City Talk with Theresa for Mayor 2020 | March 18

Manassas City declared a local state of emergency

To our City of Manassas community: The absolute top priority during this challenging time as we combat the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is the health, safety, and well-being of you, your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors!
  
I will provide resources for credible information and assistance to move us forward as we join together in our City of Manassas with hope and positive thoughts, actions and results. 
  
Follow me on social media for updated information and stories about our City of Manassas spirit to keep our drive alive.
  
Remember to wash your hands, and keep social distance. Check off your “To Do” list, think, play, explore, create, and care for yourself, family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors with technology or within the updated safety guidelines.  We will get through this together! Feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance to you!
                                                                   
Theresa Coates Ellis for Mayor 2020

#ManassasTogether

Reported: Wednesday March 18, 2020 6:00 pm

— Good Evening City of Manassas,

The people of the City of Manassas will be impacted in some way as we combat COVID-19 but remember to use credible resources and think ahead with hope and positivity.

Yesterday the City of Manassas was declared in a local state of emergency in response to the combat of COVID-19. What does this mean? Social distancing of no more than 10 or more in a group. Our government can prioritize resources, coordinate responses, and help respond to this pandemic emergency. Visit http://www.manassascity.org for more details and information.

My priority during this challenging time is YOU. The health and safety and well-being of you, your family, your friends and neighbors and your coworkers.

Health:

Activities: Safe Social Distancing is important because this virus is fast spreading. We don’t want to overwhelm our healthcare and hospitals.  If you have the symptoms of a cough, high fever, shortness of breath, contact your primary doctor for guidance first.

Some healthcare facilities are offering virtual visits and some are asking patients to wait in the car and are called when their treatment room is ready.

Our local Novant Health / UVA Prince William Hospital has suspended all visitation except for one person for laboring mothers and one person for a minor patient.  

The virus is SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes is called COVID-19. The hospital’s website has a coronavirus assessment tool:  Call your healthcare provider first if you have the symptoms. Or call 877-9NOVANT with questions if you have symptoms. Updates can be found on the CDC website.  

Business:

Many of our small to medium sized businesses and employees will be financially impacted by the Virginia and now the City of Manassas Declaration of Emergency Measures to Combat COVID-19.  

I am impressed with the entrepreneurial innovation that is continuing to move these businesses and their teams forward. Virtual meetings, quick response teams, new online stores and curb-side pick-ups. Temperature readings at entrances for at-risk and vulnerable employees. And employers working with their staff to allow working at home, taking paid time off and being supportive of the impacts that each person might face.  

We are working on some solutions and relief for our business owners and will keep updates available on our social media. 

Now Historic Downtown has15 minute parking created in for pickups and are clearly marked on Battle and Main streets between Church St. and RR tracks.  

Prince William Chamber page “Members helping Members” – is a great resource for businesses to share resources. https://pwchamber.org/members-helping-members/

Chamber updates: https://pwchamber.org/members-helping-members/

Virginia State updates: https://www.virginia.gov/

Education: No classes until April 14th.

Packaged breakfasts and lunches will be provided to-go Monday through Friday beginning March 18th through April 3rd from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at OHS, Round, and Weems.

http://www.internetessentials.com for Comcast deals and connectivity during school closing

I encourage parents and family members to use education resources and to keep reading with your children. But take much-needed breaks and enjoy your time together. I have been posting many virtual and home-bound activities on my facebook: Theresa Coates Ellis.

Keep updated with school resources and notices: https://www.mcpsva.org/

Please reference: Children’s Regional Crisis Response Hotline at 844-627-4747.

Safety: Check www.manassascity.org for Police Department, Fire and Rescue update and follow their social media. Stressing Emergency ONLY calls.

Coronavirus Scams – there are no vaccines, or treatment – yet. Visit the Federal Trace Commission at http://www.FTC.gov/coronavirus

Public Works: Pay utilities on http://www.manassascity.org/paymybill or 844-278-9120, No utility shut offs during this time of crisis, Trash and recycling collected on time

Communications: Social Media, Website, Text Service: Text CityHealth to 888-777 to stay informed

Events: Most are cancelled. Check the event websites and  Historic Manassas online.

Activities: Safe Social Distancing. Stay inside and self-isolate if you are sick. Check for updates of the COVID-19 often.

Use credible RESOURCES:  Remember most websites have language options on their home pages.

Visit Theresa for Mayor 2020’s website at http://www.TheresaCoatesEllis.com and follow social media links for credible resources, news, updates and tips, such as:

https://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/prince-william/

or CALL 703-872-7759

http://www.cityofmanassas.gov