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Charlotte County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Director of Emergency Management Garland Hamlett enacted a declaration of local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday, March 16.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) confirmed 67 cases of the coronavirus in the state on Tuesday, March 17. Currently, there are no reported cases of the coronavirus in Charlotte County.

Virginia is also under a state of emergency and all K-12 schools, including Charlotte County Public School, were ordered to close for two weeks.

“During this local emergency, Charlotte County will make every effort to provide uninterrupted essential services to our citizens,” Hamlett said.

The local declaration allows the county to maximize preparedness and response efforts regarding COVID-19.

The declaration follows Governor Northam’s state declaration of emergency and President Trump’s national emergency declaration.

“We encourage our citizens to check the county website at www.charlotteva.com as we continue to share information about county facilities and services,” Hamlett said.

The VDH encourages the following to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid non-essential travel.

For more information and daily updates on the COVID-19 visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at www.vdh.virginia.gov and the Center for Disease control at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.