FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2020
Charlottesville City Council to review COVID-19 Ordinance at Monday, December 7, 2020 meeting
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The potential spread of COVID-19 continues to threaten the health and safety of Charlottesville. As a result, the City is closely monitoring the use of City Parks & Recreation facilities such as park shelters, basketball courts, and the McIntire Skate Park.
Last weekend, more than 75 individuals were observed in the Skate Park at one time. The nature of such activity makes social distancing difficult and many participants were observed without face coverings. Increased supervision and enforcement of the City’s COVID-19 ordinance would lead to City employees being placed at an even greater risk during a critical stage in the pandemic.
The community should only use City facilities in safe numbers and only by taking the precautions of social distancing and the wearing of face coverings. Should gatherings of more than 25 people be observed on public property this weekend, the City will consider closing access to the City Parks & Recreation outdoor facilities currently open for public use entirely until the City’s COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency is lifted.
The City is committed to safely serving our residents and customers during the Coronavirus pandemic. While City Hall is largely closed and only essential employees are at the office, our key staff remain available, many from their home offices via telephone and email, to ensure business continues to the greatest degree possible. The City will continue to follow the social distancing recommendations of the Virginia Department of Health so that we can protect our staff and our clients.
Charlottesville City Council to review COVID-19 Ordinance
The City remains under the Declaration of Emergency declared on March 12, 2020. Charlottesville City Council also enacted a COVID-19 ordinance on July 27, 2020, which established additional regulations related to in-person gatherings, face coverings, and occupancy limits approved to control the spread of COVID-19.
Now, as a result of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s amended Executive Order 67 which limits all public and private in-person gatherings to no more than 25 individuals, Charlottesville City Council will take action at its meeting Monday, December 7, 2020 to update the City’s COVID-19 ordinance.
The proposed amendments will bring the Council’s ordinance, which was reauthorized on September 21, 2020, into congruence with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 67.
A violation of the ordinance is punishable as a Class 3 Misdemeanor or Class 4 Misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $500. Any gathering of more than 25 individuals within the City of Charlottesville is subject to the ordinance’s provisions including potential criminal charges.
Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov
