Has your business been affected by the Coronavirus?
Email us at Coronavirus@WFLS.com with updated hours, closures or cancellations.
We will share on this page to let the community know updates about your business.
It will be months before we know the true economic cost of the Coronavirus, but there is no doubt businesses and the families they employ will be affected. While we focus on flattening the curve, it doesn’t mean we have to flatten the wallets of local businesses and their employers.
While the nation fights Covid-19, we’ve come up with a few ways to help our advertisers and business owners in your community.
Order takeout or delivery. Restaurants may have had to shut their doors, but many still offer takeout or delivery. Not only does that keep the business going, but it also provides income for delivery drivers. Buy gift cards. Even if you aren’t buying anything else because you’re stuck at home, you can give local shops a vote of confidence.
Shop local businesses online. By buying from someone in your area, you’re helping to keep people in their jobs.
When you do, go shopping, don’t use cash. Paper money and coins pass through so many hands and carry all types of germs.
Stay local, stay involved, stay in touch, and stay healthy.
NOVEL CORONA VIRUS UPDATES
Virginia to give homeless people temporary housing during COVID-19 crisis. Read More
The Rappahannock Area Health District reports seven new cases of coronavirus in the region. Stafford has 29 cases (+3), Spotsylvania with 13 (+1), Fredericksburg with 5 (+3) and King George with 5.
Allison-Balmes-John with the Health District tells us that 12 are hospitalized while 40 are recovering or have recovered in isolation at home. Read More
The Stafford Branch of the NAACP has assembled an ad hoc committee to raise funds for our new Stafford NAACP COVID-19 Response Fund. The committee will use those funds to assist NAACP members and our Stafford County neighbors who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The plan is help pay necessary bills that they are required to pay immediately; to buy groceries, medicines and other necessities; to pay for child care and/or other additional requirements.
Those who wish to donate can use our GoFundMe page at:
Go Fund Me
Paycheck protection program loans and economic injury disaster loans. Read More
In the interest of public health, the closure of all Virginia DMV customer service centers has been extended until at least April 23. All DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect services have been postponed for the same duration.
Fredericksburg records its first COVID-19 related death Read More
Virginia coronavirus cases near 1,500; 34 deaths reported Read More
The 2020 Marine Corps Historic Half Weekend events, scheduled for Friday, May 15 through Sunday, May 17 have been cancelled to support the wellbeing of the running community, residents, Marines and partners. A refund on registration fees will not be provided. The MCMO has prioritized rewarding the loyalty of registered runners while offering alternative solutions for registered runners to participate in Historic Half Weekend.
Registered Runners
Beginning April 3, those currently registered for Historic Half Weekend can:
- Defer entry into next year’s Historic Half Weekend on May 16, 2021 with no additional fees. Runners who defer to 2021 are eligible to re-register for the 2020 virtual event (at fees detailed below).
- Transfer to virtual option. Complete a run of the distance of your choosing (5 miles, 13.1 miles or 18.1 miles) and receive participant shirt, finisher medal and certificate, as well as the new Motigo Historic Half Audio Experience.
The deadline to defer and register for virtual participation is May 16, 2020. Further instructions will be sent to the e-mail address provided by participants during registration within the next 48 hours.
All currently registered runners will receive a 30% LOYALTY discount on registration for any new and remaining 2020 MCM Event Series date, including the MCHH Virtual Run, the MCM10K or the MCM Kids Run during MCM Weekend in October. Registered runners who defer to 2021 may apply this discount to the new Historic Half virtual option. Discount codes will be sent directly via e-mail.
New Virtual Option
On April 3, a new registration for the Historic Half Weekend Virtual Open will be available to ANYONE motivated to complete the Half, Semper5ive or Devil Dog Double. Virtual entry fee is $28 for Historic Half and Semper 5ive; $35 for Devil Dog Double; and includes the shipping and handling of the participant shirt, finisher medal and certificate and the Motigo Historic Half Audio Experience.
CMA Fest Canceled: CMA Fest 2020, set for June 4-7 in Nashville, has been canceled – the latest live event casualty of COVID-19. READ MORE
Stafford is Fredericksburg area’s ‘hot spot’ for COVID-19 Read More
BetterMed Urgent Care is providing curbside COVID-19 testing and examinations at locations in the Fredericksburg and Richmond areas from 8am-6pm.
In the Fredericksburg area the location starting March 31st is 4901 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, 22407. (Near Five Mile Fork)
Virginia Governor Northam issues a stay-at-home order for Virginia. Northam’s order will allow people to leave their homes to seek a wide array of essential services like medical attention, food, banking and more. The order will also close the state’s beaches to swimming and sunbathing. People will still be allowed to engage in outdoor activities, as long as they follow the state’s ban on gatherings larger than 10 people and remain 6 feet apart from others. The state’s parks will remain open. Read More
Over the weekend, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Rappahannock Area Health District saw their biggest increase, to date, with cases climbing from 20 on Saturday to 28 on Sunday. Read More
Virginians interested in obtaining a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card now have an additional year to apply before federal identification requirements change at America’s airports.
The federal government has extended the enforcement deadline for REAL ID until October 1, 2021, due to COVID-19 concerns. Full Story
VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS TAKEOUT WEEK 3/30-4/5 – Virginians able to participate in the takeout challenge are asked to order takeout, delivery or curbside pickup from three area restaurants, breweries and wineries throughout the designated week.
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation has created a new resource on its website to provide farmers with current information relating to COVID-19 and its impact on their livelihoods. Located at vafb.com/farmerresources, the page includes material related to farmers’ ability to acquire supplies and transport farm products, an update on the ability of foreign laborers to acquire visas through the federal H-2A program, and information on how to contact state and federal agencies that provide agricultural support services.
The City of Fredericksburg has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, bringing to 12 the number of people in the Rappahannock Area Health District who have tested positive for the illness. Read More
One week ago, on March 18, DMV suspended in-person service for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19. All 75 DMV customer service centers are closed and all DMV 2 Go and DMV Connect services are postponed until at least April 2.
To assist Virginians who may need DMV service during this time, Governor Ralph Northam issued an Executive Directive extending the validity of driver’s licenses, identification cards and vehicle registrations for 60 days from original expiration dates, which delays the urgency for customers to visit DMV once offices reopen.
Read More: DMV
Another COVID-19 case in Stafford brings Fredericksburg-area count to 10 Read More
Virginia offers flexibility so high school seniors can still graduate Read More
As you know, there is a critical shortage of the masks worn by heath care providers across the country.
Our local hospitals also facing this shortage.
The N95 masks, that our healthcare workers need (who are fighting this virus on the front lines) are relatively common in the building industry. Due to the current situation, these masks cannot be produced fast enough to outfit and protect our doctors and nurses.
SUPPLIERS: PLEASE CHECK YOUR STOCK/INVENTORY FOR N95 MASKS.
If you are able to donate these masks, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association will collect these masks – drop off bin at the FABA office – or we will gladly pick up asap. 540-898-2730 Ask for Maria
CONTRACTORS: PLEASE CHECK YOUR STOCK, INVENTORY, AND WORK SUPPLIES
If you have any unused N95 Mask and would be willing to donate them for our local healthcare providers, FABA will collect these masks and deliver them to our local hospitals.
Japanese PM and IOC chief agree to postpone 2020 Olympics READ More
Fredericksburg area hospitals urge residents to follow safety guidelines as virus cases tick up. Read More
Prevent Coronavirus at your Worksite:
10PointPlan for Trades – Coronavirus
PreventCoronavirus_Spanish
Virginia Governor Northam announced:
– All schools in Virginia will remain closed until end of the academic year.
The Governor also announced that effective at midnight 3/24:
– Restaurants can remain open for carryout, curb-side, delivery open
– All recreation, entertainment services, fitness clubs must close
– Barbershop and massage parlors also must close
– Non-essential retail establishments can remain open if they can keep 10 or fewer patrons in the establishment.
– The 10-person limit does not include staff, it’s in reference to customers
Maryland closing all ‘non-essential’ businesses today as state grapples with coronavirus
Local health officials report seven COVID-19 cases in Fredericksburg area.
More Info
White House advises public to avoid groups of more than 10, asks people to stay away from bars and restaurants. Read More
Virginia Governor Northam Announces: to adhere to 10-person limits to groups to fight coronavirus spread – Restaurants, malls and theaters will have to significantly reduce their operations or close, governor said. Read More
Mary Washington Healthcare reported its first confirmed case of novel coronavirus Sunday night, with a patient at Stafford Hospital. Read More
Governor Hogan Orders Maryland Restaurants, Bars, Theaters Closed as Region Fights Spread of Coronavirus Read More
Prior to Sunday, March 15, 8:00 p.m.
Effective Sunday, March 15 at 8:00 p.m. Mary Washington Healthcare will no longer allow visitors in response to COVID-19. The health and safety of our community are paramount. For the most current information on COVID-19, please visit mwhc.com.
After Sunday, March 15, 8:00 p.m.
Effective immediately, Mary Washington Healthcare will no longer allow visitors, in response to COVID-19. The health and safety of our community are paramount. For the most current information on COVID-19, please visit mwhc.com.
Metro will reduce transit service to help its workforce stay safe while it begins even more stringent disinfecting of its railcars and buses due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Many local restaurants are delivering takeout and offering curb side pickup. Tap into: FXBG TO GO for more info.
MISSION BBQ Continues to Play the National Anthem
Playing our National Anthem every day at noon has been a tradition ever since we first opened our doors on September 11, 2011. In spite of the fact that we can’t gather in our 93 locations, MISSION BBQ will continue to take 2 minutes out of our day to honor and salute our flag and our country. We will be live streaming the National Anthem on our Facebook page, @missionbbqtheamericanway, everyday at noon until this crisis has past….because we are free and because we can.
WHEN: Every day at 12 noon EDT / 11 am CDT
WHERE: Missiona BBQ Facebook page: @missionbbqtheamericanway
