Beginning Tuesday, March 31, Hampton Roads Transit will run fewer bus routes, and buses will run less frequently.
Buses will run 60 minutes apart, except Peninsula Commuter Routes and some MAX routes.
HRT’s goal is to provide transportation between medical centers and other essential destinations. However, HRT is encouraging EVERYONE to avoid unnecessary travel and to practice social distancing. Some seats on buses and light rail trains will be blocked off and unavailable for us. Customers are asked to exit buses using the rear doors.
HRT will continue extensive cleaning of all vehicles and facilities.
The Tide light rail service will operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. Trains will run 30 minutes apart. The last trains from Newtown Road and from EVMC/Fort Norfolk will depart at 8:45 p.m.
Elizabeth River Ferry service will end at 9 p.m. Start times will not change.
Paratransit service will continue normally.
HRT encourages customers to check the full list of current routes, which can be found at: bit.ly/HRTchanges
March 30 through April 13, city departments will further reduce staff levels and service delivery in response to Governor Northam’s request for people to stay home and practice social distancing.
Important updates to city operations include:
Trash and recycling collection will continue. All trash must be in the green can with the lid closed. The driver will not get out of the truck to pick up any trash not in a can.
Bulk and yard waste collection will stop. It takes two employees in one truck to collect materials. City staff maintaining social distancing mandate.
Bulk waste requests scheduled during this two-week period will be canceled. Residents must reschedule their request when city operations return to normal.
Parking garages will open to the public free of charge. Parking in metered spaces is free for the 1st hour.
Police, Fire-Rescue and 9-1-1 will remain fully staffed.
Read the FAQ on the front page of Norfolk.gov for more information. Use MyNorfolk online or mobile app for all service requests versus calling Norfolk Cares. You will experience longer than normal wait times.
Register to vote or update your voter registration information online, too.
When you vote at home, you help limit the exposure of COVID-19.
Voters may request an absentee ballot by mail for the May 5, 2020 General Election using “My disability or illness” if they do not have another qualifying reason.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 28th.
Norfolk civic leaders are trying to make sure the elderly are at a minimum are checked on even it is not face-to-face, parents have support, our neighbors feel emotionally supported, and everyone has the essentials.
The outbreak of COVID-19 is putting a major halt to most parts of our everyday life, from schools to health care and work. This is not only a health emergency, but an economic crisis for many of us.
All dog parks, Northside skate park, small neighborhood and school parks and picnic shelters will close today March 26 at sunset and remain closed until further notice. The City is taking this unprecedented step to discourage gatherings in small, confined spaces in order to maintain the social distancing mandate.
“I did not make this decision lightly. We must take appropriate action to maintain the health and safety of our residents. For the time being, our beaches, large open spaces and the Elizabeth River Trail will remain open. City staff and police on patrol will monitor these areas and disperse any gatherings of 10+ people,” said Chip Filer, City Manager.
Public boat ramps and kayak launches will also remain open. Large parks that will remain open include: Town Point Park, Lakewood Park, Northside Park, Barraud Park, Poplar Hall Park and Bay Oaks Park. Closed and open location lists are attached to this message.
Norfolk City Council approved a comprehensive tax relief program during their March 24 meeting that eases financial burdens during the coronavirus pandemic. The program will give taxpayers and business owners the option to delay payment on business taxes and personal property taxes.
Tax revenue is important to the City of Norfolk to be able to provide much needed services, especially in this time of economic turmoil when services are in greater demand. Timely payments will assist the City to keep these vital services operational.
Due dates are March 31, 2020 and June 5, 2020 for Real Estate
Due dates are June 5, 2020 for Personal Property taxes.
Business tax filings are due by the 20th of each month. Businesses must file monthly.
If you are not able to pay by the due dates no late fees will be assessed until August 2, 2020.
Convenience fees for credit/debit cards and e-checks are waived until August 2, 2020.
If you do not want to pay any penalty, interest or convenience fees, pay your taxes before August 2, 2020, no exceptions.
During this COVID-19 emergency and response, the city is providing us with with as many updates as they can. Please share this information widely with family, friends, and neighbors, particularly those that may not have internet or television access to receive updates from news media or City sources.
Norfolk Alerts For the most up-to-date information from the City of Norfolk, I encourage you to sign up for Norfolk Alerts today so you can receive updates as soon as they are made available. You can sign up here: https://www.norfolk.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?CID=Emergency-Alerts-5. You’re also encouraged to monitor the city’s website as well as the city’s Facebook and Twitter platforms for information.
Norfolk Cares is experiencing a very high call volume. If you need to report a concern, I recommend using the MyNorfolk App (available on Google Play and Apple Store) or visit www.mynorfolk.org. You can still call Norfolk Cares at 757-664-6510, but please be anticipate a longer wait time than usual.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia will distribute food at the Y on Granby Street (2901 Granby Street) and other locations in the region on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning Friday, March 20. For other locations in the region, please visit: https://foodbankonline.org/directory/. The Foodbank also asks that you monitor their Facebook page @FoodbankSEVA and their COVID-19 Response page for regular updates.
Norfolk Public Schools continues to operate the Grab-N-Go meals program, which is currently scheduled to continue tomorrow, Friday, March 20, and then again next week. Hours will be 11AM to 1PM at the following locations, unless otherwise specified:
Southside STEM Academy at Campostella (1106 Campostella Road, 23523)
St. Helena Elementary (903 S. Main Street, 23523)
Suburban Park Elementary (310 Thole Street, 23505)
3 recreation centers have been added with the specified times – Titustown Recreation Center (7545 Diven St, 23505) from 11AM-11:30AM, Huntersville Community Center (830 Goff Street, 23504) from 12PM- 12:30PM, & Grandy Village Recreation Center (3017 Kimball Terrace, 23504) from 1PM-1:30PM
Prescription Delivery Here is a list of pharmacies that provide prescription delivery services. Please contact them for more details and to arrange a delivery:
Bayview Community Pharmacy
Atrium Pharmacy
Walgreens
Gray’s Pharmacy
Walmart – Pharmacy
Goddess Berry Message & Delivery Service
Mac Arthur Pharmacy
Carry Norfolk
Worldwide Express
USA Drug Express
The United Way is maintaining a Coronavirus Assistance Hotline at 757-858-7777 for anyone in need of assistance during this crisis. Additional information regarding their coronavirus response, including volunteer information, how to donate to the Coronavirus Recovery Fund they have established, and other resources, is available at unitedwayshr.org/coronavirus.
The Regional Housing Crisis Hotline number, 757-587-4202, is available to anyone who is experiencing a housing crisis throughout Greater Hampton Roads and in need of shelter, case management, and related services and/or community resources.
Sentara Healthcare has reopened their drive-thru screening, with testing available for those concerned they may have contracted the virus and require testing. Please follow their updates here: https://sentaraupdates.com/. The reopened locations and hours are as follows:
Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center
Please see the following sites for guidance and resources so that our students do not miss opportunities for critical learning, important instruction, and intellectual development.
Wards Corner Civic League 