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:

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/executive-actions/

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:

https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/faq/

Stay home. Stay safe. Check on your neighbors, and love each other.