Coronavirus (COVID-19)

City of Roanoke picture with www.roanokeva.gov/coronavirus

Effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 11:59 pm until Thursday April 23, 2020 at 11:59 PM, Executive Order 53 from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is in effect.  

In light of current and ever-evolving circumstances associated with Coronavirus(COVID-19), it is in the best interest of the general public and our employees that we close all City of Roanoke Municipal Facilities to the general public beginning tomorrow, March 18, 2020. ALL EMPLOYEES WILL CONTINUE TO REPORT AS NORMAL and the day will be used to plan for extended closures if needed, along with the delivery of normal services.

Virginia-Department-of-Health-VDH LogoCenter for Disease Control Logo   

Since the arrival of Coronavirus COVID-19 in the United States, the City of Roanoke has been monitoring the situation and working closely with our partners at the Virginia Department of Health(VDH). Information can be found by clicking here or visiting: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus (this information is updated daily)

VDH has a local COVID-19 hotline serving the City of Roanoke, Alleghany and Central Shenandoah Health District. Call 1-855-949-8378 for information. They also invite those without a PCP to contact their local health district. The Roanoke City Health District is (540) 283-5050.

 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is also updating information as it becomes available. For more information, click here or visit: https://www.cdc.gov/


Virginia also has a resource located at: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus-updates/

Scams - Unfortunately the "bad guys" never take a break even during the current situation surrounding the virus COVID-19. There are several new "scams" circulating the internet and these are not just limited to email, there are phone scams happening as well. So please make sure to take even more precautions when opening emails, answering phone calls, or even clicking on links that say they will provide information regarding the COVID-19 situation. Please make sure to only visit trusted websites/links and never share your personal information.

City Response to Coronavirus (updated March 20, 2020)

Out of an abundance of caution for public health, the City of Roanoke is urging residents and visitors to educate themselves regarding Coronavirus COVID-19 and to practice social distancing.  The City of Roanoke is working closely with our neighboring jurisdictions, the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, local partners and local health officials to compile the most accurate and up-to-date information.  A website has been established at www.roanokeva.gov/coronavirus.  There you can find links to the most up-to-date information regarding the virus. There are also web pages available for employees, businesses and a page for community resources. 

At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, Governor Ralph Northam declared a State of Emergency concerning the Coronavirus.  With this declaration, the City of Roanoke is recommending social distancing and is urging scheduled public assemblies/events to cancel or reschedule.  City of Roanoke Municipal Buildings are currently closed to the public.  Employees are still reporting to work at this time. During this time you are urged to utilize online resources for payments and permits. Click the tab to see a listing of changes to city services due to COVID-19.


  1. Department of Human & Social Services
  2. Treasurer & Commissioner of the Revenue
  3. Public  Safety
  4. Solid Waste
  5. Libraries
  6. Parks & Rec
  7. Planning, Building & Development
  8. Berglund Center
  9. RCACP

Social-ServicesDepartment of Human & Social Services

Closed to the general public beginning March 18, 2020. Employees will continue to report as normal. Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Service referrals can be made by calling (540)853-2245. Public Assistance Forms and requests for follow up telephone contact can be left in the department drop box located just off the elevator located at 1510 Williamson Rd., NE(3rd floor). You may apply for benefits online by clicking here. or by phone at 1(855)635-4370 or for Medical Assistance only at 1(855)242-8282(TDD: 1-888-221-1590). For replacement EBT card, you may call 1(866)281-2448. Citizens may reach staff by contacting their worker via e-mail or by phone.

Department of Social Services Outreach Programs have been suspended until April.

Hospital based Medicaid Staff will work from the office or through telework. Staff will provide increased communication options by phone and on-line with Carilion partners.

Screening questions are being used for home visits.

Those whose duty requires entry into homes for protection calls will be issued surgical masks and gloves.

Family Assistance Planning Team (FAPT) meetings will be conducted with telephone participation from case managers, providers and families.

Foster Care visits beyond a radius of 30 miles from the office will be conducted electronically. For visits within the radius of 30 miles, screening questions will be asked.

Applications and reviews for public assistance benefit programs will be encouraged to reduce contact.

Outreach Detention will maintain the 6 feet distance recommended by CDC for social distancing and when making a visit at the home of the client, will call them and have them come out of the home to meet. Staff will carry hand sanitizer and wash hands as often as possible and especially after applying electronic monitors.

Roanoke Valley Juvenile Detention Center is restricting access to visitors and taking the temperature of anyone entering the Center and denying access to anyone who has a fever of 100 degrees or greater.

Adult Services Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) Screenings (in conjunction with the Health Department) will be done by telephone - these determine whether someone qualifies for nursing home or assisted living facility care.

Assisted Living Facility (ALF) reassessments will be done by telephone or video.

Other visits (for investigations, etc.) will follow the same guidelines as CPS.

APS workers will submit to health screenings to enter nursing facilities.

Governments Declare Local Emergencies.

  1. Coronavirus 2020 Joint Media Release - Declaration of Emergency

State Courts in Roanoke, Roanoke Co. & Salem remain open but will reduce operations & restrict access to courthouses pending further order.

  1. Courts Release - effective 3/17/2020, all state courts in Roanoke City, Roanoke Co. & Salem are to remain open but will reduce operations

COVID-19 Law Enforcement Reference

  1. COVID19 Law Enforcement Reference.pdf

A Message from PARK Roanoke

  1. Park Roanoke Update 3-19-2020.pdf

During Social Isolation, you might wonder what can I still do? Do I have to stay inside of my home 24/7? Maybe not.... Medical experts say fresh air and exercise are important for your physical and mental health, but use caution! Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you determine what is safe for your family to do during this time.  For the entire story from USA Today, click here

Can I go to a park?

YES! It’s important to get outside but remember to go to parks that offer enough space for social distancing.  You can bike, hike, fish or jog but avoid doing these activities with groups.  Contact activities such as frisbee, football or other sports should only be played with immediate family members.  You can also virtually visit some of our National Parks by clicking here.

What about playgrounds? 

It’s not recommended to use playgrounds during social distancing.  Coronavirus can live on playground equipment.

Are beaches safe? 

It’s not so much the water that’s unsafe but the crowds that are usually at the beach.  It’s not likely that coronavirus is spread through ocean water, but only go to beaches with smaller crowd keeping a safe distance from others.

A neighborhood walk? 

YES! Take your children or dogs for a walk around the block is safe in more suburban areas.  Just keep a safe distance from others.  

Some other great ideas......

REMINDER: Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Patients have experienced mild to severe respiratory illness.  Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath (symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.)  If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms or are having an emergency, please call 9-1-1 and answer all questions as prompted. 

TIPS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick. 
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw tissue in the trash.

The City will provide updates as they become available via social media and online at www.roanokeva.gov/coronavirus.   For specific questions, email: communityengagement@roanokeva.gov

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