1. Home
  2. Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

Coronavirus: What You Need to Know

Mask Update:

Masks are now required in all City facilities. Thank you for your cooperation.

Accessibility

Coronavirus banner

Announcements

Vaccine Distribution Information

Now, anyone 12 years of age and older can get the COVID-19 vaccination.

  • CDC resources to find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you -
    • Search vaccines.gov
    • Text your zip code to 438829
    • Call 1-800-232-0233 
  • Valley Health's Vaccination Clinic at the Apple Blossom Mall - More Info
  • Vaccine Finder website (find a vaccination site near you) - Link
  • Myths and answers about the vaccine - Link

Current Mask Rule

The City of Winchester is requiring masks inside all facilities. Thank you for your cooperation. (As of 8/12/21)

New CDC guidelines state that fully-vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings, except public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings. Businesses retain the ability to require masks in their establishments. Those who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings. Masks will continue to be required in K-12 public schools, given currently low rates of vaccination among children. (As of 5/14/21)

Testing Sites

Click here to search for testing sites in your area.

COVIDWise App

Add your phone to the fight. COVIDWISE is Virginia’s official exposure notifications app that lets you know if you’ve likely been exposed to another COVIDWISE user with a positive COVID-19 test result. Click here for more information and to download.

Question or Concern?

Do you have a question or concern relating to the COVID-19 pandemic locally? Submit this online form.

COVID-19 Information

The City, CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and the Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD) are closely monitoring the international outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and working with healthcare partners at the state and federal level.

Coronavirus is a new virus that has caused an outbreak of a respiratory illness. It was first detected in Wuhan, China in late December 2019. It’s spread through close person-to-person contact (within 6 feet), respiratory droplets that are then inhaled (ex: when someone doesn’t cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze), and possibly from touching contaminated surfaces. 

Case Counts

Information Resources

Virginia Department of Health's COVID-19 information hotline (available 24/7): (877) ASK-VDH3 or (877) 275-8343.

Rely on the below sites for up-to-date and accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic FAQs
Coronavirus (CDC) Link
Wearing a Mask Link
COVID-19 Vaccine Link

Food Pantries & Services

Food Pantries & Banks

  • Click here for a list of food pantries in the area.
  • Visit VAFoodBanks.org for a list of food banks in Virginia.
  • Text FOOD or COMIDA to 877877 to learn more about feeding sites near you.

Social Services

SNAP - As of May 29, 2020, Virginians who receive SNAP benefits will be able to pay for their groceries online and have them delivered, after the USDA approved Virginia to participate in an innovative online purchasing pilot program. More Info

Resources App - The Virginia Department of Social Services has launched COVID-19 Virginia Resources, a mobile app and dedicated website to provide a one-stop switchboard for all of the benefits, resources and programs Virginians need most right now. Visit http://COVID.Virginia.Gov and download the app today.

Virginia Department of Social Services COVID-19 Website

Doing Business with the City of Winchester

Local residents and businesses can conduct business with the City using the following resources:

  • Online - Visit www.winchesterva.gov for information, forms, etc. The direct link to the City’s online bill pay options is www.winchesterva.gov/bill-pay.
  • Phone, Email or Mail - For the staff and department directory, visit www.winchesterva.gov/department-listing.
  • Drop boxes - Drop off correspondence, completed forms, payments, etc. at drop boxes located outside City Hall (N. Cameron Street side), & Creamery Building (for Commissioner of the Revenue & Treasurer-taxes, business licenses, dog tags). For social services documents, use the drop box outside the WDSS office at 24 Baker Street.

Skip the Trip button

COVID-19 Updates

Scroll down for updates from and regarding the City of Winchester or click here.

  • June 11, 2021 - Governor Northam announced a new $3 million investment to pilot the Return to Earn Grant Program, which will match payments from eligible small businesses to provide new hires with up to $1,000 to support their transition back into the workforce. While many companies are offering hiring bonuses, the Return to Earn Grant Program will serve businesses with less than 100 employees that may not have the resources to provide this financial support. Read More
  • May 28, 2021 - The City will lift its mask requirement in most City facilities (some exceptions apply). 
  • May 14, 2021 - Governor Northam announced that he will ease all social distancing and capacity restrictions on Friday, May 28, two-weeks earlier than planned. The updates to Virginia's mask mandate were lifted on May 14 to match new guidance from the CDC. These changes are reflected in amendments to Executive Order 72. New CDC guidelines state that fully-vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings, except public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings. Businesses retain the ability to require masks in their establishments. Those who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings. Masks will continue to be required in K-12 public schools, given currently low rates of vaccination among children. Read More
  • April 22, 2021 - Governor Northam announced that sports and entertainment venues in Virginia may begin to operate with expanded capacity, and social gathering limits will increase beginning Saturday, May 15. More Info
    • Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase to 100 people for indoor settings and 250 people for outdoor settings. Social gatherings are currently limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. 
    • Entertainment venues: Indoor entertainment and public amusement venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity or 1,000 people, up from 30 percent capacity or 500 people. Outdoor venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity—up from 30 percent—with no specific cap on the number of attendees.
    • Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at indoor recreational sporting events will increase from 100 to 250 spectators or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor recreational sporting events will increase from 500 to 1,000 people or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. 
    • Alcohol sales: Restaurants may return to selling alcohol after midnight, and dining room closures will no longer be required between midnight and 5 am.
  • February 24, 2021 - Governor Northam announced that indoor capacity limits are to remain the same but certain outdoor sports and entertainment venues may begin to operate at increased capacity starting Monday, March 1, 2021 (see graphic below). He amended Executive Order 72 with the next steps of the “Forward Virginia” plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while mitigating the spread of the virus. More Info
  • January 27, 2021 - Governor Northam also announced COVID-19 workplace safety and health standards are now permanent. More Info
  • July 14, 2020 - Virginia adopts first-in-the-nation Workplace Safety Standards for COVID-19 Pandemic More Info
  • June 23, 2020 - Governor Northam announced that Phase III will go into effect on July 1, 2020. Guidelines
  • May 26, 2020 - Beginning May 29, Governor Northam made face coverings mandatory for everyone age 10+ while inside retail stores, food/drink establishments, grooming/personal care, government facilities, public transportation, and anywhere people congregate. Exceptions: 1) while eating/drinking, 2) while exercising, 3) if you have trouble breathing or are unable to remove the mask without help, or 4) if your health conditions prohibit wearing a face covering. Executive Order #63
  • May 18, 2020 - Governor Northam initiated new resources to protect Virginians from eviction and support individuals who have lost their job or income due to COVID-19. These tools include StayHomeVirginia.com, a new website to help Virginians navigate housing programs, services, and resources. The website offers guidance on working with landlords, financial institutions, and other organizations to use eviction and foreclosure protections during this health crisis. Resources include relief for private mortgage holders, multifamily complexes, and tenants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • March 22, 2020 - Lord Fairfax Health District has first confirmed case. VDH News Releases
  • March 13, 2020 - President Trump declares State of Emergency for U.S.
  • March 12, 2020 - Virginia Governor declares State of Emergency and outlines additional measures to combat COVID-19. Read News Release
  • March 10, 2020 - The Lord Fairfax Health Department Director presented an overview of the Coronavirus to City Council. Review Presentation
  • January 30, 2020 - The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).

My Community Worksheet

We are living through history. Kids: Mark this moment in your community's history and your life by completing this worksheet. It's a fun way to remember where and who you were during the COVID-19 pandemic.

My Community Worksheet

Sources: CDC, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Governor Northam's Office, Lord Fairfax Health District, World Health District (Since 3/5/2020 and updated regularly)

Source: https://www.winchesterva.gov/emergency-management/coronavirus Find out more about Recite Me Last updated: 13/12/2021 16:04:36