Today’s version is supported by a shout-out for the Kindness Cafe, open for curbside pickup Wednesday through Saturday from 8 am to 11 am at the Brooks Family YMCA in McIntire Park. Visit the Kindness Cafe website to place your order.
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The number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia has increased by 996 today, for a cumulative total of 101,745. Seventeen more deaths were reported today for a total of 2,344. The seven-day positive testing rate increased to 7.5 percent. The Thomas Jefferson Health District reports another 21 cases today with seven from Louisa, six from Albemarle, three from Charlottesville, three in Nelson, one in Greene and one in Fluvanna. The testing rate in this community is at 5.2 percent today, up from 5 percent yesterday.
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Top officials at the University of Virginia briefed members of the community last night on their plans to reopen in early September. The Zoom Town Hall was a chance for members of greater Charlottesville to ask why UVA is going to open in the first place.
“We’ve believed all along that trying to have students back and to hold classes in person is the right goal, but again, only if we can do so in a reasonably safe way,” said President Jim Ryan, adding that officials will continue to monitor many metrics, including the availability of test kits, the progression of the virus, and the capacity to isolate exposed students. These have already resulted in one decision.
“Last week we announced we are delaying the return of undergraduate students by two weeks because we are concerned about the prevalence of the virus in the region and some recent volatility in the supply chain for testing materials,” Ryan said. “We are hopeful that both will improve over the coming weeks and we’re already seeing some signs of progress that make us optimistic that we’ll be able to bring students back to grounds.”
Dr. Craig Kent, the chief of the medical center, said the UVA system can withstand a surge in cases.
“Currently in the hospital we have about 20 to 30 of our beds filled at any given time with COVID patients,” Kent said. “Our total hospital capacity is about 700 beds. There’s no doubt that we’re very busy now with non-COVID patients. The hospital is full. We’re proud of the fact that we’re able to take care of all of these patients that need our care, but we have a number of levers that we can pull very quickly to change that capacity from non-COVID patients to COVID patients if that were to turn out to be necessary.”
One of the biggest concerns people have in the community is the possibility of large gatherings of UVA students where physical distancing and facial covering protocols are not followed. Patricia Lampkin, the vice president and chief student affairs officer, said there is a tradition of students being held accountable for their actions.
“Through the University Judiciary Committee, there have always been consequences for behavior that harms other people and property, whether on Grounds or in the greater Charlottesville or Albemarle community,” Lampkin said. “This year the stakes are even higher because of each of us, students, everyone, will have a direct impact on the health of others.”
Lampkin said students will be asked in writing to wear masks, keeping gatherings at less than fifteen people, and to remain physically distanced.
“Forgetting to wear a mask to class is a mistake,” Lampkin said. “Having a party with 50 to 100 people is more than a mistake. Such behavior will result in consequences and disciplinary actions.”
Several UVA departments related to the community will move into space at the Albemarle Hotel on West Main Street to consolidate efforts. Kevin McDonald is the vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Four units across UVA which include the Equity Center, the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach, the division for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Community Partnerships within UVA’s health system have come together to support and strengthen community partnership efforts,” McDonald said./
For a longer version of the town hall, check out the next installment of the Charlottesville Quarantine Report.
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This month features a key deadline for the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Smart Scale program, where projects are ranked and scored against a series of criteria. One of Albemarle County’s submissions this year would remove the existing traffic light at the intersection of U.S. 29, Frays Mill Road and Burnley Station Road. The junction would be converted to something called a “signalized restricted crossing u-turn intersection” that is intended to improve through traffic volumes. During a public input process in the spring, 92 of 96 comments about this project were in opposition. This event is being held in response and offers an opportunity for members of the public to learn more. On June 17, Albemarle Supervisors voted 4-2 to support the project anyway, with Supervisors Ann Mallek (White Hall) and Bea LaPisto-Kirtley (Rivanna) voting against it. The meeting begins at 4 p.m and can be accessed by Zoom or by telephone. (project details)
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In other government meetings tonight, the Charlottesville Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. will get an update on the city’s Comprehensive Plan update, which is also to include a rewriting of the zoning code and an affordable housing policy. (register for meeting)
At 6 p.m. the Albemarle Planning Commission will get an update on the county’s housing policy, which includes a recommendation that Albemarle needs 11,750 new homes by 2020 to keep up with housing demand. (register for meeting)
The Greene County Board of Supervisors will also meet and will discuss the future of emergency medical services. The University of Virginia Health System recently ended a contract to provide that service for Greene. (agenda)
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If a government meeting isn’t what you’re interested in participating in, the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council is holding another in their series of monthly Tech on Tap events for “tech enthusiasts to socialize, collaborate, share ideas and form professional relationships.” The virtual event begins at 5 p.m. and those who attend are eligible for happy hour discounts on delivery from Common House, this month’s virtual host. Registration details are in the newsletter. (register)
And that’s it for today’s installment. Before we go, let’s check in with the Go Fund Me for the C'ville STEM: Support Schools in COVID times. UVA Doctor Sana Syed is raising funds for scientific school supplies for up to 2,100 Charlottesville families for at-home STEM research. They have about $1,000 to go!
August 11, 2020: UVA to reopen with caution; Albemarle and Charlottesville groups to discuss housing policies