The City of Hampton will close its facilities to the public beginning Monday, March 16 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The closure includes City Hall at 22 Lincoln St., the Ruppert Sargent Building at 1 Franklin St., city offices at other locations, libraries, community centers, golf courses, the Hampton History Museum and Carousel, The  American Theatre, the Hampton Roads Convention Center and the Hampton Coliseum. Trash and recycling pickup will continue on their regular schedules.

Parks buildings, such as the Sandy Bottom Nature Visitors Center, will be closed and there will be no scheduled activities, but the public can use outdoor spaces during daytime hours. Although outside park facilities are still available for use by residents, parks visitors are encouraged to practice social distancing by staying six feet apart. Also, taxpayers can still use the drop-off box outside the entrance to the Ruppert Sargent Building, 1 Franklin St., and many permit applications are available online at www.hampton.gov.

The decision will apply for the two-week period beginning Monday, March 16th and extending through Sunday, March 29th. The city will revisit all of these decisions based on updated guidance from the Virginia Department of Health and Governor’s Office declarations, but generally expect to consider such matters in two-week increments.

Officials from the city, the schools, and the public health department have been meeting regularly to monitor the spread of the disease. They recommend that citizens make some preparations, similar to items you would have on hand in case of a hurricane: medical records, extra prescription medicine, food for 14 days, cough and cold medicines. Many cases are mild, but some have been severe and caused death.

Also, it is still flu season, and several strains of the flu continue to be active in Virginia. Tips from the Centers for Disease Control for safeguarding against both the flu and the coronavirus include: Staying home when you are sick, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently and cleaning surfaces more frequently.

Hampton values our boating guests and looks forward to welcoming them once the COVID 19 threat has passed. At this time the Hampton Public Pier is closed to arriving boaters.