Coronavirus Updates

Information and Links for Small Businesses being impacted by the Coronavirus

Per Governor Northam’s announcement, the Commonwealth will enter Phase 3 of reopening July 1, 2020. Notably, the 50 percent of capacity limit on restaurants and bars will be lifted, though social distancing requirements remain in effect. Gyms, fitness centers and other businesses will see some relaxation in restrictions as well.

- Follow CDC guidance for cleaning & disinfecting
- Wear masks or face coverings
- Wash hands frequently and have hand sanitizer available
- Follow social distancing & capacity guidelines
- Conduct regular health screenings of employees

  • Pledge for Guests:

- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often
- Follow social distancing guidelines
- Wear masks or face coverings when around others
- Stay home if you feel sick or are showing symptoms
- Avoid direct contact with staff and other guests

VBR Stay Safe Pledge Printable Color Posters: 8" x 11" | 11" x 17"

VBR Stay Safe Pledge Printable Black & White Posters: 8" x 11" | 11" x 17"

VBR Stay Safe Pledge - Image for Social Media & Website Use

VBR Stay Safe Pledge Logo - For Social Media & Website Use

Information For Workers

  • Virginia Employment Commission, Unemployment Information
    • UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE – expanded time, amounts and those covered...
      The unemployment insurance program, administered by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Under normal circumstances, individuals who meet a strict set of employment-related criteria can receive weekly payments over a period of 12 to 26 weeks, but efforts are underway at both the state and federal level to expand eligibility, increase payments, and extend the duration coverage.

      As a result, all Virginians who have experienced job or income loss as a result of the Coronavirus crisis are encouraged to file an application for unemployment insurance using the VEC’s online portal, selecting “Lack of Work” as their reason for separation. Please note, recipients will be required to access the portal each week to claim their unemployment insurance payment.

      Detailed instructions for individuals applying for unemployment insurance benefits can be found here. An FAQ on unemployment benefits can be found here.

List of Closures, Changes, and Cancellations:

Vinton:

  • Grocery Stores and other types of Stores, Restaurants, Recreation/Entertainment and other types of Businesses:  CALL the business to check hours of operation and/or for possible closures or reductions to services.
  • Roanoke Valley Resource Authority (RVRA):  The RVRA has modified its hours  and services.
  • Senior Programs at the Charles R. Hill Community Center:  POSTPONED until further notice.
  • Small Local Businesses:  Support our small local businesses. See which small local businesses are open to serve you on our Support Our Small Local Businesses webpage.
  • Vinton Greenways:  The Town of Vinton Greenways are open, although appropriate social distancing is required. Please review the Guidelines and Restrictions Document before using our Greenways.
  • Vinton History Museum:  The Vinton History Museum is currently open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and every First Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm.
  • Vinton Municipal Building:  The Town of Vinton Municipal Building will reopen to the public on Monday, March 29, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.Please adhere to social distancing, and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering. When possible, we encourage citizens to conduct business by phone, email or online to protect the public and our employees. For tax and utility payments, citizens may also use the drive-thru window 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In-person appointments can be made by contacting the appropriate departments. Contact information for our Town departments can be found on our website at www.vintonva.gov. I

    In-person appointments can be made with other staff by contacting the appropriate department:

    Treasurer’s Office: 540-983-0608
    Planning & Zoning: 540-983-0605
    Human Resources: 540-983-0604
    Town Manager & Clerk: 540-983-0607

    If you have any questions, please call 540-983-0601 or visit www.vintonva.gov for a full list of department contacts.
  • You can also make payments anytime online, at the drop box at the the Vinton Municipal Building, or by U.S. Postal Service. Please visit the Modified Town Services webpage for more information on each Department and its services.
  • Vinton War Memorial Playground and Adjacent Shelter:  The playground and adjacent shelter located at the Vinton War Memorial reopened as of 8 a.m. on May 22, 2020.

Roanoke County:

Visit Roanoke County’s Modified County Services page for updates on County Departments and Services.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:

DMV Customer Service Centers are accepting appointments via their website.To minimize customer inconvenience, DMV at the direction of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, is extending the validity of driver’s licenses, identification cards, and vehicle registrations that expire between March 15 and May 15 for 60 days. This includes individuals aged 75 and older who are typically required to make an in-person visit to renew. Customers whose driver’s license or identification card expires between March 15th and May 15th will have an additional 60 days to renew their credential. However, those Virginians eligible to renew online or by mail are encouraged to take advantage of those services. Vehicle registrations that expire in March and April should be renewed online or by mail. Replacement titles can be obtained online and original title transactions can be conducted by mail. If in-person service is needed, these customers will have an additional 60 days to renew credentials without a late fee. During the office closures, DMV will continue to process the transactions that come in through mail and the website, dmvNOW.com.

Declaration of Local Emergency on March 16, 2020

The Town of Vinton, City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, Botetourt County, and City of Salem declared local emergencies in response to the public health concerns related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) today. 

Coronavirus Updates from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

Visit the Virginia Department of Health for the latest news about coronavirus in our state. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) website is hosting up-to-date information about the status of coronavirus in the state of Virginia. Read on...

Image of Coronavirus

Resources and Documents

View these resources and documents to learn more about Coronavirus:

COVID-19 Public Health Monitoring Data by City/County (Virginia Department of Health)

LATEST INFORMATION FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION (CDC)