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It has not been an easy week. The number of Americans lost to COVID-19 has reached over 100,000 in just a few short months, to include over 100 of our own Prince William residents. Both within the borders of our county and beyond, we have also seen long-standing inequities once again laid bare. My heart goes out to all affected, and also, my hope.
Yet even in darkness, there is light all around us. I see neighbors helping neighbors, at food pantries, testing sites or even just with a simple check-in. We have businesses donating supplies and feeding frontline workers, even as they themselves struggle. Support services have sprung up, with partnerships between nonprofits, faith based groups and County government.
As we enter into Phase I of reopening tomorrow, I look forward to seeing a continuation of this spirit of mutual support, and progress. We can all do the little things that make it safer and sustainable for us to venture out, such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, protecting workers and one another. I encourage you to become familiar with guidelines for this phase, which will last at least two weeks. Businesses can also explore temporary permits for expanding outdoor seating, as well as the County’s micro-grant program.
There are many challenges before us - both the immediate threat of the pandemic and longer-term, systemic problems that have once again entered our shared consciousness. Our community is at its strongest when we can come together and tackle these challenges head on. I know that we can protect our families from COVID-19 while also mapping out a fairer, more just future for everyone. We owe it to our children to learn from the tragedies of the moment. I have no doubt that we can rise to that challenge.
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Wearing Masks for a Safe, Sustainable Reopening | |
With Executive Order 63, face coverings are required while inside public buildings such as personal care, retail, food, and entertainment establishments, as well as on public transportation and in government buildings. There are 6 exceptions, noting that masks are not required when eating or drinking, exercising or when certain health conditions are present. While the Virginia Department of Health has the authority to enforce the order, the goal is voluntary compliance as we all do our part to protect those around us from COVID-19. Read Supervisor Boddye's message on ensuring a safe, sustainable reopening of our local businesses and neighborhoods.
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Reopening Guidance & Resources for Businesses | |
As we move towards a safe, sustainable reopening for our businesses, the COVID-19 response page put together by our departments of Economic Development and Tourism is a comprehensive resource, that includes information on the micro-grant program (opening June 1), permitting of temporary outdoor space and distribution of a limited amount of free masks and sanitizer. This link also gives industry specific guidance. Also, the Service Authority reminds us that if your building has been vacant, you should flush the pipes to remove stagnant water before reopening. | |
Summer Status: Pool Closings & More | |
Prince William County Parks, Recreation and Tourism made the difficult decision to not open County-owned pools and water parks this summer, determining that they could not guarantee the safety of the 600-800 seasonal staff, primarily made up of local teens. Training and rescues both require close contact.
“We came to the conclusion it is not feasible without placing people at risk and safety is our top priority,”says department director Seth Hendler-Voss. Capacity of County camps will also be reduced, as they are restructured to be outdoors and offer physical distancing. Parks are open for trail and marina use only. Find updates on Facebook, and check with your individual HOA for the status of neighborhood amenities.
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County Receives $41 million in Federal Relief | |
The County received $41 million of CARES Act funds. Supervisor Boddye has engaged constituents in discussions on how the money should be spent. By law, it cannot be used to replace tax revenue, and must be spent to COVID-19 response and recovery. At its last meeting, the Board authorized that $94k go to the County's four towns, and allocated funds to the small business grant program, emergency housing and first responders. With $25M remaining, and the potential for an additional $41M, Supervisor Boddye has also called for additional funding for the school system.
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Request Your Absentee Ballot Today! | |
The last day to apply to vote by mail for the June 23 primaries is 5pm on June 16. Due to unprecedented demand, voters are urged to apply and return ballots early.
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ThankYou! Town of Occoquan Food Drive | |
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Tests are first-come, first serve, and may have additional requirements such as arriving early to register for a time slot. Testing sites require that you wear a mask, and maintain physical distancing unless otherwise directed for testing purposes. See additional testing information. | |
| Testing Site | Date and Time | Testing Capacity | Hylton Memorial Chapel
14640 Potomac Mills Road
Woodbridge
| Friday, May 29
10am-6pm
*Sign-up Starts 8:30 am |
| Ebenezer Baptist
13020 Telegraph Rd
Woodbridge
| Saturday, May 30
10am-1pm
| 125 | Pathway Vineyard
1550 PW Parkway
Woodbridge
| Saturday, May 30
7:30pm-9:30pm
| 75 | Caton Hill Rd - Commuter Lot Behind Sheetz Woodbridge
| Wednesday, June 3
5pm-7pm | 15-25 | | Todos Market 13905 Jefferson Davis Hwy Woodbridge | Saturday, June 6
10am-1pm | 100 | Star Bethlehem Baptist
19068 Bethlehem Church Rd Triangle | Saturday, June 6
2pm-5pm | 100 |
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Urgent Need! Volunteers for Community Feeding Task Force | |
The Community Feeding Task Force urgently needs volunteers at its central warehouse in Manassas. Thirty volunteers a week are needed and task force is expected to run into fall. The warehouse runs Monday-Friday with two shifts: 8am-12pm and 12pm-4pm. The need for volunteers is greatest in the mornings.
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Forward This Email to a Neighbor | |
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Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddye 2241-K Tackett's Mill Dr. Woodbridge, VA 22192 | |
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