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Newport News Now

HRM Staff

Coronavirus: Keeping You Informed

The City of Newport News is committed to providing timely information to our residents. Please visit our website, www.nnva.gov, for updates on what we are doing, as well as a list of closings and cancellations. Below are updates from Newport News and the state.

Numbers to Save

  • General questions? Newport News 311 Center: 933-2311
  • Health related questions? Peninsula Health District call center: 594-7069 or vdh.virginia.gov

Waterworks Suspends DisconnectionsIt is essential that people have access to clean water during the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). As such, Newport News Waterworks has suspended all service disconnections, except for customer-generated requests and to make a repair. This suspension is effective immediately and will last until at least Sunday, March 29, when the city reassesses the closure of its facilities.

Additional Parks and Recreation Closures Effective Today

  • The James River Fishing Pier (including the Crab Shack Restaurant) is closed.
  • While city parks remain open, park restroom facilities are closed.
  • Picnic shelter reservations will not be taken until at least mid-April; additional guidance will be provided when the city resumes normal operations.
  • Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that parents and children avoid using city playgrounds at this time.

Clarification on Newport News CourtsNewport News General District Court, Circuit Court and Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court are operating with restricted dockets until April 6. All civil, traffic and criminal matters, including jury trials, subject to a defendant’s right to a speedy trial, are continued until April 6. Exceptions to this are emergency matters, including but not limited to, quarantine or isolation matters, arraignments, bail reviews, protective order cases, emergency child custody or protection cases, and civil commitment hearings. Judges are using their discretion with regard to proceeding with ongoing jury trials, and in cases where the defendant is incarcerated. For questions, please contact the appropriate court at the number below.

  • General District Court
  • Civil Division: 926-3520
  • Criminal Division: 926-8811
  • Traffic Division: 926-8725
  • Circuit Court: 926-8561 
  • Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court: 926-3603 

DMVAll of Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices and mobile units are closed to the public until April 2. Online services remain available at www.dmv.virginia.gov. If your license or registration expires before May 15 and you cannot renew online, DMV will grant a 60-day extension. 

Additional Measures from Governor Northam
Yesterday, Governor Ralph Northam announced additional steps to help Virginians impacted by COVID-19, stop the spread of the virus in the Commonwealth and protect public health. You can watch a video of his briefing online or read the press release highlighting the enhanced measures. Key points include:

  • Further Reducing Public Gatherings: Governor Northam told Virginians to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, per federal guidelines. This does not include normal operations at essential services such as manufacturers, distribution centers, airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, grocery stores or pharmacies.
  • Protecting High-Risk Virginians: Those with chronic health conditions or ages 65 or older should self-quarantine. Public health experts advise that individuals with underlying medical conditions and those aged 65 or older are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Governor Northam encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with high-risk individuals.
  • Support for Affected Workers:
    No waiting for unemployment benefits. Governor Northam has directed the Commissioner of the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the one-week waiting period to ensure workers can receive benefits as soon as possible.
    Enhanced eligibility for unemployment. Workers may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to COVID-19. If a worker has been issued a notice to self-quarantine by a medical or public health official and is not receiving paid sick or medical leave from their employer, they may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. In addition, a worker may be eligible for unemployment benefits if they must stay home to care for an ill family member and are not receiving paid family medical leave from their employer. 
    Fewer restrictions. For individuals receiving unemployment insurance, Governor Northam is directing the Virginia Employment Commission to give affected workers special consideration on deadlines, mandatory re-employment appointments and work search requirements. 
    Additional Information: Read the Governor’s Frequently Asked Questions Guide for workers who have been temporarily laid off or discharged during this public health crisis. 

Social Security Offices Closed To Public; Services Still Available

All local Social Security offices are closed to the public for in-person services. You can still access critical information, engage with representatives and get answers to your questions in the ways listed below.

  • Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter and much more. The website also contains information that addresses most Social Security questions without having to speak with a Social Security representative in person or by phone. Visit their Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to their most common questions. 
  • If you cannot conduct your Social Security business online, please check the field office locator for specific information about how to directly contact your local office. Your local office will be able to provide critical services to help you apply for benefits, answer your questions and provide other services over the phone.
  • If you already have an in-office appointment scheduled, your appointment will be handled over the phone instead. If you have a hearing scheduled, they will call to discuss alternatives for continuing with your hearing, including offering a telephonic hearing. Calls may come from a PRIVATE number and not from a U.S. Government phone. Please remember that employees will not threaten you or ask for any form of payment. 
  • If you cannot complete your Social Security business online, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). This number has many automated service options you can use without waiting to speak with a telephone representative. A list of automated telephone services is available online.

Congressman Bobby Scott Hosting Telephone Town Hall

Join Congressman Bobby Scott on Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. for a Telephone Town Hall on COVID-19. The purpose of this call is to inform citizens of the actions federal, state and local officials are taking and what we can each do to limit and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
To participate, call 855-927-0895. You can live stream the event on Congressman Scott’s website.