Below are recommendations and resources from earlier during the Pandemic almost all of which remains good advice and good resources. Thankfully with safe and effective vaccines and anti-viral medications now available most COVID infections are now leading only to relatively mild flu like symptoms.
Region 10 Ph #972-1800 can now also provide tele-counselling and health checks http://regionten.org/
Community Resources Hotline (434) 234-4490 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm where the City’s Department of Human Services can help you navigate access to city-vetted resources for housing, financial assistance, food, & supplies
TJ District Dept of Health Info page which includes links to other resources http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/thomas-jefferson/covid-19-tjhd-local-resources/ They also have 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.
While the most important thing we can all be doing is watching out for our health and the health of our community members, there are other ways we can act to help our community. The pandemic not only endangers our physical health but gravely threatens our local economy, particularly our local businesses that rely on foot traffic. Large corporate chains will no doubt survive, but our local businesses need our help right now to survive. Our various levels of government are now rolling out help to small businesses and affected employees, but we as individuals can help save our beloved local businesses and the jobs they support by looking for ways to meet our purchasing needs locally whenever possible.
Below are some specific ways to help local restaurants
Other Generic Home Delivery Options: Also, a lot of other locally owned restaurants will likely start offering pickup or home delivery, but of course there are a number of national business that are specifically set up to deliver food from area restaurants to your doorstep with easily used apps, including those listed below (but see article above with general advice and considerations). https://www.doordash.com/ https://www.ubereats.com/ https://eatstreet.com/charlottesville-va/home
COVID 19: Greenbrier Group List E-mails Archive (Keep in mind the dates when these emails were sent, as some of the information contained therein may no longer be considered current)
As you know, states -- including Virginia -- are starting to open back up a bit, but the basic safety advice for individuals is not likely to change anytime soon. The keys that come to mind are to maintain at least a six-foot distance from people not in your household; stay at home as much as you can; wear a mask if you are going out -- at a minimum, wear one if you will be somewhere that it is difficult to maintain your distance from others -- and if you are sick, stay home and contact health care as appropriate. Wash or disinfect your hands frequently; always do so before touching your face if you may have touched something potentially contaminated. The main thing in order to protect yourself and others is to maintain vigilance and follow the full advice of the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) and state agencies. See info from Governor's office further below.
I'm sure everyone is feeling good thoughts and saying "thanks," when able, to people on the front lines, including service workers we cross paths with. Two sets of workers who have been out there working for all of us in this neighborhood this whole time and who probably don't get to hear thanks much are our postal workers and our household waste collectors. They are not having to be in close spaces with other people, but they are touching a whole lot of stuff other people have touched -- plus, they are underappreciated anyway. So I'm going to put a "thanks" sign this week on my mailbox and on my trash can Tuesday night. Join me if you are so motivated. Normally, the rule is that you can't tape anything to mailboxes, but I'm willing to brave a simple note saying "thanks" on the mailbox door and assume it will not land me or anyone in trouble. Also, be aware that you can't tip mail carriers (https://www.thoughtco.com/the-right-gift-for-the-mailman-3321106),but anyone so moved could no doubt do that for the refuse collectors.
Ned
From the Governor’s Press Conference yesterday, May 9, there is all new info about Forward Virginia -- Phase 1.
Governor’s Press Conference Yesterday, May 9 -- Forward Virginia PHASE 1:
Getting out to walk or ride bikes around the neighborhood or in Greenbrier Park are great activities for the whole family and are even recommended by government agencies in order for us to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. Same goes for use of the CHS track. It is, however, important to follow safe practices -- most notably, keeping the six-feet spacing between non-household members.
It would be tragic for all of us if the City decided to close Greenbrier Park and/or the CHS track because people were not acting responsibly, and it is upsetting to hear about recent vandalism at CHS. For instance, I understand Albemarle in fact did close its high schools' tracks early on in the pandemic.
Face coverings are not required but are recommended for places where social distancing is difficult -- which could indeed be a park if the park is crowded. Consider, also, that wearing a face mask may help others feel more comfortable being out among people even when social distancing is being practiced -- but, again, it is in fact not required. Below are some relevant quotes from the authoritative websites and links. (If you haven't been to the CDC site recently, check out the nice sections on best-practice tips -- for example, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.html.)
From the Virginia Department of Health website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/cloth-face-covers/ Cloth Face CoversThe most important way to protect others and yourself from getting COVID-19 is by staying home and practicing social distancing when you have to go out. The CDC has recommended that people wear cloth face coverings when they are in public places such as the grocery store where they will be around other people and it may be difficult to keep distance. Face coverings are not needed for going outside by yourself to take a walk or work in your garden, etc. Cloth face coverings can help protect the people around you. Some people with COVID-19 have no signs or symptoms and do not feel sick, but can still pass the virus on to others. A cloth face covering can help prevent this. It is important that you do not get a false sense of security from wearing a cloth face covering. Face coverings are only helpful when they are worn correctly and used in combination with other recommendations. You should still follow social distancing rules (limiting contact and staying six feet away from other people), wash your hands often, avoid touching your face, and cover your coughs and sneezes. From the CDC website:
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others. Know Before You Go: While these facilities and areas can offer health benefits, it is important that you follow the steps below to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.DOcheck icon Visit parks that are close to your home check icon Prepare before you visit check icon Stay at least 6 feet away from others (“social distancing”) and take other steps to prevent COVID-19 check icon Play it safe around and in swimming pools. Keep space between yourself and othersDON’Ttimes icon Visit parks if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19 times icon Visit crowded parks times icon Use playgrounds times icon Use hot tubs, spas, water playgrounds, or water parks times icon Participate in organized activities or sports. times circle solid icon Don’t: Visit parks if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19
If you are sick with COVID-19, were recently exposed (within 14 days) to someone with COVID-19, or just don’t feel well, do not visit public areas including parks or recreational facilities.
check circle solid icon Do: Visit parks that are close to your home Traveling long distances to visit a park may contribute to the spread of COVID-19, as:
Most travel requires you to stop along the way or be in close contact with others.
Travel may also expose you to surfaces contaminated with the virus that causes COVID-19.
times circle solid icon Don’t: Visit crowded parks
Do not visit parks where you cannot stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times.
check circl From the Governor's website regarding frequently asked questions: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/faq/ Outdoor RecreationCan I still exercise? Take my family to the park for fresh air? Take a walk around the block? Yes, as long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who are not a part of your household. Gyms, fitness centers, indoor recreation centers and indoor sports facilities must close.Does this order affect hiking? State Parks? No, you may still go outside so long as you practice social distancing of six feet. Virginia State Parks have closed visitor centers, but trails and outdoor spaces are still open. For information on Virginia State Parks, please see here.
-----Original Message----- From: Ned Michie [email protected] [GNA_Mail] <[email protected]> To: GNA_mail <[email protected]> Sent: Tue, Apr 7, 2020 11:06 am Subject: [GNA_Mail] Making and Wearing Face Coverings
As I'm sure you’ve heard, this weekend the CDC announced that it does in fact now want everyone (especially in areas of significant community transmission) to wear face coverings when out in places where it is harder to social distance (e.g., grocery stores). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html Last evening (Monday, April 6), Governor Northam also and more broadly asked Virginians to wear face coverings when they need to go out in public. https://www.pilotonline.com/news/health/vp-nw-coronavirus-northam-updates-0406-20200406-jvhcyokfu5glppcidupextg6hm-story.html Both the CDC and Governor Northam are talking only about homemade masks for the general population; they are not suggesting that we purchase the masks that the frontline people need. Moreover, everyone is emphasizing that wearing a face covering IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE for staying at home, social distancing, and following all the other current recommendations that are aimed at slowing the transmission of the virus. The evidence suggests that when we wear even homemade face coverings, there is a reduced chance that the virus – which we may not even realize we have – will be transmitted to others. (Hopefully, anyone who is aware of being infected is at home or in the hospital.) As you know, the word is that COVID-19 has a longer-than-typical time period where a person doesn't get symptoms but can still be a transmitter, and some people never really show symptoms but can be transmitters. Although the evidence is less compelling that a homemade face mask offers much protection to the wearer, apparently there is some evidence that homemade masks can keep out some of the larger particles which are sneezed, coughed, or breathed out – and it feels logical that masks would provide some level of added protection. Some of you may already be making masks for our local health care providers, and we want that to continue as long as the local health care providers actually want such homemade products. The best source of information for local requests for homemade masks is probably the “Cville Craft Aid” website, and as you will see, there are still a lot of requests from health care providers, nursing homes, and the like.https://cvillebio.wixsite.com/cvillecraftaid/volunteer Consequently, those of you with the time and ability to make masks/face coverings, please consider doing so; those who are already making masks, please consider upping your production so that you can offer them to others. Also feel free to use this list to seek out neighbors who would appreciate a mask. Of course, the drop-off or pickup of any such masks would need to be done carefully and in accordance with cleaning protocols. For some added motivation on how quickly ramping up face covering production and wearing could potentially make a significant difference, watch this very short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-n2Hc&feature=youtu.be For discussions of the issues around the potential benefit (or not) of wearing masks, here is one of many articles available: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/asia/coronavirus-mask-messaging-intl-hnk/index.html For an article discussing what may be the best materials and construction techniques for homemade masks, see the following: https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html JoAnn Fabric stores are apparently giving out free kits for making masks and gowns. https://www.foxnews..com/lifestyle/coronavirus-joann-stores-craft-face-mask-free-kits There are a lot of internet sources for how-to-make-a-mask.The Chville Craft Aid web site above has instructions, and below are some other articles on the subject. https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/how-to-make-coronavirus-face-masks-diy https://www.today.com/style/how-make-face-mask-fabric-home-t177225 https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/04/health/how-to-make-your-own-mask-wellness-trnd/index.html
Ned
-----Original Message----- From: Ned Michie <[email protected]> To: GNA_mail <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, Apr 1, 2020 12:02 pm Subject: Spring Newsletter
Attached is our Spring "Greenbrier Gazette." As you will see, there are even quite a few articles unrelated to COVID-19! I want to particularly thank Heather Griffith, a member of our Executive Committee, who has been arranging and sponsoring the wonderful layout of our newsletter through a designer she uses.
Given that there are still only about 375 people on this e-mail list, we continue to do a black-and-white print edition that gets hand-delivered to the 900+ homes. So I also want to thank our delivery people, who this time around will be exercising all the recommended precautions for keeping us safe. Consequently, even though many more people will be at home during the delivery, there will be no personal hand-offs.
Ned
-----Original Message----- From: Ned Michie <[email protected]> To: jeanetterosenberg <[email protected]> Cc: GNA_mail <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, Apr 1, 2020 3:34 pm Subject: Local businesses and our E-mail list
Jeanette (and the rest of you),
Thanks for posting this. It is helpful information, particularly since pickup and delivery of groceries are the safest ways we can get the food we all need to survive. (Everybody please keep in mind, however, the recommendations out there for safe practices for pickup and delivery of items.) This event is also a good way to support a great local business.
Over the last several days, the Executive Committee has been discussing whether to temporarily relax our normal rules for use of our group e-mail list with regard to advertising local businesses. (All advertising is normally prohibited under our rules, which can be found on our web page's home page: https://cvillegreenbrier.weebly.com/.) As you know, we have already been encouraging everyone generally to support all our beloved local businesses, and we have been giving links to websites set up for providing support to both individuals and businesses (e.g., https://www.supportcville.com/ ). Moreover, the social media app Nextdoor not only has its own advertising but people use it for advertising specific local businesses.
We have tried over the years to rather jealously protect the list through the rules. These, however, are unprecedented times, and I've gotten a number of e-mails in the last couple weeks -- both from local businesses and from our residents -- asking to post information helpful to a local business and also potentially helpful for GNA residents who need to get food, etc. and who also want to help a local business.
Consequently, the consensus of the Executive Committee is to temporarily waive our prohibition against advertising the offerings of local businesses. There was consideration given to having such e-mails go through Ned as a basic filter, but Ned doesn't really want to do that -- mostly because he is selfishly worried about the time it might take, but also because of the delay it might cause for the information to go out. We also considered allowing only e-mails that advertise food-related local business offerings and perhaps advertising any business owned by our Greenbrier residents. Then we talked about what the definition of a "local business" would be, since some could reasonably conclude that "local businesses" include chains owned by local people. Small chains owned and essentially controlled by locals didn't bother us much, but nobody wanted to have people advertising national chains that are going to survive without our help via our e-mail list.
Ultimately, the consensus was to just let you all use your judgment on posting information about "local business" offerings. So feel free to post opportunities like the one below, that you think will both help a local business and be potentially helpful to our neighborhood residents. Please don't post about offerings or events that would encourage violation of the Governor's orders or recommended safe practices.
If this temporary rule relaxation seems to get out of hand, we will reconsider. Remember that this rule change is not allowing businesses to directly advertise, because the e-mails will by necessity be posted only by the Greenbrier folks on this list, even if the e-mail is a forward from a business.
As you know, things are changing all the time with the COVID 19 situation, and it is difficult and yet really important to keep up. Below are some new links and updated info.
Let me know about any I've missed that you think would be useful.
Ned
Charlottesville City’s web page has useful info re it’s response to the pandemic. You can sign up for press releases like the one below. https://www.charlottesville.org/
Also for those of you who like listen to pod casts, there is now a locally produced site devoted to Charlottesville area COVID 19 related pod cast reports.
I've heard from a couple people who are working on helping to make medical masks. One person wrote that
" I've got some material [app 1 yard or more] to donate for someone who's capable of sewing masks for our hospital medical workers. Even though a small amount, a lot masks can be made from it." Anyone who wants to use the offered material let me know and I'll put you in touch.
At this time, we are seeking both face masks and scrub hats. Face Masks: The infection control team has provided us with the following guidelines; Layers are recommended, the outer layer could be a tightly woven cotton or viscose/rayon, or tightly woven wool. The inside layer could be the same tightly woven cotton. Here are some links to ideas and tutorial. This first one could be made as a pocket so folks could use a liner if they have one...
Surgical Scrub Hats, skull caps: You are welcome to use any cotton, or cotton poly blend, in any cheerful fun colors or designs that you would enjoy using. Here are some links to patterns and ideas. http://katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/…/reversible-scrub-… http://freepatterns4scrubhats.blogspot.com/…/the-dragonflys… https://www.etsy.com/shop/adesignbyangie Please call or email us if you have any questions and/or when you are ready to coordinate a convenient pickup/drop off location. We look forward to hearing from you. Maureen Oswald at: [email protected] LaDelle Gay cell Gratefully, and with Many Thanks! LaDelle LaDelle Gay Volunteer Coordinator, Volunteer Services UVA Health System 1215 Lee Street, Room 1650 Box 800668 Charlottesville, VA 22908 Phone: 434.243-4009 Fax: 434.243.5872 -----Original Message----- From: Ned Michie <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, May 11, 2020 9:01 pm Subject: COVID News and service provider appreciation
As you know, states -- including Virginia -- are starting to open back up a bit, but the basic safety advice for individuals is not likely to change anytime soon. The keys that come to mind are to maintain at least a six-foot distance from people not in your household; stay at home as much as you can; wear a mask if you are going out -- at a minimum, wear one if you will be somewhere that it is difficult to maintain your distance from others -- and if you are sick, stay home and contact health care as appropriate. Wash or disinfect your hands frequently; always do so before touching your face if you may have touched something potentially contaminated. The main thing in order to protect yourself and others is to maintain vigilance and follow the full advice of the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) and state agencies. See info from Governor's office further below.
I'm sure everyone is feeling good thoughts and saying "thanks," when able, to people on the front lines, including service workers we cross paths with. Two sets of workers who have been out there working for all of us in this neighborhood this whole time and who probably don't get to hear thanks much are our postal workers and our household waste collectors. They are not having to be in close spaces with other people, but they are touching a whole lot of stuff other people have touched -- plus, they are underappreciated anyway. So I'm going to put a "thanks" sign this week on my mailbox and on my trash can Tuesday night. Join me if you are so motivated. Normally, the rule is that you can't tape anything to mailboxes, but I'm willing to brave a simple note saying "thanks" on the mailbox door and assume it will not land me or anyone in trouble. Also, be aware that you can't tip mail carriers (https://www.thoughtco.com/the-right-gift-for-the-mailman-3321106),but anyone so moved could no doubt do that for the refuse collectors.
Ned
From the Governor’s Press Conference yesterday, May 9, there is all new info about Forward Virginia -- Phase 1.
Governor’s Press Conference Yesterday, May 9 -- Forward Virginia PHASE 1:
As you know, and as described in my last e-mail, the most important thing we can all be doing is watching out for our health and the health of our community members. The pandemic, however, not only endangers our physical health but gravely threatens our local economy, particularly our local businesses that rely on foot traffic. Large corporate chains will no doubt survive, but our local businesses need our help right now to survive. Hopefully -- and presumably -- our various levels of government will be offering real ongoing help to small businesses, but I strongly encourage those who are able, to please help save our beloved local businesses and the jobs they support. So look for ways to meet your purchasing needs locally when you can.
Below are some ways specifically to support our local restaurants; support as many as you can, as often as you can. Of course, while helping all types of our local businesses, please do also follow current recommendations from the experts for our health.
Buying gift cards: the below link has a lot of local restaurants listed, but there are likely more --
Food pickup and delivery by local restaurants: Keep in mind that staying home and getting delivery is likely the better of the two options in order to further minimize the potential virus transmission either from you or to you - particularly if you get the delivery dropped at the door with no face to face interaction. Here is an article on the topic, quoting experts on the subject of the likelihood of virus transmission from packaging and ways to minimize any risk: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/health/food-safety-groceries-coronavirus-wellness/index.html
I note that the recent California "shelter in place" order does not currently close "Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants" https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/ . New York's more recent order also left grocery stores and pickup/delivery restaurants open. The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America currently state, “Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants, and food courts – Use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.”
The CDC web site states at this moment states: "Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, or going to the bathroom. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
Keep an eye out for any changes in these recommendations, and keep in mind that if you are sick you need to take all recommended precautions not to infect other(s), including restaurant delivery people. If you are not sick, remember that the germs can live for long periods of time on surfaces which would include delivery cartons and bags, so touch them and transfer the food out of the cartons onto your plates in a safe manner.
For an article with some considerations by the author on getting food takeout or delivery, see the below, but keep in mind that all health advice can change in this situation, and again the safest thing is to rely on the government websites above (to which the article also links). The author mentions some considerations above and beyond those found in the government websites regarding pickup and delivery services. https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/17/21183919/food-take-out-delivery-order-safe-restaurants-coronavirus
The below links have big lists of Charlottesville restaurants with pickup / delivery options, but look for others of your favorites offering these services.
Other Generic Home Delivery Options: Also, a lot of other locally owned restaurants will likely start offering pickup or home delivery, but of course there are a number of national business that are specifically set up to deliver food from area restaurants to your doorstep with easily used apps, including those listed below (but see article above with general advice and considerations).
I note that the full Greenbrier Executive Committee had a good discussion about whether to send out this e-mail or just focus on health advice from experts and the need to help each other during this trying time. Ultimately, we decided we could responsibly advocate for supporting our local businesses while emphasizing the overarching need to look out for our physical health.
I've gotten a number of Greenbrier residents lined up to provide volunteer help in the coming weeks, so please let me know if you need some neighborly help for anything.
Also, the below excellent website has been set up as a hub for information on how to help out in our community and how to get help: https://www.supportcville.com/
The e-mail I got from City Councilor Heather Hill to neighborhood leaders with that website link also contained the following helpful guidance regarding volunteers:
"Volunteers should not qualify for any task that takes them out of their house unless they can answer "no" to all of these questions :
Do you have ANY cold or flu symptoms or calling card symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath)?
Are you part of the vulnerable population (over 60 years old or with a pre-existing condition like asthma, COPD, etc)?
Do you live with or are you a caretaker for anyone vulnerable (see above)?
Have you been around anyone with symptoms for the last week+ (work / household)?
Volunteers should also be instructed that if they start to experience any symptoms to let you know as soon as possible."
Note that the list also reflects the strong advice that those answering "yes" to any of the questions are the same people who particularly need to stay at home as much as possible -- although that advice is applicable to all of us.
The most important thing we need to do is to protect our own and each other's health by heeding the advice of experts, which includes staying at home as much as possible and exercising social distancing. If you are feeling sick, then it is critically important to stay away from others. (see, e.g., https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/19/new-york-doctor-tests-positive-coronavirus-reports-different-symptoms/2873342001/ ). The key point of all the current efforts is to slow (hopefully stop) new transmissions. Doing so (1) keeps us individuals virus-free, which is particularly important to those most at risk, (2) keeps medical facilities from being potentially overwhelmed, and (3) gives researchers time to learn more, create effective treatments, and ultimately create a vaccine. Moreover, it is important to keep up with their advice, which changes with the ever-changing circumstances. As noted previously, the best websites for this are:
-----Original Message----- From: Ned Michie <[email protected]> To: cassady>; GNA_Mail <[email protected]> Sent: Fri, Mar 13, 2020 5:28 pm Subject: COVID-19 assistance and more info
Thanks, Cassady -- and I have also already collected contact info for a number of other neighbors who are ready to volunteer too.
In addition, I meant to further suggest to everyone that you consider, in the coming days and weeks, actually directly contacting neighbors or folks you know in the neighborhood (or beyond) who may need help (particularly those in the at-risk categories) to see if they are doing okay and if they could use any assistance. If they need untrained volunteer help that is beyond your capabilities, then please contact me and/or use this list to seek others to assist.
For those who still need convincing that it is reasonable to take precautions -- here is a detailed analysis someone sent me today, setting out the case for being concerned.
Hopefully, it will turn out in retrospect that we are indeed all "overreacting," but we don't know what we don't know, and what we do know we don't like.
Speaking of information -- Charlottesville Tomorrow is spending a lot of good energy to let us know what we do know about COVID-19 news that affects us locally.
Also, in case you missed it, re Parks and Rec -- see below.
Ned
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Due to the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will be cancelling or suspending the following classes, programs and events effective Monday, March 16 until further notice.
Cancellations (effective March 16)
Aquatic and Athletic programs currently in session
Adaptive programs
Senior programs
Field Trips
Key Indoor Market (3/14 and 3/21)
Access Arts Annual Visual Arts Show (3/14)
Picnic Shelter Rentals and Facility Rentals (for the next 30 days)
Birthday Party Rentals (for the next 30 days)
Personal Training and Private Lessons
Suspending (until at least March 31)
Registered Classes/Programs beginning on Monday, March 16
Sports Leagues beginning on Monday, March 16
Parks & Recreation staff will make a determination in the next few weeks if the suspended classes/programs will be able to resume at a later date or will need to be cancelled altogether.
CARE (Charlottesville Afterschool Program) located at Crow Recreation Center will operate 8:00 am - 5:30 pm on Monday March 16th. Recreation Centers and Community Housing Sites will remain open as normal at this time but some specific programs at centers might be cancelled. Group fitness and Group Aquatic drop-in fitness classes will continue at Carver Recreation Center and Smith Aquatic & Fitness Center. All parks, trails and Meadowcreek Golf Course will also remain open for the time being. Parks & Recreation users are encouraged to assist in helping reduce the potential of spreading the virus by; staying home if you are not feeling well or sick, washing your hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds, wiping down equipment after use and avoiding close contact with other users. For customers affected by the cancellations or suspensions, they will receive additional information from Parks & Recreation regarding program updates and refund options. Charlottesville Parks & Recreation apologizes for this disruption in service, but feel this is in the best interest of the community to help reduce the spread of the virus.
We will continue to post updates about facilities, classes/programs and events on our website at www.charlottesville.org/parksandrec and through our social media accounts. If you have questions, you can send an email to [email protected] or call (434) 970-3260.
-----Original Message----- From: Cassady [GNA_Mail] <[email protected]> To: GNA_Mail <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, Mar 12, 2020 11:19 pm Subject: [GNA_Mail] Here to help!
Hi Greenbrier neighbors,
If any of you, particularly those over 60, need a helping hand with errand running, groceries, picking up prescriptions, dog walking, et cetera, please don’t hesitate to ask! My husband and I are both telecommuting now and are very willing and able to venture out if you’d rather stay put.
These are unusual times, aren't they?! No classes at UVa! No fans at March Madness Hoops!!
Given that 80% of people who get the COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, that there are only 15 reported presumptive positive cases in Virginia, and that the death rate may only be 1%, it can all seem like an overreaction compared to the way the seasonal flu is dealt with. I'm learning, however, that the issue is that even the seemingly low death rate is like 10 times higher than the seasonal flu which kills tens of thousands of people a year.
Moreover -- as you all are no doubt learning too -- because the virus is new to humans, we don't have any immunity to catching it and passing it to others. Also, unlike the flu, doctors don't really have a treatment for it to date and we don't know if it peters out after the winter season -- although, promisingly, it seems to be fading in the Wuhan province in China where it started. All the cancellations are being done because of these unknowns and, most critically, in order to "flatten the curve" of transmissions, as is well explained in the below article.
In any event, on the Greenbrier front -- anyone not wanting to go out and needing some neighborly help for any purpose, please let me know. Likewise, anyone who is currently confident in their health and is willing to help any neighbors who need it, also let me know.
Thanks - and healthy vibes to all of you from me and the rest of the Executive Committee.