Appalachia, Gap announce anti-virus measures

Appalachia has cancelled its March town council meeting previously scheduled for March 19.

Town manager Fred Luntsford is also asking anyone who is showing any signs of illness to not visit town hall, stating that payments can be made by phone or using the deposit box outside of the building.

In a email sent Wednesday, Luntsford wrote the following:

“Acting out of an abundance of caution and compassion, the following changes will be implemented effective immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the imposed national emergency.

“1. The $2.00 credit card fee will be reduced to $1.00 for payments by credit/debit cards. Customers are encouraged to call the town office at 565-3900 and pay water/sewer/tax bills by phone.

“2. The drop box located beside the entrance doors to the town office will be checked multiple times during the day, and customers are encouraged to make use of it.

“3. If any customer can provide proof that their income has been adversely impacted by COVID-19, the Town of Appalachia will work with those customers on a case by case basis to develop payment arrangements for water/sewer fees to avoid discontinuance of service. The town operations rely on revenue from water/sewer collections to continue to provide services, just like any other business. On the other hand, it is important to have compassion for those whose income may be affected, for example, by reduced hours of even layoffs.

“4. Customers or potential new customers wishing to change, open or transfer accounts are encouraged to do so by phone.”

Tuesday afternoon, Luntsford sent an email explaining the decision to cancel the March council meeting. “This decision is made, not that we have any known exposures to COVID-19, but more of a mitigation attempt to help flatten the curve of the spread of the virus.”

Luntsford went on to say he had just received a press release in which Gov. Ralph Northam stated that Virginians should avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people. For now, the plan is for the council meetings to resume in April.

In a separate email, Luntsford sent an additional statement for the public that he included on the town’s Facebook page. “I want to reassure everyone that I have been in constant contact with local, state and federal officials in order to pass the information I receive on to you,” he wrote.

Luntsford referred to the situation as “fluid” and stated that local officials currently are not aware of any resident who is infected or has been exposed to the virus.
Luntsford noted that Wise County government has restricted access to the courthouse and other entities are making changes. “The Wise County Housing Authority has ceased to accept any new residents for housing till further notice. The town of St. Paul will accept water/sewer payments through its drive-thru only. All DMV offices in Virginia are closed. I am sure things will continue to change as we are all in a state of flux regarding this event.”

Luntsford expressed the importance of everyone playing a role to help “flatten the curve and mitigate the spread” of the virus.

“It is my responsibility to protect my staff from unnecessary exposure to any type of illness so that the town residents do not experience any lapse in the services that we provide, such as police protection, garbage pickup, water and sewer line breaks and public service from our town office,” wrote Luntsford. “Therefore, I respectively ask that, if any resident is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose or anything that could be considered as being ill, to please avoid the town office and town shop and if you need to conduct business, to do it by phone and to make payments using the deposit box conveniently located just outside the office entrance doors.”

In the Wednesday email, he added: “It is highly possible that, as things change so rapidly, I may be mandated by the health department to close access to the town lobby. As I have stated several times, conditions seem to change by the hour and I will do my best to keep everyone alerted.”

Lunstford stated that he is available by phone at 276/565-3910.

In a Wednesday afternoon phone conversation, Deputy Fire Chief Travis Anderson stated that the department is prepared to handle the virus. “Our department keeps a very good response when it comes to viruses. Our guys are highly trained on what to look for and what to ask.”

Anderson explained that the department is ready to respond and has a good supply of personal protective equipment for themselves and patients.

Anderson and Luntsford expressed the importance of not being afraid, but being smart and reasonable.

BIG STONE GAP

Big Stone Gap has also taken precautionary measures.

As previously reported, Town Manager Steve Lawson informed council that a plan is in place for essential personnel. Lawson explained that the town will follow the Virginia Department of Health’s emergency management plan. Using the water plant as an example, Lawson explained that there would be shelter in place for three employees to stay at the plant.

On Wednesday, the town updated its Facebook page, stating that town hall is open, but asking that anyone who is sick to not enter the building. The town asks people who enter the building to keep at least three feet of distance between themselves and other customers.
There is a drop box on the front sidewalk, or business may be conducted by phone. Call 523-0115 and use extension 125 for the water department or extension 100 for the treasurer/town manager’s office.