Towns, county tighten virus restrictions

Wise town government is taking numerous steps to combat the spread of COVID-19, according to Town Manager Beverly Owens.

Staff gave town council a rundown of virus-fighting measures during council’s Tuesday night meeting.

Along with discussing heightened efforts by employees to practice infection-fighting personal hygiene, topics included:

• EVENTS. Council will wait until its April meeting to make decisions about booking entertainment and making media buys for summer events.
• MEETINGS. Council and staff are looking at state law regarding in-person meetings. The town attorney will monitor developments that could allow for electronic meetings. Staff will evaluate options for livestreaming meetings while allowing public participation.

For now, citizens are strongly encouraged not to attend meetings, Owens said. Citizens can take part in public expression by emailing comments to council Clerk Robin Meade at treasurer@townofwise.org by noon on the day of the scheduled meeting.

Also, citizens can call Meade at 328-6013, ext. 224 and provide their name, contact phone number and the subject matter they wish to address by noon on the day of the meeting. During the public expression item on the agenda, beginning at approximately 7:05 p.m., the citizen will be called and given an opportunity to address the governing body by telephone.
• PARKS. The town intends to keep parks, playgrounds, trails and other outdoor recreation spaces open and accessible “for socially distanced outdoor exercise as long as it is safe to do or unless overruled by a state or federal ban,” Owens said.

Everyone must comply with these rules: Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting any symptoms of illness; follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of park facilities; any gathering of more than 10 people per field, picnic shelter or play area is strictly prohibited; observe the CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of at least 6 feet from other individuals at all times.

All park restrooms are closed. Also, town staff does not sanitize, clean or disinfect park equipment, Owens noted.

Picnic shelter reservations are cancelled until further notice. Questions should be directed to amaness@townofwise.org or call 328-6013, ext. 230.

COUNTY

March 20, Wise County Administrator Mike Hatfield declared a local emergency because of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.

“Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and in an abundance of caution, public facilities owned and operated by the County may be closed as determined prudent by the County Administrator in consultation with the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors to avoid community spread of the virus,” the declaration states. “The County, further, encourages all citizens of Wise County to practice social distancing and personal hygiene as recommended by the Wise County Department of Health to protect against community spread and, in doing so, to contribute to the stability and function of local and regional medical facilities by avoidance of overwhelming our health care facilities.

“All public officials and employees of Wise County, Virginia are hereby directed to exercise the utmost diligence in discharge of the duties required of them for the duration of the emergency and in the execution of emergency laws, regulations, and directives, state and local,” the declaration continues. “All citizens are called upon and directed to comply with emergency measures, to cooperate with the Wise County Department of Emergency Management in the execution of emergency operational plans, and to comply with the lawful directions of properly identified public officials.”

COEBURN

Coeburn Town Council declared a state of emergency during a special meeting March 20.

Town hall public hours will be 9 a.m.-noon until further notice. From 1:30-4 p.m., staff will be available by phone only.

Town Manager Jimmy Williams urges citizens to use the dropbox outside town hall’s front entrance. Also, citizens can pay utility bills and tax bills online at https://townofcoeburn.com.

Council decided to close the downtown depot building, which is used heavily for a variety of group events. Anyone who has already rented the space will be mailed a refund.

Also, the Mountain Empire Older Citizens facility in town “will be closed with no further access to the public.”

No public access to the police department will be allowed. Anyone who comes to the building is asked to use the emergency phone to the left of the front door. Simply pick it up and someone will answer.