would have to be home schooled, and many would lose their jobs due to businesses closings – it would have seemed highly unlikely. However, we are. Many have been affected, with some tragically losing their lives. These are “critical times” we’re living in.
There are lots of online and offline resources to educate and provide assistance in light of this epidemic with the objective of informing the community about the Coronavirus. The goal of this resource is to provide important and useful information to the Virginia Beach community.
stay at Home
The state of Virginia is under a Stay at Home order which started March 30, 2020 (Executive Order 55) and will remain until June 10, 2020 unless changed by governmental authorities. Do your part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by remaining at home.
Wash Your Hands Frequently
To limit the spread of germs wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
In the event that you need to go shopping for food, medicine, or for other reasons remain at least 6 feet away from others. If possible, wear a face mask or other material covering when around others. Wearing a face covering can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 or unintentionally pass it to others. Limit gatherings to no more than 10 people.
CLEAN AND DISINFECT FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES
Telephones, toilets, fixtures, sinks, tables, light switches, door handles, and metal surfaces can oftentimes be contaminated because these are surfaces that are used often without frequent cleaning. Use disinfectants fitting for the surface.
MAINTAIN YOUR DISTANCE FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK
If, by chance, you think there is someone at home who is sick, have the person remain in one room away from others and pets as much as possible.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
There are many sites where current and updated information can be found. This information has been compiled and provided as a courtesy to the Virginia Beach community.
Please note that this list is in no way a complete list, and no particular organization is being endorsed. Please check and verify, as information is subject to change.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
International Travel Advisories
Virginia Department of Education
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia
Manage Anxiety & Stress Caused by COVID-19
7 Step Prevention Coronavirus Awareness Resource
Know the facts about (COVID-19) to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease. Download Your Coronavirus Prevention Awareness Resource now.
GROCERY STORES
Many grocery stores have adjusted the times they are open to accommodate the elderly and persons who have health challenges. Contact the stores directly to verify hours and ask if they offer home or curbside delivery.
Kroger
Store hours from 7 am to 10 pm (had been 6 am to midnight. Designated shopping hour for seniors who are at least 60 years old is 7 am to 8 am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Harris Teeter
Store hours from 7 am to 8 pm. Every Monday and Thursday the store will open from 6 am to 8 am for seniors only.
The Fresh Market
Store hours from 8 am to 9 pm. but the first hour, from 8 am to 9 am Monday through Friday will be a dedicated shopping hour for seniors and at-risk individuals who might have an underlying medical condition.
Food Lion
Hours vary by location. Designated hour from 7 am to 8 am on Mondays and Wednesdays for seniors who are at least 60 years old and individuals who are have immunity issues.
Wegmans
Store hours from 7 am to 10 pm.
Trader Joe’s
Store hours: 9 am to 7 pm. Dedicated line outside the door between 9 am and 10 am for senior customers only.
Aldi
Store hours from 9 am to 7 pm. Store opens 8:30 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and dedicating the first hour to seniors, pregnant women and customers with health concerns.
Lidl
Store hours from 8 am to 8 pm until further notice.
Whole Foods
Store hours from 8 am to 8 pm. Seniors who are at least 60 years old can shop an hour before the stores open.
Walmart
Store hours from 7 am to 8:30 pm. Every Tuesday through April 28, Walmart will open 1 hour early for senior customers who are at least 60 years old only. The pharmacy and vision centers will also open 1 hour early on those days.
Target
Stores are reserving 8 am to 9 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays persons with vulnerabilities.
Dollar Tree/Family Dollar
Store hours from 8 am to 9 am for those age 60 and older.
Take Out & Delivery, Curbside Delivery
Restaurants that are participating in takeout and delivery or offering curbside delivery have been updating this information in The Virginian Pilot and Hampton Roads Restaurants – Take Out & Delivery Options on Facebook. Please check these resources for restaurants who are offering curbside and takeout deliveries.
If You Were Laid Off Due To The Coronavirus…..
To file a new claim for unemployment benefits call the Virginia Employment Commission at 1-866-832-2363 Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or click here.
If You Need Help With Your Mortgage….
Contact the company where you send your monthly payments as soon as possible to let them know about your current circumstances. The telephone number and mailing address of your mortgage servicer should be listed on your monthly mortgage statement. Please get in writing any agreements and, if necessary, consult an attorney and/or tax advisor. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (fhfa,gov) has online information to assist you.
in conclusion….
If there is anything I can do to assist you in the meantime please feel free to contact me. Hopefully this unprecedented outbreak will soon pass. Good health to you! Stay well and be safe.
