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Home / Coronavirus Resources

Coronavirus Resources

 Every day, sometimes every hour, new information emerges about the coronavirus. It is a challenge for our communities to know what further developments to anticipate and how to formulate an effective plan. VML will continue to update this page with resources for local officials to consider using as part of a plan of response.

Use the links below to jump to each topic

Electronic Meetings  |  Actions  |  Online Resources  |  Announcements
“Stay at Home” Orders  |   Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
Business Resources  |  Economy  |  Healthcare

A message from VML President Thomas R. Smigiel: “I want to take a minute and acknowledge that in these alarming times I take comfort in all the encouraging signs I see from Virginia’s local governments and leaders. If we felt that we were resilient, strong and adaptable before this crisis hit, now we know it! We are greater than the sum of our parts…” Click here to read the full text >

A message from VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy: “It takes a locality. This platitude has taken on a new, deeper meaning as we look to our local officials to bear the responsibility of pulling our nation through a health crisis none save our grandparents or great-grandparents have ever known. We now find ourselves in a situation where it takes a locality (lots of localities) to save lots of lives…” Click here to read the full text >

With restrictions on gatherings, local governments can use these resources as guides on how to conduct their business remotely.

Note: Visit our Meeting Resources page for a list of platforms and services localities may want to consider for video streaming, video meetings, online voting, etc.

Recently added:

    • Local Government Attorneys of Virginia (LGA): COVID-19 Committee letter (May 1) regarding the 2020 Budget Amendment, Operating Policies, and Remote Meetings: Further support for electronic meetings during COVID-19 emergency. Localities should consult their attorneys for further guidance.
    • 2020 Budget amendments related to FOIA and electronic meetings: The amendments to HB29 and HB30 allow public bodies to meet by electronic communications during a declared emergency that makes it impracticable or unsafe for the public body or governing board to assemble in a single location and when the purpose of meeting is to discuss or transact the business statutorily required or necessary to continue operations of the public body. Per the amendments:
        • Notice of the meeting has to be given.
        • A recording or transcript of the meeting has to be made available (localities will want to double check with their counsel on the timing).
        • Further, arrangements have to be made for public access through electronic means and the minutes have to state that the meeting was held electronically.

Please be aware that while the report uses the recent opinion from Attorney General Herring as a road map, you should continue to consult with your legal advisor as you move forward with meetings.

The report includes:

      • Checklist for holding completely electronic public meetings and ensuring public access
      • Model ordinance and resolution that mirrors what some localities have already put into place.
      • Appended example of a declaration of emergency (from Albemarle County) which may be helpful to those localities who have not yet declared one.

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Examples of actions being taken by VML, Virginia’s localities, the state and federal governments and organizations.

Recently added:

    • State and Local Government Associations Urge ‘Robust, Flexible’ Federal Relief During Pandemic: The seven leading organizations representing state and local governments at the federal level called on Congress to “immediately provide robust, flexible relief” to state, territorial and local governments as part an interim relief package for the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the entire message >

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Official websites, learning opportunities, surveys and other resources for localities.

Recently added:

    • National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS): Sponsorship of the eKnowledge SAT/ACT prep program.
      • “While we are physically separated and unable to participate in sports, activities and school, letting your cities and families know about the NFHS sponsorship for impacted students is a perfect way to demonstrate our concern for their well being and that you are actively providing meaningful information and service during these very difficult and uncertain times.”
    • DHCD: Local Building Department Virtual Training Support (applications due by June 5, 2020)
      Due to the Governor’s orders of social distancing and gathering limits, the VA Building Code Academy is now providing certification and continuing education classes online. Recognizing that in order for localities to participate in training through virtual means many localities may be in need of equipment necessary to attend online training. DHCD is making funding available through the Virginia Code Academy for jurisdictional building departments to purchase equipment needed to attend required virtual certification training and continuing education.
    • HomeServe: TELEFLEX
      TELEFLEX is a phone and video-based service that provides homeowners with access to a qualified technician across various trades, who can help troubleshoot, diagnose, and virtually assist them in a DIY repair of a plumbing, electrical or HVAC system. When a virtual solution can’t solve the problem, homeowners have the option of having an employee or network contractor visit their home and provide repairs on a fee-for-service basis. TELEFIX is available to any homeowner at 1-833-TELEFIX or at www.telefix.com.
    • CARES Act information from NLC and the United States Conference of Mayors – The Economy and Cities:
      • One Page Summary: Communities of all sizes are feeling the economic impact of COVID-19 and need direct support now. All cities combating COVID-19 on the frontlines are doing so at great cost, but not all are receiving the direct financial support they desperately need from the federal Government.
      • Infographic: Local leaders understand the needs of their residents and are best positioned to make emergency management decisions related to allocation of resources. The federal government MUST act to ensure every city, town and village impacted by this pandemic—regardless of size—has direct access to emergency funding.
      • CARES Act grant amounts to airports: Detailed listing By state, city and airport
    • Guidelines for First Responders:
      COVID-19 present additional risks to first responders. Knowledge of potential exposure to COVID-19 prior to responding to a 911 call allows responders to take respiratory protection precautions to minimize risk. The following are examples of actions localties are taking to protect their first responders will ahdering to state laws related to protected health information (PHI).

Webinars, Virtual Roundtables & Town Halls:

    • Oracle: With so many localities looking for ways to provide services and information remotely, Oracle will be hosting a 30-minute webcast that will dive into one aspect of Oracle’s solution for Building, Planning and Code Enforcement departments. Information and Registration here.
      • June 3 – Permitting and Inspections
      • July 1 – Planning and Zoning
      • August 5 – Code Enforcement
      • September 2 – System Administration
    • NLC: Make Early Learning a Priority | Wednesday, May 20, 2:00 PM ET
      In this webinar, join NLC and state, federal and local partners as we explore how child care subsidy policies are being amended during this crisis to address the needs of essential workers, support the financial viability of the child care industry and ensure that early care and education providers can provide high-quality care to young children in a safe environment. Register now.
    • Gentry Locke Attorneys: The Virginia Clean Economy Act will transform Virginia’s energy landscape | May 28, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
      For schools and local governments, there are new opportunities to transition to solar energy to save money while protecting the environment for generations to come. Karla Loeb of Sigora Solar will discuss what the VCEA means for you, and how you can replicate successful solar projects from other jurisdictions. REGISTER HERE.
    • UVA Miller Center: Responding to COVID-19: Federal, state, local | Thursday, May 21, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EDT)
      Has federalism helped or hindered the U.S. response to COVID-19? What is COVID-19 revealing about federalism and effective democracy? Join Rich Schragger (UVA Law), Sheila Foster (Georgetown Law), and Charles Hartgrove (Weldon Cooper Center, Virginia Institute of Government) to discuss the government’s response to the pandemic, the constitutional and legal issues that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and the relationship between local, state, and federal actors during a national and global crisis. Miller Center Director and CEO Bill Antholis will moderate. MORE INFO AND REGISTER HERE.
    • VCC Bank has partnered with Virginia SBDC and Virginia DHCD to present a weekly opportunity to hear a variety of updates from government leaders on new resources, receive management, finance and marketing tips, and ask questions about COVID-19 support for our business owners, nonprofits, foundations, and other community partners. This program will run through May 2020.
    • How to leverage Main Street programs to help our communities | May 15 and 19 at noon
      These sessions will offer recommendations for rethinking the Main Street Four Point Approach in the wake of COVID-19. Inherent in this response is the realization that growth and recovery necessitate creativity, experimentation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Main Street programs will be needed at the forefront of this transition to help our communities bounce back as the same great places to shop, socialize, work, recreate, and live. Advanced registration is required. Register here and your session link will be emailed to you.

      • Presenters are:
        • Rebecca Rowe, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
        • Matthew Wagner, PhD, National Main Street Center

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State and Federal executive orders, directives, guidelines, and press releases.

Recently added:

    • Office of the Governor: Forward Virginia presentation outlining the various phases for easing restrictions and reopening businesses. (May 4)
    • Commonwealth of Virginia Department of State Police: Community Policing Data Collection (April 24)
      • Effective July 1, 2020, the Virginia Department of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Uniform Crime Reporting Section will begin the collection of community policing data, as required by 2020 Acts of Assembly Chapter 1165, the Community Policing Act.
    • Federal Register: Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
      • Summary: The Secretary of Labor (“Secretary”) is promulgating temporary regulations to implement public health emergency leave under Title I of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and emergency paid sick leave to assist working families facing public health emergencies arising out of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic. The leave is created by a time-limited statutory authority established under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Public Law 116-127 (FFCRA), and is set to expire on December 31, 2020. The FFCRA and this temporary rule do not affect the FMLA after December 31, 2020.

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With many states, including Virginia, issuing orders for residents to remain home and all but “essential” businesses to close, it can be confusing to know what is permitted and what is not. This page also includes examples of what other states have done as well as supporting information.

Recently added:

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A COOP is not required under the Code but is strongly advised; the Code of Virginia addresses these plans in Sec. 44-146.18 B.6.

Recently added:

      • The Virginia Department of Emergency Management has offered a Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP) worksheet for those localities that have not yet created a COOP. You can download the worksheet here >

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Information helpful to local businesses seeking financial assistance or clarification of guidelines.

Recently added:

    • Longwood University: The Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will offer free online classes for small businesses to help adapt to restrictions related to COVID-19. Read a description of these classes here >.
    • VDH: Information for Lodging Establishments regarding COVID-19
      • Note: Per Robert B. Melvin, Director of Government Affairs for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association “We have been informed by the Governor’s that neither EO53 or EO55 require hotels to close or cease operations; however, they must comply with the COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Virginia Department of Health.”
    • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Read the press release here.
    • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources. Includes information on the following topics:
      • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
      • Guidance for Businesses and Employers
      • SBA Products and Resources
      • Government Contracting
      • Local Assistance

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Information, tools and studies related to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Recently added:

    • VML: Listen to the recording of our April 29 call with Angela L. Navarro, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Cassidy Rasnick, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The deputy secretaries discussed the administration’s plans to restart Virginia’s businesses.
    • A First Estimate of the Impact of COVID-19 on Virginia’s Local Governments by Ron Carlee and Robert McNab from ODU’s Strome College of Business. This working paper estimates the financial impacts on local governments from COVID-19. (March 27)

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Relevant information on health insurance and coverage.

Recently added:

    • Office of National Drug Control Policy: Covid-19 fact sheet
      Includes actions and resources to support Americans struggling with addiction

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Comments and questions about this website or the data provided may be addressed to Manuel Timbreza.
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