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- City of Roanoke Employee Information: Coronavirus
City of Roanoke Employee Information: 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 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.
*Make sure to bring your City of Roanoke ID Badge*
*Make sure to bring your City of Roanoke ID Badge*
Questions to ask to determine if an employee should remain at home or come to work, if returning from vacation/travel, or if they have a loved one who is returning from vacation travel.
1. Do you know if the employee's traveled by air or car? Yes, by car. Individual may return to work. If by air, go to question 2.
2. Did he/she travel through an international airport? Yes. Individual stays home for 72 hours.
- Has the employee been exposed to Coronavirus?
If the employee has been exposed or had close contact with someone who has the virus, then the employee is expected to stay home for 14 days.
4. Is he/she demonstrating signs of the virus? Fever, cough, etc. Yes. Individual stays home for 72 hours.
5. Is he/she coming in from an area that had cases of Coronavirus? Yes. Individuals stay home for 14 days.
For more information on guidance for individuals who have traveled see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html
Employee Resources
Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick:
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
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.
It's not recommended to use playgrounds during social distancing. Coronavirus can live on playground equipment.
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.
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.
We will get through this, together! Thanks for all that you do to serve the residents and visitors of the City of Roanoke!
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......
- Relax!
- Continue education....many schools have sent out packets of info for the kiddos and are also using online meeting tools like Zoom, Loom or GotoMeeting.
- Watch videos to learn or practice a new skill - perfect time to learn a new language or master knitting!
- Learn a musical instrument.
- Read a book!
- Look for great virtual things to do online like tours of museums, parks, storytimes and others. Use google or YouTube for lots of great information.
- Learn and/or practice meditation.
- Cook something new.
- Exercise!
- Work on spring cleaning.
- Play video, card or board games with your family.
- Paint or do a craft.
- Garden
- Use social media to communicate with friends and loved ones - but be careful and not use social media too much!
- Make a scavenger hunt for your kids.
- You know that scrapbook you've been working on? Complete that with help from your family.
- Draw with sidewalk chalk outside - get creative!
- Write a letter and mail to a friend or older adult that might be isolated at home or at a senior center.
- Call or video chat a friend that you haven't talked to in a while.
- Learn a new dance routine.
- Binge watch that show you've been wanting to check out!
- Buy gift cards to small businesses to use at a later date.
- Support small businesses and listen to some great music with "Rock to the Rescue" sponsored by Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges! More info will be shared, but make sure to visit the Dr. Pepper Park at the Bridges Facebook Page by clicking here. Check out the news article here.
- Go to the opera- Virtually! Click here for info from the Met!
- Visit an Historic Site virtually! Click here for a link.
- Virtual Tour 12 museums by clicking here.
- Also, check out Play Roanoke's Happiness Project for some great ideas! Click here for all of the info.
- Roanoke Libraries are offering story times and other great ideas on their YouTube Channel. Click here for info.
- Tips to Remain "Sane & Safe" During Social Distancing
- If you have children, grandchildren, or other family members/friends with Roanoke City Public Schools, you can click here for the latest news on how they are operating during the coronavirus pandemic. Make sure to follow them on social media as well for some heartwarming stories of how the school system is serving our community.