News Flash

March 27, 2020 — The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19  in the state rose to 604, the Virginia Department of Health reported, as more test results come in. Of those, 82 are in the Peninsula Health District and five are in the Hampton district. There have been 14 deaths statewide.

Residents are reminded, as the weather warms this weekend, to continue social distancing. Remember to stay six feet apart, to continue hand-washing, and to keep disinfecting surfaces. Hampton’s outdoor recreation areas are still open, but residents are reminded not to gather in groups of 10 or more.

The city has closed all 81 playgrounds, including the ones located at schools. Also basketball and volleyball courts are closed, as those sports require close contact. Staff will periodically monitor the city’s beaches (Buckroe, Grandview, Salt Ponds, Fort Monroe) and Woodlands Skate Park to break up groups of more than 10. 

“It is imperative that we all follow social-distancing,” said City Manager Mary Bunting this week. “If we can slow the spread of this disease, more people will be able to survive it.”

Dominion Power has announced it will suspend shutoffs due to non-payment, and says that customers who were disconnected previously can call 866-366-4357 and get service restored. "People rely on us to meet critical needs, and they should not have to worry about losing service during this critical time," said a company statement.

Newport News Waterworks has suspended all service disconnections, except for customer-generated requests and to make a repair, according to a post on the Waterworks website. 

Local businesses are adopting creative ways to offer services during this time. Amory Seafood and Sam Rust Seafood, normally only wholesalers of fish and seafood, are taking orders from individuals. The Vanguard’s Caiseal distillery has been making hand sanitizer and donating to hospitals. Also, the hand sanitizer is for sale to individuals. Many local restaurants are offering take-out food with curbside delivery, including: Fuller’s Raw Bar, Mango Mangeaux, Phoebus Dive Bar, The Deadrise, Stuft, Mama Rosa’s and El Diablo Loco in Phoebus; The Grey Goose and Glazed Doughnuts downtown; and Anna’s Pizza and Heavens’ Pizza in Buckroe. Also, many breweries and Sly Clyde Ciderworks are offering curbside service. This is not a complete list; please check individual eatery Facebook pages or call for updates, as situations change. You can also check the Convention and Visitors Bureau list.

You still have time to help those in need, especially seniors, children and the homeless. Donate non-perishable foods and household items in the city’s Fill That Bus effort, partnering with United Way. Details.  

For those who have been furloughed or laid off, there are more flexible rules for getting unemployment. See this Q&A.

Hampton city buildings remain closed to the public. See this guide to online and phone city services.

To learn about the symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you think you may have it, go to the Virginia Department of Health’s coronavirus page.