From the City of Fredericksburg:
As the first formal Emergency Order of the City of Fredericksburg’s Declaration of Local Emergency, the City Manager is issuing emergency regulations for restaurants and gatherings.
Governor Northam today announced additional direction in limiting gatherings to 10 people or less in all settings. This is in line with yesterday’s published guidance from President Trump, and is consistent with guidance from Mary Washington Healthcare and the Rappahannock Health District’s Acting Director Dr. Denise Bonds. With this in mind, the City Manager is enacting the attached measures effective today at 5:00 p.m., March 17, 2020, through Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
As Dr. McDermott, CEO Mary Washington Healthcare, stated, “The key to preventing the rapid spread of this disease is the phenomenon of ‘flattening the curve’.” We must act to slow the spread of this virus to keep the health care system from being overwhelmed. We appreciate our community’s understanding of these actions as we assist in making that happen.
“We know that this action will bring additional hardships in our community. But acting tomorrow is not an option. As the major gathering place in our region, the City of Fredericksburg must do its part to slow the spread of COVID-19 – a virus we already know is here. I deeply regret that this action must be taken and know that it will have a major impact on our amazing business community, but I do ask for understanding as we work around the clock to keep our residents and community safe,” stated City Manager Timothy J. Baroody.
The City’s Economic Development Authority will be working to develop plans to assist small businesses, and they will be supported in these efforts by City Council. More aggressive measures may be forthcoming.
Read the emergency order: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17187
EXCERPT: “The following emergency regulations and orders shall be effective as of 5:00 p.m. on March 17 2020, to preserve life and protect health in the City of Fredericksburg. The following emergency regulations have the power of law and shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, and shall supersede all conflicting laws during the existence of this emergency, with the exception of more restrictive rules or regulations issued by order of the Governor of the Commonwealth.
1. Dine-in service at all restaurants, coffee shops, cafeterias, cafés, and other eating establishments serving food or beverages within the City of Fredericksburg, including all indoor and outdoor spaces, shall be limited to occupancy of no more than 10 persons. All parties must be seated and separated at a distance of at least 6 feet apart from other patrons in accordance with social distancing recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This order does not forbid otherwise lawful drive-through, take-out or delivery services. A copy of this order or a sign conveying the closure information shall be conspicuously posted by the owner, operator, manager, or other person having control of an establishment subject to this order. This regulation does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies, or hospitals.
2. All indoor social, community, recreational, concerts, conferences, and sporting events and other gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to expos, conventions, auditoriums, theaters, large conference rooms, meeting halls, and event spaces.”
