Coronavirus: Leesburg News And Updates In Time Of Crisis

LEESBURG, VA — The coronavirus outbreak in Virginia is having vast impacts on Leesburg and western Loudoun, including the closure of schools and many businesses.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continues to rise and reported deaths across Virginia are starting to surge. The number of deaths resulting from the coronavirus in Virginia rose to 109 Thursday, up from 75 on Wednesday.

Cases of the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 illness, increased from 3,645 to 4,042 on Thursday. Loudoun County reported 258 positive cases of the coronavirus.

Here are the latest updates from Leesburg and elsewhere in Loudoun County:

SCHOOLS
All schools in Virginia are closed through the rest of the academic year for in-person teaching in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Beginning April 15, Loudoun County Public Schools teachers will provide distance learning for their students. Grades 3-12 teachers will provide synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities through Google Classroom. Teachers of Secondary Core (English, math, science and social science) will also use Edmentum courses. K-2 teachers will have the flexibility to provide optional synchronous learning opportunities as well as offline learning opportunities through ParentVue or other forms of communication previously established with their students’ families.

Packets of material for English and math learning will be mailed to families of K-2 students every two weeks beginning April 20. These packets are also available on the school system's website under Elementary Learning Guides. MORE

Here Comes the Bus is coming to Loudoun County Public Schools on Monday. It's an easy-to-use mobile app and website that uses GPS tracking information to allow parents and their children track school buses as they make meal deliveries. Students will be assigned to the meal stop closest to their home address. At other times, when school buildings are not closed, families can use the app to see when the student's bus is arriving.

Families can also use the LCPS's interactive map to identify the nearest bus stop for mobile service. A list of schools where meals are being provided is also available online.

GOVERNMENT
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a budget Tuesday totaling about $3 billion in total appropriations for the county government and county school system for fiscal year 2021, which begins July 1. The county board said the budget takes into account an expected revenue shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year of up to $100 million due to the coronavirus crisis. MORE

BUSINESSES
Many essential businesses in the Leesburg area remain open to provide necessary services like food, repairs, health care and more. To help local residents navigate what is open and closed in the city during the coronavirus crisis, the Leesburg Patch has introduced a simple a small business guide. MORE

Loudoun County has created an online hub of interactive maps and web-based applications that will help residents pick the right times to go grocery shopping or find restaurants that offer home delivery during the new coronavirus crisis. The site also features maps that provide specific information for older residents and people with health issues. MORE

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The Town of Purcellville has developed an online directory of restaurants, breweries, ice cream shops and other businesses in western Loudoun County that have created ways to continue serving the community during the coronavirus crisis. MORE

Woofie's, a Loudoun-based pet services business, has started a new service to help Loudoun residents who are homebound and need pickup and delivery services during the coronavirus crisis. Under the new service called Fetch, Woofie's employees will deliver groceries or medications to people who are having difficulty obtaining necessary items in a reasonable time. MORE

HOSPITAL
Loudoun Inova Hospital is allowing one visitor per patient for the following instances:

• Patients, including COVID-19 confirmed, with end-of-life situations.
• Patients with altered mental status or developmental delays.
• Patients coming to a hospital/clinic for an outpatient appointment.
• Patients coming to the emergency room.
• Patients in Inova labor and delivery units.

For other instances, Loudoun Inova is encouraging video meetings with patients. MORE

FOOD RESOURCES
Loudoun Hunger Relief provides groceries for families and other resources for people in need of food. Food donations should be placed in the bin located in Loudoun Hunger Relief's rear parking lot, or for fragile items, on the table. Food donations are accepted Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The address is 750 Miller Dr SE a1, Leesburg. MORE

LIBRARIES
All Loudoun County Public Library locations are closed until further notice to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Loudoun County librarians are available to answer research questions. Call the library at 703-777-0323 Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.

The due date for all physical items checked out from branches has been extended to June 20. Outdoor book returns are closed. Patrons should keep any items until the library reopens or until June 20. Items will remain on hold while the library is closed to the public.

Anyone without a library card can sign up online for a temporary card, valid for six months. While library branches are closed, customers can check out eBooks and use online resources.

The LCPL has created a Quarantine Survival Kit for free resources and online tools.

MENTAL HEALTH
The Loudoun County Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and individuals may walk in to receive assistance. Clinical staff provide evaluation, crisis intervention and stabilization services. The center's phone number is 703-777-0320. MORE

NONPROFIT
Catholic Charities and Loudoun Cares are working together to respond to requests for financial assistance through a newly established COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline. Loudoun residents who need help paying rent as a result of lost wages from the coronavirus crisis, for example, can call a new COVID-19 Emergency Fund and Helpline at 703-669-5040 beginning April 9. MORE

RELATED

• What's Open, Closed In Leesburg During Coronavirus Shutdowns
• Loudoun Creates Information Hub For Residents During Coronavirus
• Loudoun's New Budget Takes Into Account Coronavirus Impact