The Office of the General Registrar of the City of Richmond has issued a record number of absentee ballots through the mail and wants to facilitate the return of those voted ballots.
 
The office will have a “Drive Up and Drop Off” post curbside on the 9th Street side of City Hall for voters to drive up and hand their absentee ballot to staff. The service will operate from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2020.
 
Voters can only drop off their own ballot; they cannot drop off a ballot for another voter. The Registrar requests voters who have applied for an absentee ballot through the mail to return it, rather than to go to the polls on Election Day with the ballot. Returning ballots directly to City Hall does not require a wait or paperwork. Those who have been issued a ballot through the mail cannot vote that ballot at the polls. If they go to vote on Election Day, they will have to go through the process of voiding their ballot and surrendering it before being allowed to vote.
 
Please also be advised that while this Friday, June 19, 2020 is a holiday for the rest of the city, the Office of the General Registrar will be open for normal business hours on Friday, including in-person absentee voting.
 
Voted absentee ballots must be in the Office of the General Registrar no later than 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2020. For more information, please contact J. Kirk Showalter, General Registrar at (804) 646-5950.
 
 
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The City of Richmond will observe Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, as a paid city holiday.
 
“I urge everyone to use this day as an opportunity for reflection, service and healing,” said Mayor Stoney.
 
Juneteenth began as a celebration of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas in 1865 upon learning of the federal order for their freedom, which was actually issued over two years prior when President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This year marks 155 years since the origination of Juneteenth. 
 
For more information on the history and significance of this day, visit: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth.

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The decision comes alongside a plan for reimagining public safety 

Today, Mayor Stoney announced that he requested and received Chief of Police William Smith’s resignation. The mayor has appointed Major William Jody Blackwell as the Interim Chief of the Richmond Police Department.
 
“I have high expectations of the Richmond Police Department,” said Mayor Stoney. “And at a minimum I expect them to be willing to come around the table with the community to reform and reimagine public safety.”
 
“Interim Chief Blackwell is willing and able to focus on necessary public safety reform, healing and trust building within the community,” said Mayor Stoney.
 
The mayor went on to outline a collaborative path forward.
 
He indicated he has spoken to Council President Newbille, and will follow up with a letter, outlining a request that City Council work with the administration, the interim chief and the community to develop legislation to create a citizen review board.
 
“My hope is that City Council will be proactive in collaborating with me and community leaders in all 9 of their districts to craft a citizen review board with complete community buy-in,” said the mayor.
 
He also indicated he will sign the Obama Pledge for Mayors, which commits the city to reevaluating its use of force policy. Beyond the immediate changes of strengthening the Richmond Police Department’s ban on chokeholds and duty to intervene policy, that pledge includes the creation of the Richmond Task Force on Reimagining Public Safety.
 
The task force will bring more than 20 individuals from the activist, legal, academic, law enforcement, behavioral health and other communities together to agree on a set of actionable steps forward within 90 days of the first meeting.
 
“The mission of this task force will be to make public safety recommendations that build toward equity and justice. Using a restorative justice framework, we can reimagine public safety to create a truly safer city for all – meaning both the members of the community and the officers that serve the community.”
 
The mayor indicated that the city’s response must be holistic, including immediate changes as well as long-term planning informed by community input and evidence-based practices.
 
Currently, police officers are asked to respond to every type of crisis, from homelessness to mental health crises. The mayor noted that reimagining public safety in the City of Richmond must include designing an emergency response system and empowering a social safety net that meet these needs.
 
“We can’t expect our police officers to serve as social workers, psychologists, and juvenile trauma experts, intervening in these situations because America hasn’t properly prioritized other service providers. It does not make our country, or our city, safer.”
 
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, will be observed as a paid city holiday. Earlier in the day, Governor Northam declared the day a state holiday. The mayor encouraged everyone to use the day for reflection, service and healing.
 
“One thing is clear after the past two weeks: Richmond is ready to reimagine public safety. There’s work to be done, so if you have been out on the streets, I invite you to join us at the table. I want to incorporate your experience and turn your pain into progress.”

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On Monday, June 15, the City of Richmond government facilities and offices will enter Phase Two of the city’s operating plan.
 
The City of Richmond workforce has been operative throughout the State of Emergency, providing essential services to residents and businesses despite the public health crisis. Phase One largely entailed the phasing in of limited in-person services in key city facilities. In Phase Two, the city will increase capacity for in-person services and open certain public amenities.
 
The city continues to urge residents to use available e-services. For questions about available city services, view this updated list.
 
First floor public access for walk-in services is provided in the following buildings for in-person payments:
City Hall; and
East District Center.
Please note that not all departments or agencies in each building will be open for walk-in services. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
The following city facilities will be open to the public by appointment only, access only by security in each location:
City Hall (with the exception of the Richmond Registrar’s Office and certain other first floor services);
730 East Broad Street;
Animal Care and Control;
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities administrative building;
DPU plants and external campus;
DPW external campus; and
Richmond Police, Fire, and Emergency Communications headquarters.
Please note that not all departments or agencies in each building will be open to the public. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
To schedule appointments, residents should reference the city website or this list of city services available at this time.
 
Building security will assist customers on the first floor of facilities to maintain social distancing while receiving city services. The first floor of City Hall has a strict capacity limit of 45 to 50 people. Building security will allow entry to public areas based upon the number of persons seeking services.
 
As a result of capacity limitations, some customers may be asked to wait outside of city facilities until sufficient space is available. City staff will do everything possible to expedite potential wait times and appreciates the public’s patience at this time.
 
Face-coverings are required in all local government buildings and when interacting with government employees, as ordered by Governor Northam.
 
A limited number of face-coverings will be available in city hall for customers who do not have them, as supplies allow. It is strongly recommended that members of the public bring their own face coverings. Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs are all acceptable face coverings as long as the garment covers the mouth and nose.
 
Residents are encouraged to conduct business with the city electronically whenever possible.
 
City facilities and offices will be open to all employees, though capacity will be reduced to allow for adequate social distancing. City operational plans provide for staffing levels to meet anticipated demands for in person services. 
 
As a reminder, the Office of the Richmond General Registrar is open to the public for candidate filing, absentee balloting and voting related matters. Appointments are not required but are encouraged for matters other than in-person absentee voting, as only two people will be allowed in Room 105 at a time. Access to the Office of the General Registrar in Room 105 will be through the Ninth Street entrance only. Access to in-person absentee voting will be through the Broad Street entrance only, except on the last day to vote absentee in person, June 20, when access will be limited to the Ninth Street entrance.
 
The Department of Social Services will remain closed to the public. Clients should reference this document to learn how to best access services and apply for benefits.
 
The following is a list of changes from Phase One operating procedure that will go into effect June 15:
 
Richmond Public Library is offering contactless pickup of holds and requests. Contactless pickups are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons may return items to the outdoor book drops.
 
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will begin a gradual reopening of tennis courts, basketball courts and public restrooms in public parks starting Friday, June 12 with the expectation of having all amenities available for use by Friday, June 19.
 
Starting Monday, June 15:
Rentals of picnic shelters will resume. Groups should be limited to 50% occupancy of the shelter space or 50 people, whichever is less.
Rentals of athletic fields for practice only. Interested groups will need to submit a plan of action to the department on how they intend to mitigate exposure, maintain at least ten feet between participants and instructors, and keep groups to 50 persons or less.
Limited parking will be available at Pony Pasture and Ancarrow’s Landing.
Parking lots at Texas Beach, Tredegar Green, 22nd Street, and 42nd Street will be open for use.
Entrance to the James River Park System at 21st Street will reopen.
BMX Bike Trail at Gillies Creek Park will be open for use.
Tennis courts and pickleball courts will be open for use.
Playgrounds will be open for use.
Dog parks will be open for use.
Manchester Climbing Wall will be open for use.
Skate parks will be open for use.
Outdoor basketball courts will have the hoops reinstalled over the next two weeks.
Limited restrooms will be available.
 
Please note that all parks remain open for recreational use. Social distancing in parks is required, and face-coverings are recommended in busier spaces where consistent social distancing is challenging.
 
The Department of Public Works will resume street cleaning services in the city’s residential areas starting June 22. Click here for a link to the street cleaning schedule. 
 
As of June 8, the Department of Public Works resumed residential parking district enforcement in the Fan, Carver, Randolph and South Mulberry Parking Districts.
 
For a list of available city services, click here.

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On Friday, June 12, the City of Richmond will move into Phase Two of the state’s reopening plan, Forward Virginia.
 
Under Phase Two of Forward Virginia, eating and drinking establishments may offer indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, fitness centers may open indoor facilities at 30 percent capacity, and certain recreation and entertainment venues that do not rely on shared equipment may open with restrictions.
 
“Given the data landscape, the governor’s requirement that all Virginians wear face coverings and my trust in the Richmond community to look out for each other, I’m comfortable with our city entering Phase Two of Forward Virginia,” said Mayor Stoney.
“However, we cannot forget that beating this disease for good will require avid community testing, contact tracing and stable isolation for COVID-19 positive patients,” he continued. “This is the biggest team project we’ve ever undertaken as a city, and it will continue to require compassion and cooperation from every one of us.”
 
Since mid-March, the City of Richmond has operated under various stages of closure while adopting basic practices that are proven to fight the spread of COVID-19: wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, sanitizing hands and spaces and intentionally protecting the most vulnerable individuals and communities.
 
The Richmond City Health District, alongside the City of Richmond, continues to provide testing opportunities, primary care support, mask distribution and supported isolations for those that need it.
 
Said Director of Richmond City and Henrico County Health Districts Dr. Danny Avula: “We know that our ability to reopen our economy, to enjoy social and faith-based gatherings, and to move forward from the most difficult early days of this pandemic depends on our continued practice of these same key prevention methods.”
 
“This week, as we look at local and regional trends in cases, hospitalization data, and continued reassuring reports on hospital capacity, I support Richmond’s advancement to Phase 2,” continued Dr. Avula. “However, our success in this phase will depend on everyone becoming familiar with the guidelines for how we can live, work, and play safely at this point, and sharing what they learn with their family, friends, and coworkers.” 
 
The following is a list of guidelines all Richmonders should follow during Phase Two:
Continue to wear face masks.
Keep six feet of distance from anyone outside your household.
Avoid visits or social gatherings, especially with individuals who are at higher risk.
Continue to wash or sanitize your hands frequently, but especially after leaving a public place or before adjusting or removing your mask.
If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and call your primary care provider to discuss testing opportunities, or call the Richmond and Henrico COVID-19 hotline at 804-205-3501 to register for a free testing event. Testing opportunities for City of Richmond residents are listed.
Remember and remind others that public playgrounds, wading pools and other recreational spaces where physical distancing and avoidance of common surfaces would be impossible will remain closed through Phase Two.
Social gatherings are limited to 50 people or 50 percent capacity of the event space, whichever is less.
 
The Commonwealth of Virginia has determined the guidelines that businesses and individuals who patronize those businesses should abide by during Phase Two. The following information is a summary of the requirements the state has made of businesses who wish to open during Phase Two. Requirements and best practices are available online in full here.
 
The state requires all businesses serving the public to undertake rigorous sanitation practices and display extensive signage promoting the health and safety of patrons and employees.
 
The signage should clearly state that no one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days is permitted in the establishment. It should also include reminders of public health precautions, such as social distancing, isolating when sick and options for high-risk individuals.
 
Restaurant and beverage services:
 
Occupancy in the establishment is limited to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy. Bar seating and congregate areas of the establishment must be closed.
 
Tables must be at least six feet apart to allow for adequate social distancing. If tables are immovable, then parties must be seated at least six feet apart.
 
All establishments should use single-use menus.
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.
 
Restaurants in the City of Richmond who wish to expand outdoor seating on their own private property, such as a parking lot, should contact Chuck Davidson, Zoning Administrator at Chuck.Davidson@richmondgov.com.  

Non-essential brick and mortar:
 
Non-essential brick and mortar retailers must limit occupancy to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy.
 
Retailers must also encourage and assist in customers keeping six feet of distance while shopping and standing in line.
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.
 
 
Fitness and exercise facilities:
 
Occupancy is limited to no more than 30 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy.
 
Patrons should keep 10 feet of distance between each other. To facilitate this, business owners must place exercise equipment at least 10 feet apart.
 
Before allowing patrons to enter, fitness facility staff should screen them for symptoms of COVID-19, asking if they are experiencing a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, chills, a sore throat, or muscle aches unaffiliated with another health condition. Anyone experiencing symptoms should not be permitted to use the facility. The state notes that these screenings should be conducted in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
 
Basketball and racquetball courts may be used as long as patrons maintain ten feet of social distance throughout use if they are not from the same household.
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.
 
 
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools:
 
Swimming pools may be open only for lap swimming, diving, exercise and instruction. Hot tubs, spas, saunas, splash pads, spray pools, and interactive play features must be closed.
 
Lap swimmers and divers are to be held to the same standard of ten feet of distance as in exercise facilities.
 
Seating on pool decks must be at least ten feet apart.
 
As in exercise facilities, before allowing patrons to enter, pool staff should screen them for symptoms of COVID-19, asking if they are experiencing a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, chills, a sore throat, or muscle aches unaffiliated with another health condition. Anyone experiencing symptoms should not be permitted to use the pool. The state notes that these screenings should be conducted in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations.
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.
 
 
Personal care and personal grooming services:
 
Service should still be offered by appointment only, with a maximum of two appointments occurring in one facility at a time.
 
Occupancy is limited to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy.
 
Work stations must be at least six feet apart, and clients must wear face coverings during the entirety of the service.
 
Employers must maintain a list of the names and contact information for all clients, to include the date and time of the appointment, to aid in contact tracing efforts.
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.
 
 
Entertainment and public amusement:
 
The following entertainment venues must still be closed in Phase Two: indoor theaters, indoor performing arts centers, indoor concert venues, indoor sports venues, horse racing facilities, bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, carnivals, arts and craft facilities, escape rooms, trampoline parks and anything not explicitly approved by the state.
 
Phase Two allows for outdoor performing arts venues, outdoor concert venues, outdoor movie theaters, drive-in entertainment, outdoor sport venues, museums, botanical gardens, aquariums, zoos and public or private social clubs to open with restrictions.
 
Facilities that are permitted to and wish to open must create guest flow plan identifies potential areas of crowding and adjust layout inside and outside the facility accordingly.
 
Any on site retail, food or drink services, or fitness facilities must abide by the state requirements specific to those classifications of establishment.
 
Additional mandatory requirements for specific venue types are provided in this document.
 
Religious services:
 
Occupancy is limited to 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy of the room in which services are conducted.
 
Individuals not from the same household must be seated six feet away from each other. Acceptable seating distance should be marked.
 
Nothing should be passed around the gathering, and any items used to distribute food or drink must be single-use and immediately discarded.
 
Places of worship are still encouraged to continue meeting virtually, if possible, to protect congregants. 
 
Additional mandatory requirements are provided in this document.

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