Earlier this month, before the first confirmed case in Virginia, the Governor’s COVID-19 Unified Command Task Force mobilized to address how the Commonwealth would monitor, prevent and contain the disease. This chart shows the leadership structure and the delineated objectives of the taskforce. VACo participated in a kick-off meeting of the task force on March 11 and participates in the Local Coordination Group that holds weekly phone briefings to share information and answer questions. Timely information from the taskforce, including links to important resources, are shared regularly with our members via email and electronic newsletter.
As emphasized at the kick-off meeting, local governments need to coordinate with their respective local health districts (35 statewide) in addressing local response to the crisis.
Here are some of the items and resources shared in meetings of Local Coordination Group to date:
- In addition to a dedicated webpage on COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) established a 24-hour call center to handle questions (1-877-ASKVDH3) as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage;
- A webpage dedicated to providing the latest information and links to waivers, memoranda, and guidance documents, including the March 30 Temporary Stay at Home Order due to COVID-19 issued by Gov. Northam; and
- The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) had developed this updated local government template for creating or revising a Continuity of Operation Plan (COOP).
VACo Contact: Joe Lerch, AICP