WC-DSS Director DeAnna Cheatham, right, and Michelle Smeltzer brought important information on assistance programs available through both the public and private sectors to Thursday’s Emergency Management Response briefing. Royal Examiner Photos/Roger Bianchini – Royal Examiner Video/Mark Williams – Royal Examiner Audio/ Mike McCool

Warren County Department of Social Services Director DeAnna Cheatham was the featured speaker at the third weekly briefing of the Warren County-Town of Front Royal COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Management Team. Cheatham offered crucial information on available programs, and their application processes, that can help people and families hit hard by the economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and response, with financial and material assistance.

Cheatham was accompanied by Michelle Smeltzer, who added detail on the extended life of WC-DSS’s thermal shelter program for the county’s homeless population, as well as a list of additional private sector, religious and non-profit programs providing crucial food and material assistance to those struggling to survive this strange new medical, governmental and social distancing reality we have been cast into for an as-yet-undetermined amount of time.

From left, Smeltzer, Cheatham, Chairman Mabe, and Mayor Tewalt held down the main table at Thursday’s briefing. Municipal staff and support personnel listened from nearby in the adjacent caucus room.

County Board and Joint Emergency Management Team Chairman Walter Mabe opened the meeting by repeating his call for county citizens to be aware of not only their family’s needs but the needs of their neighbors, particularly more vulnerable portions of the population including the elderly, infirm and non-mobile. It is those of our neighbors who may need a little neighborly assistance in accessing supplies or the programs described by Cheatham and Smeltzer that can provide those supplies
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Also, during the Thursday afternoon briefing at the Warren County Government Center’s main meeting room, Front Royal Mayor Eugene Tewalt referenced that evening’s town council budget work session. Tewalt noted that one topic would be a projected $2-million budget shortfall. During a brief question and answer with the media near the briefing’s end, the mayor indicated that the referenced shortfall was in the current FY 2020 budget, as opposed to the FY 2021 budget council is now pondering potential future revenue shortfalls from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Above, prior to Thursday afternoon’s 3:30 p.m. start County Emergency Manager Rick Farrall chats with Cheatham and Smeltzer, as Chairman Mabe and Mayor Tewalt prepare to launch the third weekly COVID-19 emergency management briefing; below, Valley Health’s Front Royal COVID-19 testing tent, by appointment only. Farrall indicated all but one of the county’s 9 cases have been diagnosed from here.

Prior to the meeting’s outset, County COVID-19 Emergency Manager Rick Farrall told this reporter, at an appropriate social distance, that the number of confirmed COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) in Warren County had risen to nine, with the six-jurisdiction Lord Fairfax Health District the county is a part of now having 102 cases confirmed.

And Cheatham implored citizens during this difficult time, not to forget that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. – So, remember to protect yourself from COVID-19 contamination, as well as our community’s children from domestic violence.

See the approximate 25-minute briefing, including important information on financial and food assistance programs available to county citizens through WC-DSS and other agency programs in this exclusive Royal Examiner video:

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RICHMOND (April 9, 2020) – Attorney General Mark R. Herring issued the below statement following the SCC’s announcement that they will extend their halt on disconnections by regulated utilities for the duration of the state of emergency. On Tuesday, Attorney General Herring asked the SCC to extend their freeze on disconnections through at least June 10th when the state of emergency is currently scheduled to end.

“I asked the SCC to extend their freeze on disconnections and suspend late fees because we are still in the middle of an emergency and it is incredibly important that all Virginians have access to electricity, gas, and water when we are asking them to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID19,” said Attorney General Herring. “No one should have to worry about having their utilities disconnected during this time of uncertainty, especially those Virginians who work hourly jobs and are more likely to be impacted by social distancing and business closures. This is good news for many Virginians and a really great decision by the SCC and I’m pleased I was able to help make it happen.”

Last month, the SCC halted utility disconnections for non-payment in response to Attorney General Herring’s emergency petition requesting a freeze on disconnections.

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This 7 part series is accompanied by BETHvids featuring tips regarding buying, selling and the real estate industry in general.

Top 5 real estate tips for active buyers during the COVID-19 crisis:

1. Keep in close contact with your Realtor and lender to keep tabs on industry reaction to the pandemic. Make sure they (and you) are following recommended COVID-19 protocols. Be understanding if your agent declines your request to visit properties during this pandemic and respect their personal decisions regarding the health and welfare of themselves and their family.
2. Consider the many pros and cons of physically visiting homes in person at this crucial time in our world’s history. Seriously consider screening homes by requesting online tours in lieu of in person appointments. If you find a home you’d like to see that doesn’t have a tour posted, ask your agent to inquire if the listing agent is willing to encourage their sellers to film a tour on their phones to pass along for your initial screening.
3. Talk with your Realtor about the pros and cons of making offers on properties you’ve seen virtually but not in person. Get familiar with contingencies that could protect you and amendments addressing the ramifications of purchasing during the COVID-19 crisis. 
4. Understand that delays in closing timelines may be inevitable. Talk to your lender about any situations you are facing that may impact your purchase (including any temporary layoffs or change in financial situation). Thoughtfully consider the pros and cons moving forward with your purchase plans in light of world economic changes. Look for the silver lining like historically low interest rates and less buyer competition.
5. Review my other BETHvids and corresponding articles made for buyers preparing to start looking for a home for additional tips to implement (including articles at “Real Estate Agent Magazine”).

Stay tuned for more BETHvids and corresponding articles made for buyers, sellers and Realtors for additional tips to implement while stuck indoors. Follow her real estate and WHAT MATTERS postings on Royal Examiner under the Features tab, “What Matters Warren.”

Beth Waller, Associate Broker at KW Solutions – Keller Williams Realty
Local Office: 27 Cloud Street Front Royal, VA 22630
Direct: 540-671-6145
Northern Virginia Office: 8100 Ashton Ave #103 Manassas VA 20109
Office: 703-330-2222
Licensed in VA

Beth’s websites: Bethwaller.kw.com and whatmattersw2.com

To learn more about my real estate sales or nonprofit (WHAT MATTERS), to book a time to utilize my free community meeting space (“Open House” in the Middle of Main building on Main Street), to schedule a no-cost social media video to promote your business/group or cause, or to discuss my listing your property (which makes all of my charity efforts possible), visit my website at www.whatmattersw2.com or give me a call at 540-671-6145!

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Town crews work to clear the scene of accident taking down Town power pole near intersection of Kendrick Lane and Massanutten Avenue. Royal Examiner Photos/Mike McCool

The power into Royal Village was interrupted early Wednesday evening as a result of a traffic incident. Town Director of Energy Services David Jenkins responded to Royal Examiner’s request for information on the situation early Thursday morning. Below is the full text of his reply:

“The Energy services department received an online submittal that the power was out in the W 11^th St area. a crew was dispatched and upon arrival they found that a vehicle had struck a utility pole that feed’s directly from our Kendrick Lane substation and snapped it off. The crew than began to clear and isolate the primary wire and pole that was on the ground and then proceeded to get the power back on by transferring the loads to another circuit that feeds from our Manassas Avenue substation.

Work on the downed power pole and lines

“The pole that was struck also had underground primary feeder attached to it as well. We called in our Public works department for a backhoe to dig up the damaged wire. A contractor for CenturyLink had to be called in to repair the phone lines.

“Power went off at 6:41 pm

“Power back on at 7:27 pm

“Number of customers affected 931”

The involved vehicle is removed from scene

Information gathered at the scene by Royal Examiner staff indicated the driver of the involved vehicle may have fled the scene on foot.

By late morning Thursday, Front Royal Police Captain Crystal Cline confirmed the arrest of Artavia Michelle Price-Bey for DUI, Property Damage over $1000, and Failure to Maintain Car Insurance, regarding the incident. Price-Bey was transported to RSW Regional Jail and booked into the facility at 9:26 p.m. Wednesday evening. She was released Thursday morning at 11:52 a.m.

Artavia Michelle Price-Bey upon booking into RSW Jail just prior to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Courtesy Photo/RSW

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Fauquier Health physician clinics have implemented telemedicine capabilities. This announcement follows the Trump administration’s unprecedented expansion of telehealth services.

For patients who meet certain clinical criteria, Fauquier Health providers are working around the clock to offer two types of telehealth visit options: telephonic and televideo. A telephonic visit is simply a patient phone call with a provider. A televideo visit is a virtual, face-to-face visit via a platform that allows the provider to utilize a video conferencing service. Virtual visits may not be available in all cases and will be evaluated based on a patient’s specific clinical needs.

Brian DeCastro, MD, Fauquier Health Urology, said the Urology practice has successfully conducted several telephonic and televideo visits. Dr. DeCastro shared, “We have to get creative in these unique times. Telehealth is an excellent way to keep providing the care that is needed for the patients. It keeps the providers and patients from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. In the end it can also help patients stay away from unnecessary hospital and emergency room visits. We are currently offering same day visits.”

In addition to the specialty clinics, telehealth is becoming an integral part for internal medicine and family practice. Providers see telemedicine as a tool to increase access to routine healthcare needs. According to Joseph David, MD, Piedmont Internal Medicine, community residents of all ages should see telehealth as a way for them stay connected with their medical care team. Dr. David shared, “This technology will allow our older patients, who are at higher risk, to have virtual house calls without needing transportation. For our patients who are commuting, it will allow them to have care without having to lose time from work. Once we work through the growing pains we will wonder how we managed without it.”

Providers are the first to admit healthcare needs are facing challenging times during this pandemic. According to Kyle Song, DO, Family Practice at Bealeton, Fauquier Health has been doing their utmost to help the community. He commented, “At the Family Practice in Bealeton, in order to protect our community, patients and staff, we have postponed routine health visits and have initiated telehealth visits. These types of visits will still allow us to continue providing care to our patients while protecting them.” When asked how patients can best protect themselves, Dr. Song said, “We urge everyone to please continue handwashing – soap and water is best – cover coughs, continue social distancing and stay home unless absolutely necessary.” One of the frequently asked questions we see is what if you still get sick? You should call your primary care provider to get direction on where and how to proceed with your symptoms. Dr. Song went on to comment, “In this difficult time, if everyone does their part and we all work together as a community, we will get through this.”

Patients can request a telehealth visit by calling their provider’s office, just as they would for an in-person visit. A patient can also request on appointment online if they are properly set up through the online patient portal. It is important to note that patients will not be able to request an appointment through the website online scheduling features. The provider will determine if a telehealth visit is appropriate based on the patient’s health condition. If the virtual visit is deemed clinically appropriate, the patient will be given an appointment time and instructions for the best way to connect given the available platforms. Then, instead of coming to the office, he or she would call back at the scheduled time and be “checked in” by a nurse or office manager, and then transferred to the provider for the call or two-way video.

Mary Gray, Market Manager of Fauquier Health Physician Services, commented on Fauquier Health’s initiatives surrounding telemedicine offerings, “We have been working diligently to ensure our clinics have the appropriate plans in place to continue providing care to our patients while also preventing the spread of illness. We are excited to share with you our new telehealth options. Whether you want to set up a televideo conference with your provider or a telephonic visit, we can provide the care you need. Please call your provider’s office to learn more information.”

A few restrictions on telephonic visits may apply, including that they cannot be utilized to treat patients for a condition that the patient has been seen for in the previous seven days, and they cannot be used to treat a condition that the patient is already coming in for within the next 24 hours.

Patients who are concerned they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to consider telemedicine appointments to help further reduce the spread of the respiratory virus. Leveraging telemedicine also conserves personal protective equipment (PPE) and other clinical resources that are needed when treating a patient with suspected COVID-19 in a clinic or hospital setting. Should patients be concerned or have questions about COVID-19, they are urged not to call the emergency department. Rather, they should contact their provider’s office for guidance or call the dedicated Virginia Department of Health (VDH) hotline at 1-877-ASK-VDH3.

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