NEWS RELEASE Contact: Chief, Cynthia McAlister
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE cmcalister@purcellvilleva.gov; 540-338-7422
IMPACTS OF GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER FIFTY FIVE ON
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
PURCELLVILLE, Va., March 30, 2020 — Effective immediately, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 55, which constitutes a statewide Temporary Stay at Home Order Due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, the executive order takes effect today and will remain place until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by a further executive order.
The order directs all Virginians to stay home except in extremely limited circumstances. Individuals may leave their residence for allowable travel, including to seek medical attention, work, care for family or household members, obtain goods and services like groceries, prescriptions, and others as outlined in Executive Order Fifty-Three, and engage in outdoor activity with strict social distancing requirements.
Executive Order 55 expands upon the previous Executive Order 53, prohibiting both public and private in-person gatherings of more than ten individuals. This includes parties, celebrations, religious, or other social events, whether they occur indoor or outdoor. This restriction does not apply to the operation of businesses not required to close to the public under Executive Order 53, or to the gathering of family members living in the same residence.
The executive order also directs all Virginia institutions of higher education to stop in-person classes and instruction. Private campgrounds must close for short-term stays, and beaches will be closed statewide except for fishing and exercise.
Last week, Governor Northam issued Executive Order Fifty-Three closing certain non-essential businesses, prohibiting public gatherings of more than 10 people, and directing all K-12 schools to remain closed for the rest of the academic year. A Frequently Asked Questions guide about Executive Order Fifty-Three can be found here.
The Purcellville Police Department asks for the public’s assistance in achieving voluntary compliance to the Governor’s Order. It should be noted, however that any violation of the aforementioned Governor’s Order Fifty Five or previous order Fifty Three does constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor pursuant to § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia and could result in criminal charges.
The full text of Executive Order Fifty-Five can be found here and is included in the attached press release.
The Loudoun County Health Department is the primary agency responsible for local response to a public health concern, including the evolving coronavirus outbreak. For information about the current situation, recommendation actions, and the planned response, please visit the Loudoun County Health Department website: www.loudoun.gov/coronavirus. Residents may also text LCCOVID19 to 888777 receive text alerts from Loudoun County about Coronavirus.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 12th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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