Thursday, March 12, 2020

City recommends postponement or cancellation of large events within city limits


City recommends postponement or cancellation of large events within city limits
Provides centralized coronavirus, COVID-19 update web page: www.richmondgov.com/covid19

Richmond, VA — In the interest of public health and in an abundance of caution, the administration of Mayor Levar Stoney is recommending that organizers of large events postpone or cancel those events within the city limits.

The recommendation is being made following intensive discussion with public health and public safety officials and is informed by the Centers for Disease Control Interim Guidance designed for those planning large events and mass gatherings. The city generally is also recommending that people practice social distancing.

While 80 percent of those who contract COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, populations such as the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with chronic conditions are at greater risk of more serious symptoms.

“Due to the greater health threat COVID-19 poses to the city’s most vulnerable populations, my administration and its partners are taking all necessary precautions to encourage CDC-recommended social distancing,” said Mayor Stoney. 

The administration has also designed a web page to provide Richmond’s residents, employees and visitors with the most recent, reliable updates on the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

“Public health and public safety are our highest priorities,” said Mayor Stoney. “In order to keep the community safe, we must disseminate the most reliable and current information. This page will serve as a source of official information from the Centers for Disease Control, the Virginia Department of Health, the local health authority, the regional team and the city administration.”

The website address is: www.richmondgov.com/covid19

Updates will be publicized using the official City of Richmond social media accounts, @CityRichmondVA on Twitter and City of Richmond, VA Government on Facebook. All social media posts will link to the rolling updates on the web page.

“I urge you to share these updates with your family, friends and coworkers,” said Mayor Stoney. “We’re dedicated to ensuring the City of Richmond is as prepared as possible for any escalation, and education is key.”