City of Richmond responds to the Governor’s “Stay at Home” Order

• Playgrounds and sports facilities such as basketball, tennis and pickleball courts will be closed for the duration of the order. 
• Sunbathing, swimming and gathering in groups in the James River Park System is also prohibited.
• This is in compliance with the governor’s order, as the surfaces are not being sanitized and the activities themselves do not allow for the appropriate social distancing. Click here to read more from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Ask yourself: Is it essential?

• Essential activities are the only reason you should be leaving your home. This includes vital trips like going to the grocery store, pharmacy or doctor’s office. The stay at home order is not a lockdown, but an indication of how seriously everyone should take this pandemic. 
• Read what the Governor states is essential here.

Online resources expand for small business leaders 

• The Office of Minority Business Development offers a webinar tomorrow, April 1 on small business disaster loans. 
  • Click here to register.
• Retail Merchants Association offers “Leading through a Crisis”
  • Roundtable topics will include: protecting employees and customers, running stressed scenarios for income and liquidity, defending your brand and revenues, and more. 
  • Click here to register.
• Join the Virginia Community Capital information exchange
  • VCC is hosting multiple weekly updates and office hours. 
  • Click here to register.
• SBA offers opportunity to provide microloans
  • Are you interested in helping your community through offering small business microloans? Click here to learn more.

The Richmond City Health District is reporting the first two deaths of City of Richmond residents related to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

Both patients were males in their 70s and died while hospitalized.  Both suffered from underlying, chronic conditions

According to RCHD, both men were known to have recently spent time working in New Jersey.  The Richmond City Health District is in communication with state health authorities and is conducting an investigation to determine those who may have come into contact with the men.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that this pandemic has claimed its first lives in our community, and my condolences go out to the families of these men,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “This virus knows no borders, which is why it is critically important that we continue to follow health protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and adhere to Governor Northam’s executive order. Stay home and keep Richmond safe.”

“Every loss we experience at the hands of this disease is tragic,” said Dr. Danny Avula, director of the Richmond City and Henrico Health Districts.  "I hope this news gives our community even more resolve to stay home, strictly follow the isolation and quarantine guidelines, and to limit our physical interactions with others.”

For more information on the impacts of COVID-19, visit http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/.

For more information on the city’s response to COVID-19, visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

Los Servicios de la Ciudad Continúan en Evolución

El Departamento de Servicios Sociales está ofreciendo beneficios de emergencia SNAP por arriba de los beneficios ya recibidos en los hogares

Actualmente, los hogares que reciben el máximo beneficio mensual del programa SNAP no son elegibles para beneficios de emergencia. Se proveerán beneficios de emergencia por los meses de marzo y abril y se incrementará la asignación permitida basada en el tamaño de la familia para que reciban el máximo. Los habitantes pueden someter sus preguntas y aplicaciones de servicios a través del sitio web de RVA311 https://www.rva311.com/rvaone/Home/Index o llamando al 804-646-7000.

Los beneficios de emergencia para el mes de marzo fueron emitidos después de las 8 p.m. el 25 de marzo de 2020. Los beneficios del mes de abril serán emitidos el 16 de abril de 2020. Los beneficios regulares del mes de abril para el programa de SNAP serán emitidos en su fecha normal.
La tabla a continuación puede ser usada como guía en el cálculo de los beneficios y el incremento a ser recibido por los hogares dependiendo del tamaño de la familia.

Los beneficios de emergencia permitirán a los beneficiarios recibir un incremento hasta el máximo beneficio posible basado en el tamaño de su familia.

Tamaños del Hogar                                                Cantidad de Dinero 
    (# de personas)
1                                                                                                                           $194
2                                                                                                                           $355
3                                                                                                                           $509
4                                                                                                                           $646
5                                                                                                                           $768
6                                                                                                                           $921
7                                                                                                                           $1,018
8                                                                                                                           $1,164
Cada persona adicional                                         $146 por persona

Para aplicar, haga clic aquí. Lea las respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes aquí. 

La mayoría de los casos de La Corte Juvenil y de Relaciones Domésticas se han extendido. 

Para saber si su caso se ha extendido después del 6 de abril, lea la siguiente comunicación en el sitio web de la corte o puede tener acceso a los contactos de la corte aquí.

El Alcalde Stoney Provee Informe Actualizado al Público 

El Alcalde hizo una presentación en Vivo a través de Facebook hoy, a las 5:30 p.m.

El dió un informe actualizado al público en la respuesta de la ciudad ante el COVID-19 y respondió a las preguntas más comunes que ha recibido su administración. Usted no tiene que tener una cuenta con Facebook para poder ver el video – haga clic aquí para poder ver el video del Alcalde en Facebook.

El Alcalde Stoney y su administración también están enviando informes semanales al Concejo de la Ciudad a través de un memo formal.

Lea el informe de esta semana aquí 

En preparación del Fin de Semana

Recuerden que los Richmondeses continúan siendo responsables de acatar la orden ejecutiva del Gobernador Northam.

Si usted ve un negocio o grupo de individuos incumpliendo la ordenanza de esta regulación llame al número de non emergencias de la policía: 804-646-5100.

Los incitamos a que usen los parque públicos para hacer ejercicio y respirar aire fresco, pero siguiendo la guía del distanciamiento social.

Debe haber 6 pies (2 metros) de distancia entre usted y cualquier otra persona o animal que no viva en su hogar en todo momento. Asegúrese de desinfectar sus manos y cualquier objeto que estuvo en contacto externo.

City services continue to adapt

Time limits on parking will not be enforced 

Drivers will still be ticketed for parking illegally, which generally includes blocking the right of way or disturbing essential services. Examples include parking in front of ADA accessibility ramps or fire hydrants and blocking bike lanes or crosswalks. 

Be vigilant – paving and utility repairs are ongoing. Therefore, drivers should still abide by temporary restrictions indicated by signage. If they do not, they will be ticketed. 

If you are concerned by a business that is not abiding by the Governor’s social distancing order or large congregations of people, call the police non-emergency number: 804-646-5100

This also applies to Richmond’s city parks and outdoor spaces
The Governor’s executive order does not allow gatherings of more than 10 people. Groups larger than 10 outside a household unit are in violation of that order. Click here to read that order.

Click here to read the full guidance provided by the city and Richmond Police Department.

According to Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53, as of 11:59 on Tuesday, March 24 all businesses in Virginia are subject to the following regulations:

• Entertainment and recreation venues must close;
• Non-essential businesses that cannot abide by the recommended six feet of social distancing must close;
• Food and drink establishments must limit their service to carryout, curbside, or delivery;
• Non-essential brick and mortar stores may stay open as long as they limit capacity to 10 patrons at a time; and
• Essential businesses, such as grocery stores and medical and health establishments, may stay open but must practice social distancing and enhanced hygienic precautions. 

Here is a link to the full text of the Governor’s instructions.

If a resident of Richmond sees an establishment out of compliance with this order and is concerned for public health, they should call the Richmond Police Department non-emergency number: 804-646-5100. This also applies to residents who see large groups not practicing social distancing in city parks and outdoor spaces.

Concerned residents should not call 911 in these cases. While non-compliance with social distancing guidelines puts the community at risk, 911 lines should be reserved for emergencies.

These are the directions that the Richmond Police Department has given its officers on enforcement of the Governor’s instructions:

RPD ADVISORY
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES OF COVID-19 EXECUTIVE ORDER
Officers will attempt to address these situations as they arise in the following manner:

• FIRST COMPLAINT – Officers will identify the responsible party, educate them regarding the governor’s order and document the interaction in an offense report. This will include providing the responsible party with a copy of the executive order.
• SECOND COMPLAINT – Officers will warn the responsible party that continued violation will result in a Class 1 misdemeanor and document the interaction in an offense report.
• THIRD COMPLAINT – Officers will contact supervision for assistance and proceed with criminal charges, if appropriate.
• *NOTE* - Egregious or extreme cases will be handled differently

The City of Richmond’s public utility, which provides water, sewer and gas to city residents and those throughout the metro region, has received a bond rating upgrade by Moody’s Investors Service to Aa1 – one step below the highest rating of AAA.

The upgrade, the second the city has received in the last two months, will allow the utility, known as the Richmond VA Combined Utility Enterprise, to borrow money at more favorable rates, producing cost savings estimated to be in the millions in upcoming years.

The City of Richmond’s general obligation bond rating was similarly upgraded to Aa1 by Moody’s in February.

“This upgrade is further proof that the mayor and his executive team are managing the city in a prudent and fiscally responsible way,” said David P. Rose, Senior Vice President at Davenport & Company, the city’s financial advisors.

Moody’s said the utility’s upgrade “reflects the strength and stability of the system's liquidity position and debt service, coverage ratios, supported by regular rate increases and long-range financial planning. The rating also reflects the system's large, diverse and growing service area, adequate treatment and storage capacity, elevated but manageable debt burden, as well as adequate legal provisions.” 

“A financially healthy, well managed public utility is central to providing the clean drinking water and reliable service our people depend on every day,” said Mayor Stoney. “This upgrade is more than just a feather in our fiscal cap. It creates greater opportunity for the city to save millions and reinvest in our vital infrastructure to meet the needs of our residents and customers.”   

The Moody’s release on the upgrade was issued in spite of the coronavirus outbreak and said the utility has a “stable” outlook. 

“Richmond VA Combined Utility is not susceptible to immediate material credit risks related to coronavirus,” the Moody’s report states. “Any potential declines in usage trends are unlikely to be material over the near-term given the essentiality of the services provided and the stability of the utility's customer base.  Additionally, the utility's healthy liquidity position will help to minimize the credit impact from any temporary disruptions to the collection of customer payments

Evictions are Halted in Richmond

“No evictions will be executed during this state of emergency.”

Mayor Stoney released a statement detailing the current status of eviction procedures during the pandemic. Click here to read it in full.

Richmond is Safer and Stronger at Home

The Mayor and city leaders warn that if residents do not practice social distancing in parks, they could be closed.

Mayor Stoney, Parks Director Chris Frelke, and Police Chief Will Smith announced their intent to enforce social distancing in parks and other outdoor spaces, warning residents to stay six feet apart or risk the closure of the parks. This includes abstaining from basketball, pickleball, field sports, and similar activities that require touch. 

Residents are encouraged to use the outdoors as a means by which to take a break, get exercise, and maintain mental health. However, residents should maintain the suggested six feet distance from other humans and pets and wash hands as soon as they return home. 

Click here to watch the video.

The Governor’s briefing today reiterated warning and guidance from yesterday. 

The restrictions on non-essential businesses go into effect at 11:59 on Tuesday, March 24. You can read more here. The Governor’s Office has provided a frequently asked questions document here. 

Services Continue to Evolve

The state typically requires that businesses interested in the Enterprise Zone program submit a hard copy application, but that requirement is now waived. 

Interested parties may submit applications online here until April 1. 

The city maintains an updated list of essential services available during the closure. 

Recently, we added Richmond Behavioral Health Authority’s service modifications and information on jury duty for the Circuit Court. Click here to access it.
 

“En las pasadas dos semanas, mi equipo y yo hemos estado en conversación con la Sociedad de Ayuda Legal del Centro de Virginia, los defensores de los inquilinos, la alguacil Irving y las cortes con la meta de parar completamente los desalojos que se decidieron y programaron antes del congelamiento de casos ocurrido en el estado”.

“Después de nuestras conversaciones con la alguacil y su equipo, he recibido la garantía de que no se ejecutará ningún desalojos durante el estado de emergencia en que estamos. La alguacil ha notificado a los propietarios que la implementación de estos desalojos ha sido parada”.

“Al mismo tiempo que trabajaba con la oficina de la alguacil, he contactado a la Autoridad de Vivienda y Desarrollo de Richmond para extender el congelamiento de sus desalojos, así como a los beneficiarios del Fondo de Vivienda Asequible a no proceder con ningún desalojo. Mi propuesta de enmienda al presupuesto, que incluye trasladar $2.1 millones al Fondo de Vivienda Asequible, ayudará a proveer espacios para albergues de emergencia y vivienda básica a los miembros más vulnerables de nuestra comunidad. También proveerá fondos adicionales para el Programa de Evitación de Desalojos una vez que termine el estado de emergencia”.

“En conclusión: nadie debería perder su hogar en medio de una pandemia. Responder a este reto con justicia y velocidad requiere de compasión en la toma de decisiones en todos los niveles. Animo a todos los propietarios de viviendas a que sean comprensivos con la inmensa carga económica que muchos trabajadores deben soportar debido al COVID-19. Debemos trabajar juntos y ayudarnos el uno al otro”.

“Over the past couple of weeks, my team and I have engaged with Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, tenant advocates, Sheriff Irving and the courts with a goal of completely halting evictions that were decided and scheduled before the statewide freeze on new cases. 

“After conversations with the Sheriff and her team, I've gotten assurance that no evictions will be executed during this state of emergency. The Sheriff has notified the landlords that the execution of all evictions will be halted.

“In addition to working with the Sheriff, I also called on Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority to extend its eviction freeze and the recipients of the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund monies to not pursue evictions at all. My proposed budget amendment to move $2.1 million to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will help provide emergency shelter spaces and supportive housing for our most vulnerable community members, as well as provide additional funding for our Eviction Diversion Program once the state of emergency ends.

“It boils down to this: no one should lose their home in the middle of a pandemic. Responding to this challenge with speedy and just action requires compassionate decision-making on all levels. I urge all landlords to be understanding of the huge economic burden many workers bear due to COVID-19. We must work together and lift each other up.”

La Ciudad de Richmond reporta hoy el primer caso positivo de uno de sus empleados con COVID-19.

La afectada es una oficial del Departamento de Policía de Richmond (RPD, por sus iniciales en inglés), la cual viajó a Nueva York antes del inicio de los síntomas.

De acuerdo al Distrito de Salud de la Ciudad de Richmond (RHCD, por sus iniciales en inglés), la oficial, quien tiene alrededor de 40 años de edad, está en su casa aislada en condición estable. Otro compañero que había estado en contacto cercano con la oficial, está bajo cuarentena voluntaria y está monitoreando su salud y vigilando la aparición de algún síntoma.

Una investigación preliminar hecha por la policía y el distrito de salud, no determinó que hubiera un potencial de contacto cercano con los residentes de la ciudad en el período posterior a su viaje. Sin embargo, las autoridades están revisando e investigando cualquier otro contacto cercano adicional que la oficial haya tenido durante sus funciones regulares.

“Mi primera preocupación es por ella y su familia y la familia extendida que son sus compañeros de trabajo,” dijo el jefe de policía William Smith. “Hemos tomado las medidas necesarias para limitar la exposición de nuestro personal y de la comunidad a la que servimos. Es extremadamente importante que todos continuemos haciendo nuestra tarea para controlar la difusión del virus al seguir los protocolos de protección recomendados”, agregó.

“Ya que hemos visto una propagación significativa del virus en la comunidad, no nos sorprende tener la primera aparición documentada del virus en el personal del gobierno”, dijo el Dr. Danny Avula, Director del Distrito de Salud de la Ciudad de Richmond, el cual sirve a la ciudad de Richmond y al condado de Henrico. “Continuamos animando a los miembros de nuestra comunidad a tomar todas las precauciones necesarias para limitar su exposición al COVID-19 y mitigar su impacto en los residentes de la región”, añadió.

“Aprecio verdaderamente el trabajo que el personal de emergencias hace en el frente de batalla para mantener segura a nuestra comunidad durante estos tiempos inciertos,” dijo el alcalde Levar Stoney. “Todos debemos hacer nuestra parte también. Estaremos más seguros y fuertes en casa”, agregó.