APD Call Log March 16-23, 2020

EO-53 Guidance to Churches

EO-53 Guidance to Churches

The State of Emergency in Virginia has created some confusion for churches concerning the ability to gather or meet. This confusion was magnified with the implementation of Executive Order 53. Recently, the Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorneys’ Services Council provided guidance to Virginia law enforcement agencies concerning the implications of EO-53. My goal is to arm church leaders with the best advice possible, from a law enforcement perspective, to allow them to make the most informed decisions as to continue or discontinue services and meetings, and for how long.

Concerning Executive Order, 53 (EO-53), churches want to know how this impacts their abilities to gather and worship. For religious institutions, the most impactful component of EO-53 is the prohibition on, “Gathering of ten or more individuals.”   

As a reminder, the EO-53 order went into effect at 11:59 p.m., on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, and remains in effect until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Under EO-53, the following acts would constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor:
1. Public or private in-person gatherings of 10 or more individuals.
2. Failure to close dining or congregation areas in restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms, and farmers’ markets.
3. Failure to close all public access to recreational and entertainment businesses.
4. Failure of any “brick and mortar” retail business, not deemed essential, to limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons per establishment.
5. Failure of any “brick and mortar” retail business, not deemed essential, to close if it cannot adhere to the 10-patron limit with proper social distancing requirements.

Until the expiration of EO-53, all public and private in-person gatherings of 10 or more individuals are prohibited. EO-53 does not define the term “gathering.” However, Webster’s dictionary defines “Gathering” as an “assembly” or “meeting.” The order is not limited to public places; by its terms, it would apply to an assembly or meeting of persons inside private homes.

Concerning churches, the order does not specifically mention churches. The FAQ issued with EO-53 explicitly states that “Places of worship that conduct in-person services must limit gatherings to 10 people, to comply with the statewide 10-person ban.”

Church leaders are making tough decisions, and in many ways, they are conflicted. In a sense, the conflict churches are facing is as old as the Church. In Acts 5 government officials tried to prevent the apostles from spreading the gospel. In verse 29, “…Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Many are using this passage as a way to ignore government regulation. However, Peter is a major proponent of obedience to civil authorities (government) in 1 Peter 2:13-14 we find the instruction to, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”

In the first century, the primary mode of worship was in temples and private homes.
In certain portions of the world today, people gather privately, and secretly, because the government will not allow them to worship.

To be clear, EO-53 is not an all or nothing directive. Many congregations have moved to online forms of worship. Others are using a combination of online and in-person services that consist of ten (10) people or less. Others are having multiple worship services of ten (10) people or less and cleaning in between service times. One congregation moved their sound system to the parking lot to allow members to sit in their cars and still participate in worship. 

No matter our religion, we are Americans. We are experts in invention and innovation. During this time in history, use the talents and imagination of your members to accommodate worship while still complying with EO-53.

If we can assist your congregation with information concerning EO-53, please feel free to contact us at 276-628-3111.

Abingdon Police Department- COVID-19 Closing Advisory

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

The Abingdon Police Department remains fully operational, staffed, and ready to respond to the needs of our community. Our officers will continue to respond to all emergencies, in-progress calls, and other priority responses.

However, based on the COVID-19 epidemic, and by following protocols and recommendations currently in place by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH); we will be making the following adjustments to limit exposure and the spread of COVID-19 within our department and community.

·       When calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number (276-676-6277) please provide a call back number whenever possible.

·       If you or someone in your home is sick, we ask that you provide this information to the dispatcher. Officers may contact you via telephone before arrival to assess the need for an in-person response.

·       For minor reports, officers will likely complete the report without personal interaction.

·       If you summons the police to your home, be prepared to step outside and meet with the officer in an open environment. This consistent with recommended social distancing to curb the spread of this illness.

·       Our Police Department lobby will be closed to the public until March 27, 2020. In association with closing the lobby, the following procedural changes are now in place:

o   Fingerprinting service is suspended until our lobby re-opens.

o   Crash reports can be requested by your insurance company by telephone or by mail.   

o   Walk-in complaints will not be accommodated until further notice. Should you visit our office and need an officer, use the call box on the east and south sides of the building to contact one. 

Please be judicious in your use of 9-1-1. This number is for emergencies only. Our dispatchers are superheroes, but they are not superhuman. Make sure that if you do not have an emergency, that you are calling the non-emergency number, 276-676-6277.

If you have a question about COVID-19, please call the Virginia Department of Health, 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343).

This is a difficult time for all of us. We are living through a historic event. Be sure to check on each other; especially the elderly. Run errands for those who should not be out, share resources, and show kindness.  We are all in this together, and we will get through this as a community, region, state, and country. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this challenging time.

Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

Town of Abingdon, VA Offices Closure Schedule

The Town of Abingdon is taking several measures to support the goal of protecting the well-being of our community, and the capacity of our overall healthcare system. The Town of Abingdon will be open on a limited basis Wednesday, March 18, 2020, and town offices will be CLOSED to the public from Thursday, March 19, 2020, through Friday, March 27, 2020.

The Municipal Building will be open from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, for public access, to allow the public to pay bills, submit paperwork, and attend the Town Council Work Session at 2:30 p.m.  Employees will still report to work as scheduled. Feel free to contact employees by phone at 276-628-3167 or via e-mail. 

In addition, for the duration of the State of Emergency within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the following policies are applicable:

·       On March 19^th, there will be a “dropbox” located outside the first floor of the Municipal Building for patrons to return business licenses, building permits, and other items to the Planning and Public Works Departments. Other services (such as applications for permits, licenses, and applications for utility services) may be negotiated by use of telephone or e-mail communication. Many forms can be downloaded from our website www.abingdon-va.gov (and identified using the Search tool).

·       All essential services will continue (Police, Fire, Public Works – including trash collection, and wastewater operations).

·       All committee and commission meetings after March 18^th are canceled for the rest of the month.

·       Tourism offices, at 335 Cummings Street, will be serving visitors by phone and e-mail only.  The building will be closed to the public. You may contact the office via phone at 276-676-2282 or e-mail at acvb@abingdon-va.gov.

·       The Muster Grounds, at 1780 Muster Place, will be closed to the public. You may contact the Grounds via phone at 276-525-1050.

·       Reservations of outdoor recreation pavilions owned by the Town shall be discontinued.  However, all outdoor “open-air” facilities (such as parks) shall remain open under normal operating circumstances to provide recreational opportunities to citizens that are otherwise compliant with CDC social distancing guidelines.

·       Payment of taxes, fees, and utility bills may be accomplished through online access, via U.S. mail, by phone at 276-525-1464, or by use of the secure “dropbox” located at the front of the Municipal Building. Pending action by the Town Council on March 18^th, sewer service will not be disconnected (although customers will still be responsible for payment of bills for services received).  

·       The Town Council Work Session scheduled for March 18^th will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting is open to the public; however, we encourage you to view via live stream on the Abingdon TV YouTube page.

The Town of Abingdon encourages you to take advantage of the measures listed and ask that you do your part to mitigate this crisis. Continue to follow the town website and social media pages for updates and schedule changes.

Power Outage

Power Outage

On Wednesday, March 18, 2020, there will be a power outage in the areas of Sutton Street, Colonial Road, West Main Street, and Depot Square from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to allow for repair work. This outage should not affect any traffic lights or require any flagged travel areas. Thank you for your patience with this work.

VIRGINIA POSTPONES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL

VIRGINIA POSTPONES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL 

RICHMOND — Due to the State of Emergency declared for the coronavirus (COVID-19) response, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have postponed the 2020 Virginia Statewide Tornado Drill that was previously scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 at 9:45 a.m. The National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management will work with affected stakeholders to re-schedule the 2020 tornado drill at a later point to come. 

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CRC Closure Announcement

Please share the following announcement:

As COVID-19 continues to cause concern across our region, the Town of Abingdon has made the decision to close the Coomes Recreation Center for a two (2) week period beginning Saturday, March 14, at 5:00 p.m.  Although we realize the center provides opportunities for our community to focus on overall well-being, we take the health and safety of our staff and guests very seriously.  As community leaders continue to work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will continue to monitor the advice of the CDC, Commonwealth of Virginia, and our local health officials.

Although social distancing is encouraged, we understand the importance of the social component that our center brings.  We encourage our community to continue to keep in touch with each other through phone conversations and social media outlets.  You can also follow updates on our Coomes Center Facebook page and website at www.coomescenter.com.

Respectfully,

James Morani

Town Manager

CANCELLED: Annual Shamrock 4 Miler

CANCELLED: Annual Shamrock 4 Miler

ABINGDON, Va. – Out of an abundance of caution, Ballad Health is following current CDC/WHO guidelines regarding the novel coronavirus and large gatherings and is cancelling the annual Johnston Memorial Hospital Shamrock 4 Miler and Leprechaun Walk, presented by Blue Ridge Auto Group on Friday, March 13.

We recognize that many of you have trained for this event and want to honor your commitment. We encourage you to run a 4 miler in your community and share on social media with #JMHSHAMROCK

This is an annual fundraising event benefiting the Johnston Memorial Hospital fund of Ballad Health Foundation, which supports the growing needs of healthcare in Southwest Virginia.

Those desiring a refund for registration fees can contact the Foundation office at 423-302-3131. If you do not request a refund, the registration fee will be donated to the Johnston Memorial Fund. We will announce at a future date when and where you can pick up your event shirt and medal.

Thank you for your commitment to your health, our region’s health, and the Johnston Memorial Fund.

APD Call Log March 2-9, 2020

APD Call Log Feb 24-Mar 2, 2020

Fields Penn House Construction - Influence on Municipal Parking Lot

Fields Penn House Construction - Influence on Municipal Parking Lot

A contractor working for the Town of Abingdon will start foundation support work on Monday, March 9^th at the Fields-Penn House at 208 West Main Street. During this construction, the adjacent Municipal lot between Main Street and Remsburg Drive will be affected by storage and movement of equipment, and materials for the foundation work. Visitors that use the parking in this lot should be prepared to find alternate parking during the construction. The construction is expected to last 3-4 weeks.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION FOR 2020 SHAMROCK 4MILER

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

Traffic Information FOr 2020 Shamrock 4miler

The Shamrock 4 Miler will be held Friday, March 13, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in downtown Abingdon. This is a large event that originates, and ends, at the Abingdon Farmers Market on Remsburg Drive. The four-mile loop course, and one-mile walking loop, guide participants through downtown Abingdon primarily on Valley and Main Streets.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving in downtown Abingdon on Friday night.  Be alert for police, fire, public works, volunteers, and participants in the roadways.

Due to race preparations, Remsburg Drive will be closed on Friday at 3 p.m. to allow for set up of the timer station and registration areas. Remsburg will remain closed until 11 p.m. Friday night.

Traffic will be slowed, delayed, and diverted to allow participants to safely complete the course.

Please expect to be delayed or detoured if you use the following streets:

Remsburg Drive        Cummings Street      Wall Street

Depot Square             West Main Street      Plumb Alley

Valley Street              College Street             Church Street

Oak Street                 Pecan Street               Court Street

Tanner Street            Whites Mill Road      Deadmore Street

Hutton Street             Cambridge Street     Rugby Terrace

Oxford Street            Henderson Court      Walden Road

Jefferson Circle         Boone Street              Thompson Drive

Park Street                Railroad Street         

Please remain alert for participants and obey instructions of the officers and officials providing traffic control.  DO NOT drive around, through, or move barricades. These are in place for the safety of the participants and visitors. 

VIRGINIA SCHEDULES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL FOR MARCH 17

VIRGINIA SCHEDULES ANNUAL STATEWIDE TORNADO DRILL FOR MARCH 17

RICHMOND — The National Weather Service and The Virginia Department of Emergency Management have scheduled the 2020 Virginia’s Statewide Tornado Drill for Tuesday, March 17 at 9:45 a.m. If widespread severe weather threatens the Commonwealth on that date, the drill will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at 9:45 a.m. The annual Statewide Tornado Drill is an opportunity to prepare Virginians for tornado threats and to test public warning systems.

The drill will start at approximately 9:45 a.m. with a test tornado warning sent in the form of a required monthly test by the National Weather Service to National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radios and local broadcasters. 

Since this year's drill will use the required monthly test, most NOAA weather radios will NOT automatically sound an alert tone alert. For those participating in the drill, including schools and businesses, turn on your NOAA Weather Radio by 9:40 am and listen to the voice broadcast. Those listening to the broadcast will hear the audible test alert broadcast at 9:45 am. Local radio stations, TV stations, and cable outlets will also broadcast the test message via the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Information and resources are available at https://www.weather.gov/akq/2020VAswpw.

“When a tornado warning is issued, that isn’t the time to figure out how to keep your loved ones, coworkers, friends and neighbors safe. Virginians should use the statewide tornado drill on March 17 as an opportunity to test their tornado emergency procedures and discuss preparedness efforts for these deadly and unexpected storms which can touch down in Virginia throughout the year,” said Virginia Department of Emergency Management State Coordinator Dr. Jeff Stern.

“Tornadoes can occur any month of the year. In 2019, 19 confirmed tornadoes touched down throughout the Commonwealth impacting 21 different jurisdictions,” said Jeff Orrock of the National Weather Service in Wakefield. “Looking back over the past decade, tornadoes occurred in every year, though there were active and quiet tornado years. 2011, 2016 and 2018 were the deadliest years for tornadoes while 2004 was by far the most active year with over 80 tornadoes reported that year. 2007 was the quietest with only two tornadoes recorded.” 

Tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year, but are most likely from April through September. Have a plan, know your location and surroundings and have a way to receive Watches and Warnings from the National Weather Service. Check to see if your smartphone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. When a tornado watch is issued for your area, review your plan and know where to seek safe shelter when a tornado warning is issued.

For more information about tornado preparedness, visit vaemergency.gov/tornadoes.

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