Monday, April 27, 2020
Monday, April 20, 2020
Friday, April 17, 2020
Thursday, April 16, 2020
“Drive-In” Church Services and Guidance for Church Leaders
Abingdon
Police Department
For
Immediate Release
“Drive-In”
Church Services and Guidance for Church Leaders
With
the newfound idea of drive-in church services during the pandemic, the Abingdon
Police Department has started receiving several inquiries about regulations for
these types of services. The Executive Order, issued, by the Governor of
Virginia, does not prohibit worship or worship services. However, it does place
limitations on the number of people in attendance at one time. Here are a few recommendations
to follow during drive-in services:
- Attendees may travel to their
place of worship, park in the parking lot, and listen to the religious
message while remaining in their vehicles.
- It is recommended that
immediate family/members of the same household occupy the same vehicle.
- If attendees must have their
car windows down to hear the service, there should be at least six feet
of space between parked vehicles, preferably more.
- Participants must remain in
their vehicle at all times, except as necessary to visit a restroom.
- Try to keep the entire
service to an hour or less in order to prevent people from needing to
exit their vehicle.
- If an attendee must exit
their vehicle, they need to maintain social distancing from those
coordinating the service.
- There must be no more than 10
individuals leading the religious ceremony or functioning outside of the
church in support of the religious ceremony.
- Any objects used for
collecting monetary offerings shall not be passed from attendee to
attendee but may be offered to attendees in a vehicle as long as the
object stays in the possession of the person assisting with
collection.
- Appropriate measures should be
taken for the safety of those functioning outside of the cars.
- Please do not allow vehicles
to block streets or sidewalks.
- Faith communities should also
adhere to any noise ordinances.
Specific
guidance for religious leaders can be found at these two links:
During these uncertain times, it is great
for religious organizations to be creative and resourceful. Churches rethinking
their service delivery, through internet-based services or drive-in services,
are great ways to continue their ministry work until we can all meet again in
church buildings. Take this time at home to plan your menu for the first church
luncheon when all this is over because we are going to eat our body weight in
chicken, mac and cheese, and lemon pound cake.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
P-u-r-r-fectly Sensible Stimulus Information
Abingdon
Police Department
Contact: Tenille Montgomery, Community Relations
Coordinator
Phone:
276-492-1557
For Immediate
Release
P-u-r-r-fectly
Sensible Stimulus Information
Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. In a few weeks, COVID-19 economic impact
payments will be on their way. Before
you make plans to buy a tiger and open an exotic zoo with your stimulus money,
there are a few things that you need to remember.
Most Americans will receive their stimulus payment by
direct deposit. Those without bank accounts, who qualify, will receive a paper
check through the mail.
Before you agree to purchase that new tiger, remember
that there are low-life hyenas who will try to get you to sign over your check
to them or get you to “verify” your filing information to steal your money. The
scavengers of the human world can use your personal information to file false
tax returns, open credit accounts in your name, and make your life a jungle of
confusion. Because of these buzzards, everyone receiving a COVID-19 economic
impact payment is at risk.
As the COVID-19 related economic impact payments are
issued, please remember:
- The
IRS will deposit your payment into the direct deposit account you
previously provided on your tax return (or, in the alternative, send you a
paper check).
- The IRS will NOT call and ask you to verify your payment details.
- Do
NOT give your bank account, debit account, or PayPal account information
to anyone - even if someone claims it’s necessary to get your check.
It’s a scam.
- If
you receive a call, do NOT engage these coyotes, even if you want to tell
them that you know it’s a scam. Just hang up.
- If
you receive texts or emails claiming that you can get your money faster by
sending personal identifying information or clicking on links, delete
these texts and emails. Do NOT click on any links in those texts or
emails.
- If you receive a “check” in the mail now, it’s a scam. It will take the Treasury a few more weeks to mail out the COVID-19 economic impact payments.
- If
you receive a “check” for an odd amount (especially one with cents), or a
check that requires you to verify the check online or by calling a number,
it’s a scam.
- Remember, the federal government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get a legitimate benefit. No fees. No charges. Anyone who asks for an up-front payment for a promised benefit is a scammer and a worthless ball of slime.
- Finally, you can’t buy a tiger, lion, or any other exotic animal with your stimulus check. They are illegal to possess in Virginia.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Temporary Shutdown of Access Points on the Virginia Creeper Trail -Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary
Shutdown of Access Points on the Virginia Creeper Trail
Frequently
Asked Questions
1. Why is the Creeper
Trail temporarily shut down?
· The
Creeper Trail is an outdoor recreation destination for many people from outside
our communities. Current COVID-19 case tracking shows that asymptomatic COVID-19
positive visitors are a leading source of new infections in communities and,
though most nearby states are under stay-at-home orders, many were still
visiting the trail. (For more
information, see Governor Northam’s state-at-home order of March 30 or similar
orders from your home state).
· User
density increases:
o
There were weekly increases of trail users
since social distancing recommendations were made, which resulted in decreasing
social distancing practices.
o
As the Easter holidays approached, there
was a significant uptick of inquiries about the Creeper Trail from out-of-area
visitors. Virginia is under a stay-at-home order as of March 30.
o
As a result of temporary shutdowns of many
other outdoor recreation venues in the area, visitors were being funneled onto
the Creeper Trail, further increasing current and projected use.
o
Based on long-term trends and historical
data, trail usage greatly increases as warm weather approaches.
· Modeling
shows COVID-19 cases increasing in southwest Virginia between now and early to mid-May
when the projected peak will be reached. Town and EMS officials are concerned
that even the normal rate of accidents on the trail requiring EMS’s limited
staff and equipment could over-burden the system, diverting needed resources
away from responding to urgent health needs in our communities.
· Within
the Creeper Trail footprint, we have large elderly populations who are most
at-risk for developing complications and dying from the coronavirus and we have
to protect them.
2. Who does the temporary
shutdown impact?
· The
temporary shutdown of access points along the Creeper Trail applies to everyone.
3. Will the trail be monitored?
· There
will be periodic monitoring along the trail.
4. Are bathrooms and all other trail
facilities open or closed?
· All
bathrooms, interpretive centers, Welcome and Visitor Centers, picnic shelters
and other facilities are currently closed.
5. I just want to ride my bike and not
walk in a group. Can I just go out and ride alone?
· No…all
access points on the Creeper Trail are temporarily shut down.
6. Can I fish along the river?
·
Fishing spots may be accessed by crossing
the trail where necessary but cannot be accessed through normal entry/access
points that are currently shut down.
7. Will trail maintenance continue?
· Regular
maintenance has been temporarily halted on the US Forest Service section of the
trail. Periodic maintenance will continue on the Abingdon to Damascus section
as needed.
8. Since the Appalachian Trail and the
Creeper Trail run together, why isn’t the Appalachian Trail closed?
· Trailhead
facilities and access points to the Appalachian Trail, including parking lots
dedicated to the AT, remain temporarily shut down as well.
9. When will the trail be reopened?
· Over
the coming weeks, we will be evaluating the status of the trail regularly. The decision
to reopen will be based on recommendations and orders issued by the
Commonwealth, the federal government, and the CDC as well as our local
officials and agencies.
10. Who should I contact with questions
about the temporary shutdown of access points along the trail?
·
Call the Virginia Creeper Trail
Conservancy at 804-334-5853. Please do NOT call 9-1-1!
Why have the access points to the Virginia Creeper Trail been closed?
Why have the access points to the Virginia Creeper
Trail been closed?
·
User density increases:
o
Weekly increases of trail users since
social distancing recommendations were made, which has resulted in decreasing
social distancing practices
o
As the Easter holidays approached, there
was a significant uptick in inquiries about the VCT from out-of-area visitors. See
above.
o
As a result of closures of many other
outdoor recreation venues, visitors were being funneled onto the Creeper Trail
further increasing current and projected use
o
Based on long-term trends and historical
data, trail usage greatly increases as warm weather approaches
·
Modeling shows COVID-19 cases increasing
in SWVA between now and mid-May when the projected peak will be reached. Town
and EMS officials are concerned that even the normal rate of accidents on the
trail requiring EMS’s limited staff and equipment could over-burden the system,
diverting needed resources away from responding to urgent health needs in our
communities
·
Within the Creeper Trail footprint, we
have large elderly populations who are most at-risk for developing
complications and dying from the coronavirus and we have to protect them
*Please
direct further questions to the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy at
804-334-5853.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
We’re Not Kitten Around About Pedestrian Safety
Abingdon
Police Department
We’re Not Kitten Around About Pedestrian Safety
Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. Now that you
have more time on your hands, you may use this as an opportunity to escape the
zoo and get some free-range exercise. With the closing of the Virginia
Creeper Trail, pedestrian traffic will increase on primary and residential
streets. Before you take your tiger, dog, or child for a walk, make sure that
you know the pedestrian rules of the road.
If there is a sidewalk, please use it. However,
many streets do not have sidewalks. If no sidewalks exist, you should walk your
tiger on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic (on the same side
of the road as the oncoming traffic). If you are bicycling, you will need to
ride with the flow of traffic, on the right side of the road, operating under
the same rules as a passenger car or motorcycle.
Now, I’m sure that you’re asking, “Why is it safer to
walk my tiger on the same side of the road as oncoming traffic, while cyclists
ride with the flow of traffic?” When traffic approaches you from behind
while you are walking, you have only your ears to rely on to know it is coming.
It is often difficult to hear approaching cars over the tiger growling and
purring. Tigers do not have this problem. They have some of the
best hearing in the animal world. However, they probably won’t warn you of
approaching cars. Truthfully, they are probably hoping that you get hit
so they can eat you for dinner. If traffic is coming from in front of you, you
have both your eyes and your ears to help you know to move off to the side (or
even jump into the ditch). If you are walking in the early morning or late
afternoon, it is even more concerning, because drivers have the low-lying sun
in their eyes as they approach you. By the way, a tiger sees about as well as
you do during the day. At night, however, they are far superior.
Again, they probably won’t warn you of approaching cars; unless your tiger’s
name is, “Hobbs.”
You need to be vigilant. Avoid the dangers of
distracted walking, keep your eyes looking ahead, and looking for vehicles, not
on your mobile phone. You should always ensure you can hear ambient noise and
you aren't screening it all out with noise-canceling earphones or earbuds.
If you are walking at dawn, dusk, or after dark,
it is even more important to walk facing traffic. You should wear reflective
clothing. Consider wearing a flashing light, too.
*Truthfully, you should probably leave the tiger at
home. Virginia law prohibits owning exotic cats, but that is another
story…
Monday, April 6, 2020
Virginia Creeper Trail Temporary Shutdown Effective Immediately
Virginia
Creeper Trail Temporary Shutdown Effective Immediately
Abingdon, VA – In order to protect public health and safety
during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Virginia Creeper Trail will be
temporarily closed, effective Monday, April 6th at 5:00 pm. The decision
was made jointly by the managers of the trail--the US Forest Service and
the Towns of Abingdon and Damascus.
“Recent overcrowding along portions of the trail, concern
for increasing the burden on local Emergency Medical Services and the health and
safety of all trail users were the driving forces behind this decision,” explains
Matthew Crum, President of the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy.
This decision aligns with state and local measures to
contain the COVID-19 outbreak and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC). It is aimed at preventing groups from congregating and violating
“social distancing” guidelines and is consistent with the closure of several
other public trails across the Commonwealth.
As of 5:00 pm, Monday, April 6, all access points along the
34-mile trail from Abingdon to Whitetop Station will be temporarily shut down
until further notice.
“Ensuring the health and well-being of our communities,
visitors and employees is our top priority,” says Joby Timm, Forest Supervisor
for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. “We look forward to
reopening the Creeper Trail and welcoming all trail users back as soon as we
safely can,” adds Lisa Quigley, Executive Director of the Creeper Trail Conservancy.
Please
direct questions to the Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy at 804-334-5853.
The Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail is a
34.3-mile rail-to-recreation trail, traversing through two counties from
Abingdon, Virginia, through Damascus, and ending just past Whitetop
Station in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, at the
Virginia-North Carolina border. Damascus and Abingdon local governments
administer the trail from Abingdon to Damascus (mile 0-15); the George
Washington and Jefferson National Forests’ Mount Rogers National Recreation
Area manages the trail from Damascus up to the North Carolina line (mile
15-34).
Governor Northam’s Order of March 30, 2020: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at-Home-Order-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
Guidelines for health and safety, recommended by the CDC,
are available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.
###
Friday, April 3, 2020
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Please do NOT call 9-1-1 to ask about travel restrictions related to the Stay-at-Home Order.
Abingdon
Police Department
For Immediate Release
Please do NOT call 9-1-1 to ask about travel
restrictions related to the Stay-at-Home Order.
Both
the Washington County, VA 9-1-1 Center and the Abingdon Police Department have
received a large number of calls in the past two days inquiring about travel
restrictions. This is understandable. We are all adapting to this and we all
have questions. Plus, we have some of the nicest communications officers
around. They are absolute professionals, and a joy to speak with. Likewise, the
police department employs some of the coolest people that you would ever want
to meet, but we are not experts. Please do not call the police, and especially
the 9-1-1 center, to inquire about the Governor’s orders. You can read them
online, at this web address:
We
cannot answer every question, and every circumstance, relating to the executive
order. However, we can tell you the following as related to the Governor’s
Executive Orders:
·
The Constitution of the United
States still exists and all U.S. citizens have the right to travel or move within and between
the 50 states.
·
You are not required to carry
documentation related to the purpose of your travel;
·
Residents from other states are
not prohibited from traveling to or through Virginia (please don’t call and
complain about seeing cars from other states in our town);
·
Virginia residents are not
prohibited from traveling out of the state;
·
Virginia roads and highways are
not closed;
As
with all emergencies, circumstances may dictate change. For now, we ask that
you heed the Governor’s request, and STAY HOME.
You have plenty to worry about at home. Right now your wife may be planning
home renovations and ordering 50 pairs from shoes from QVC. Your husband is
buying guns, ammo, and fishing gear on your credit card. Your kids are eating
everything in sight and ordering streaming services that they cannot pay
for. You need to stay at home! It is
complete chaos without you there. While you’re home, read the FAQ from the
Governor’s Office. You can find them
here:
Stay
home. Stay safe. Check on your neighbors, and love each other.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)