The Commonwealth of Virginia recently awarded a $201,000 grant to the Capital Region Workforce Board to reimburse Richmond Area businesses with certain costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. $40,292 from this grant is available for businesses located in the City of Richmond.  

The grant is meant to allow businesses to stay open while operating safely and with their employees' health as a top priority. 

Eligible uses of grant funds include paying for cleaning services, cleaning supplies, or items that can assist employees in teleworking.  Other COVID-19 related items can be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Reimbursement is available for allowable costs incurred between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2020.  Businesses must first incur the cost and present proof of payment to be reimbursed. Note that equipment with a per unit value over $5,000 and wages are not reimbursable with this grant program.

The City of Richmond is working with the Capital Region Workforce Board to make as many grants as possible with the limited funding available.  Grant awards will be made until the all of the funds are used.

The grant application can be found at:  https://vcwcapital.com/wp-content/uploads/RR-Bus-Supt-App.pdf.

he City of Richmond offices will remain closed to the public from Wednesday, April 1 through Sunday, April 12.

The continued closure is designed to ensure the health and safety of residents, employees and the general public in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Essential personnel will continue to work, and essential city services will continue. Access a list of those services here.

Please check the dedicated city webpage, linked here, for updates on the city’s response to COVID-19.

“The City of Richmond stands in full support of the Governor’s order to stay at home.

“In accordance with the Governor’s order, the city is restricting access to certain outdoor amenities. Playgrounds and courts at Richmond Public Schools and public parks will be closed. All team sports and activities are prohibited. 

“Activities at the James River are restricted; no swimming, sunbathing or gathering in groups will be allowed, though patrons may still use the area for exercise, such as biking, walking, running and hiking. These new restrictions go into effect Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m.

“When in open spaces, keep activities within your household unit. Stay six feet away from individuals outside of your household unit at all times. RPD will enforce these new guidelines and continue to enforce social distancing measures.

“We will get through this crisis, but for the sake of our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us, I beg Richmonders to take this seriously. We are all safer and stronger at home.”

To view the Governor’s full order, click here

In order to dispel confusion regarding the Stay at Home Order issued by Governor Northam on Monday, March 30 and how it related to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, the department has put together a brief frequently asked questions list. 

What is the “Stay at Home Order”?
Issued by Governor Ralph Northam on March 30, 2020, the Stay at Home Order states:
 “All individuals in Virginia shall remain at their place of residence, except as provided below. To the extent individuals use shared or outdoor spaces, whether on land or on water, they must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members or caretakers. Individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of:

• Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53; 
• Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services; 
• Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member; 
• Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care; 
• Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements; 
• Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work;  
• Traveling to and from an educational institution; 
• Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and 
• Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.”

The full text of the Executive Order can be read here.

• How long will these restrictions last?
  • Executive Order 55 is scheduled to end on June 10, 2020. 
• Are the parks closed?
  • No, open space parks located within the city limits are not closed, just some of the amenities. 
• What cannot be used at a park?
  • Basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, skate parks, ball fields, playground equipment, and the dog parks cannot be used during this state of emergency and while Executive Order 55 is in place. Team sports such as basketball and football should not be played. Furthermore, swimming or sunbathing at the James River is also prohibited.
• What can I do at a park?
  • Visitors can exercise, bike, walk, run, or hike within the parks. You can also fish and paddle in the James River.
• What do I do if I see a group of more than 10 individuals?
  • If you see a group of more than 10 congregating, please call the Richmond Police Department non-emergency number at 804-646-5100.

Work begins in early May on the Mosby Street – Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project,