As Virginia starts to reopen, so does our desire to get out and reconnect with the world. But the world waiting is going to be a lot different. Meals are going to be ordered from disposable menus and served with rubber gloves. Attractions will have waiting times as they can only accommodate limited capacity. Stores will close a little earlier. Lodging will have mobile room keys, required employee health screenings and copious amounts of hand sanitizer at the ready. But, through it all, there will still be smiles behind the masks.
We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy. When visiting restaurants, businesses and other public places, you can have a huge impact on the well-being of everyone in our community just by following a few simple guidelines.
MOST RECENT UPDATES
There is a statewide order requiring face masks for all people in Virginia in public and private places when social distancing is not possible. View details of Virginia’s phased opening HERE. View all state requirements of local businesses HERE
Check the operational status of food and drink establishments HERE.
View reopening status and guidelines for lodging HERE.
RESOURCES
Halifax County Tourism continues to closely monitor statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and Virginia Department of Health and Human Services (VADHHS) regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is committed to following guidelines from these agencies and our local health departments.
The safety and wellbeing of our staff, visitors, and industry partners are of the utmost importance to us. Although the CDC has stated the threat of COVID-19 in the United States remains low, we encourage our area tourism partners, residents, and visitors to take relevant preventative measures. We remain vigilant to ensure our guests have a safe and pleasant stay.
Our state officials recommend that everyone monitor the VA Department of Health and Human Services’ special webpage on the situation. Residents and visitors can also find information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Visitors and travelers in and through the state should check with their lodging provider and event organizer before departing on a trip to Virginia. Visitors to the state should take the same precautions that are recommended for traveling during the flu season. Those precautions are even more valuable this year. Visitors who are at “high risk” of severe illness from COVID-19 should avoid large groups of people as much as possible.
The
Virginia Department of Health has created a special COVID-19 webpage full of industry links to state and federal agencies to inform and assist the thousands of restaurant and lodging employers and employees impacted by COVID-19 in Virginia. Visit their website
here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Halifax County Tourism doing in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat? Halifax County Tourism is reinforcing recommended measures on appropriate hygiene standards and following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and local health authorities. Although the CDC has stated the threat of the COVID-19 in the United States remains low, we encourage our area tourism partners, residents, and visitors to take any relevant preventative measures.
What is the risk of contracting Coronavirus (COVID-19) for visitors to Halifax County? Specific information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the WHO and CDC websites, including risk assessment and travel advice. We and our travel industry partners take our standards for hygiene and cleanliness seriously. We are encouraging everyone to follow the guidelines of the global and local health authorities and to take relevant health and safety measures.
What should be done if a visitor expresses concern that they may have contracted Coronavirus? You should consult with a medical professional and/or seek medical assistance promptly. For the latest information, Virginians should visit this site and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Information for health care professionals and local health can be found here.
If
you have specific questions or concerns related to coronavirus, call 866-462-3821 for more information. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
STAY HEALTHY; STAY STRONG
The Centers for Disease Control considers people to be “high risk” if they are:
- Adults over the age of 65
- People
who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
As a reminder, here are some precautions for travelers from the CDC and NCDHHS:
- Do not travel if you are sick.
- Those at high risk should avoid large groups of people as much as possible. People at high risk should also avoid non-essential air travel.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Wear a mask when out in public to protect yourself and those at risk around you.