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Vol. 5 No. 34 | Richmond Suburban News | May 6, 2020
Agency provides resources for struggling businesses By Jim Ridolphi for Ashland-Hanover Local
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ECHANICSVILLE -- In addition to closing schools and disrupting the lives of millions of citizens, the coronavirus (COVID19) crisis is having devastating effects on local businesses. Despite an array of government-based grants and loans, the challenges of surviving a total shutdown of the economy are significant. In addition to attracting new business to the county, Hanover County’s Office of Economic Development also is charged with supporting existing businesses in the county. When news of the pandemic emerged, the agency began a robust effort to gauge the impacts and provide assistance to local businesses. “Hanover County quickly moved to partner with
ChamberRVA, along with our regional and local partners, to put together a survey that polled the businesses in each of our jurisdictions in the Richmond Region,” director Linwood Thomas, director, said. “There were over 550 respondents and Hanover County received about 40 responses directly.” The agency also relied on technology to contact and survey area retailers and producers. THOMAS “We have also reached out to individual businesses via phone and utilizing Zoom and virtual meetings to poll them directly on how our department can better assist them,” Thomas said. While some businesses are taking advantage of federal assistance, the process has not been seamless. see AGENCY, pg. 16
Voter registrar explains town council election procedures Staff Report news@mechlocal.com HANOVER – Teresa F. “Teri” Smithson, General Registrar/ Director of Elections, and her office are preparing for the May 19 Town of Ashland General Election. She said they are committed to help all eligible registered voters maintain the ability to cast a ballot safely. Voting will be take place in the Council Chambers in Ashland Town Hall and curbside along Thompson and Henry streets. “Signs will show you where you may cast your ballot from the safety of your vehicle,” Smithson said. “There will be social distancing marks along the sidewalk leading into the Town Hall if you wish to cast your ballot in person.”
“Only six voters allowed inside the chambers at a time,” she added. “Please be patient and have your photo ID ready.” As Virginians continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Smithson said, “We want to remind you to wear your protective mask. Hand sanitizer will be available for your use inside the polling place. We will be sanitizing all surfaces between voters.” The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Tuesday, May 12. For more information about completing an application, call 804365-6080 or email hanovervoting@ hanovercounty.gov. For the latest information, visit www.hanovercounty.gov/365/voting. The last day to vote an in-person absentee ballot is Saturday, May 16.
Governor reviews three-phase plan with May 15 reopenings By Melody Kinser Managing Editor RICHMOND – Gov. Ralph Northam released a threephase plan to ease restrictions during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic at his 2 p.m. Monday news briefing. His goal date for a return to business targets Friday, May 15, with the restrictions easing Thursday night, May 14. “Make it very clear this virus is still here; it has not gone away and it will not go
away until we have a vaccination, and that may be at the end of this year or another year or two. All of our efforts have slowed its spread, but they have not cured the disease.” He did say that “on the path forward, always be aware the virus is still with us.” “We will behave more cautiously than before; we must not relax our vigilance, especially with the most vulnerable populations [the elderly and those with existing conditions].
In Phase I, he said Virginians are safer at home; “large gatherings are still a bad idea,” with no social gatherings of more than 10 individuals continuing. The Governor also said Phase 1 calls for the continuance of teleworking, face coverings, and easing limits on business and faith communities. He said, “Workplace safety is critical.” Phase I may last about three weeks, but residents will “be able to get a haircut,” with an
appointment; “less seating will be available in restaurants and employees will wear face coverings and do more cleaning.” More retail establishments will be opening, but operating at a lower capacity. Gyms will be opening as the facilities adhere to more requirements for cleaning. Northam said the state would “accommodate the needs of churches and houses of worship with social distancing.” He noted, “It still matters
-- even at church. Moving toward Phase II, Northam said the state would continue to ease restrictions “if we see our numbers ease down.” Social gatherings could increase from 10 to 50 people. Phase III, the Governor said, is contingent upon “No evidence of a rebound for a sustained time.” The state’s first COVID19 positive case was reported on March 7, “just shy of two months ago,” he added. “Our
lives have changed drastically since then. At that time, across the country, Americans feared that hospitals would be overwhelmed. We worried that we wouldn’t have enough ICU beds or ventilators, not enough PPE or testing supplies. So, here in Virginia, we asked you to stay home.” “Everyone in Virginia made sacrifices – everything you have done has truly made a difference,” Northam continsee GOVERNOR, pg. 7