City Of Norfolk To Provide Only Essential Services In Response To Governor’s 'Stay At Home' Order

Press release from the City of Norfolk:

March 30, 2020

NORFOLK, VA – Beginning Monday March 30 through April 13, city departments will further reduce staffing levels and service delivery in response to Governor Northam’s request for people to stay home and practice social distancing.

“We heard the Governor loud and clear and we are responding to his direction. Team Norfolk will continue to serve as a model in the community and do what we can to encourage social distancing. My expectation is our employees will stay home and stay healthy so we can return to 100% staffing levels when the time comes,” said Dr. Chip Filer, City Manager.

Trash and recycling collection will continue. Bulk and yard waste collection will stop during this time because it takes two employees in one truck to collect materials. 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. Any bulk waste requests scheduled during this two-week period will be canceled. Residents must reschedule their request when city operations return to normal.

In addition to one-hour free parking at all metered spaces, parking garages will open to the public free of charge.

Police, Fire-Rescue and 9-1-1 operators will remain fully staffed.

As a result of reduced service levels, 550 part-time employees will be furloughed. These employees will receive two paychecks in April and asked to return when city operations return to normal. Additional resources are being made available to help these employees.

Residents are asked to use MyNorfolk online or mobile app for all service requests versus calling Norfolk Cares and experiencing longer than normal wait times.

Staff will continue to respond to emergency requests. Any requests that are not considered an emergency will be handled as soon as staffing levels return to normal.

For updates to city operations, visit the FAQ on the front page of Norfolk.gov and monitor social media platforms.

This press release was produced by the City of Norfolk. The views expressed here are the author’s own.