News Flash

Jan. 12, 2020 - As COVID-19 rates continue to increase in Hampton and the region, Hampton city offices will require appointments for most residents and others who need to conduct business with the city as of Wednesday, Jan. 13. 

This will increase safety for both customers and staff, ensuring that people don’t need to wait long in offices. Further, the city will facilitate as many transactions as possible online, via phone, or with dropboxes for paperwork.

Residents do not need appointments to attend open meetings of City Council and other boards and commissions. However, speakers do not have to attend meetings to have their voices heard by council. You are welcome to submit comments via email (council@hampton.gov), by phone message (757-727-6315), by mail, or by dropoff at City Hall.

Also, the Treasurer's and Commissioner's of the Revenue offices will remain open; however, the public is strongly encouraged to conduct business online or by phone when possible.

In announcing the change, City Manager Mary Bunting noted the “concerning” increase in cases: "While our community did a great job for a long time, staying under state and regional caseload averages, we are now seeing case counts and positivity rates on the higher ends for the state. As of yesterday, our positivity rate for PCR tests is 25.9% and is one of the highest in the state."

Many residents will not notice the change. Trash and recycling collection will continue. Fire and EMS services, as well as police patrols, will be operational.  Other services will still be provided, but in a different way:

• The Community Development Department’s Permit Center will schedule appointments for those who want in-person services but will be able to conduct much of its business via internet or phone.
• The Hampton Public Library will offer curbside service by appointment, Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  All four library locations now offer wifi access in their parking lots.
• Outdoor parks will remain open. Appointments required for offices in any parks facility. Gosnold's Hope Park still reserving RV camp sites; call 850-5116. No new camping reservations or boat rentals at Sandy Bottom. Community centers remain closed, and pools are closed to the general public.
• Golf courses are open with tee-time reservation.
• The Hampton History Museum will be closed to regular traffic. For appointments to access museum galleries for self-guided tours or the visitors center, 727-1102. The gift shop will be closed until further notice
• The building at Air Power Park  will be closed to regular traffic but outdoor visitors can access the the facilities; for self-guided tours, call 757-726-0650.
• Hampton Coliseum Box Office will operate by appointment only on Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please call 838-4203 to schedule an appointment.
• The Office of the Assessor will be closed to walk-ins and will be by appointment only. Call 757-727-8311 or email. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response to all calls and emails.

Confused or unsure? Check with the citizen advocates at our 311 center. Call 311 from a landline; call or text 757-727-8311 from a cell, email (311@hampton.gov), online at hampton.gov/311 (chat available when you see the green help bubble). Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, including weekends.