The following release is from Town Manager Hozey, laying out Covid restrictions for the upcoming holidays:
PUBLIC MESSAGE #19 RE: COVID-19
Notice to all residents and business owners:
Just as we thought we might be turning the corner on this pandemic, cooler weather has brought us all indoors and frustration with following the rules seems to have caused many to become more lax. This has resulted in the virus surging back with a vengeance. Numbers of new cases are skyrocketing in Virginia and across the country. This prompted Governor Northam to tighten restrictions last Friday.
The Governor’s amended Executive Order does not seem to target “normal” activities, like going to church, school, work, etc.; rather it’s targeting “social” interactions and focuses on restricting social gatherings as we head into the holiday season. Public and private gathering of this type (indoor or outdoor) are now limited to no more than 25 people.
This unfortunately means more disappointment in 2020. The Town of Cape Charles really looks forward to this time of year and typically promotes many enjoyable events. But by definition, these events are social in nature and would certainly exceed the gathering limitations imposed by the Governor. Therefore, the Town Council has reluctantly decided to cancel all these events for the remainder of 2020. These include:
The Grand Illumination
Lighted Golf Cart Parade
Shriners Parade
Festive Fridays
Dropping of the Crab Pot
Nobody is happy about this, but at the end of the day public safety must take precedence. As we wait for new vaccines to be developed and distributed, we must all remain vigilant. If you don’t have to go out, don’t. If you do, please wear a mask. Social distancing and continued cleaning and sanitizing of common areas remains very important.
As for the Town, we will still do our best to decorate for the holidays and bring as much cheer as we can to all our residents. You can help too, by shopping local and supporting our local businesses as much as possible. And don’t forget all our non-profits who have struggled this year with their normal fund-raising activities. I’m sure donations to your favorite local cause would also be very much appreciated right now.
Despite this highly unusual year, we all still have so much to be thankful for; just look at where we get to live! So stay safe and please have a wonderful Thanksgiving and joyous holiday season.