COVID-19 Community Resources


COVID-19 Face Covering Policy

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has announced that, starting Friday, May 29, wearing masks will be required for everyone in the state inside all brick and mortar retail establishments; inside all personal care and grooming establishments; inside places where people congregate; inside food and beverage establishments, except when eating; on public transportation; at entertainment and recreation businesses; and when accessing state or local government services. The only exceptions are for those younger than 10 years old; while eating or drinking; while exercising; if you have trouble breathing, or are unable to remove your mask without help; or if your health conditions prohibit wearing a face covering. Enforcing these requirements will be the duty of the Virginia Department of Health. Any questions should be directed to 1-434-477-5900 Ext. 102 or 1-434-477-5965.

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COVID-19 Community Resources

The Town of Altavista is currently monitoring and responding to COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, and will continue to prioritize the safety of town residents, businesses, and employees. Below is a general overview of modified town operations, as well as helpful links for residents and businesses. We hope this information will help guide and inform you as we deal with this global pandemic together. For information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 information page.

Town Hall

The Altavista Town Hall is currently operating on a normal schedule. However, we ask that any citizens who visit the Town Hall observe the 6-foot social distancing rule established by the CDC. The Town will strive to conduct services as normal with the exception of meeting with the public, and we are committed to continuing high-level customer service during this unprecedented and ever-changing time. We encourage residents to conduct business via email, phone, mail or by utilizing the drop box outside of Town Hall.

Town Services

Services provided by the Town of Altavista are currently operating as normal. Below is a detailed breakdown of all Town services.

  • Altavista Public Works is suspending utility disconnects for citizens who are unable to pay their bills due to COVID-19.
  • Weekly garbage collection will continue on the same schedule, which can be found on the Town’s website.
  • Brush and bulk pickups will continue when requested by residents. Guidelines can be found on the Town’s website.
  • The Altavista Community Transit System will continue to operate as normal. However, riders are encouraged to practice social distancing when possible. Transit staff continues to ensure the bus is kept sanitized.

Town Meetings

  • At this time, dates for Altavista Town Council meetings remain the same. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 pm. Members of the public are asked to submit comments and questions via email to the Town Manager. Any citizen who would like to be present at the meeting is asked to maintain a 6 feet or greater distance for “social distancing”.
  • The Altavista Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Economic Development Authority, and Recreation Committee have all postponed their meetings until further notice.

Town Facilities

  • All rentals for Town of Altavista owned facilities (Booker Building, Train Station, AVOCA and pavilions/shelters) are cancelled, beginning March 16th.  No rental requests will be accepted during this time.
  • The playgrounds located at English Park, Shreve Park, Bedford Avenue Park, Avondale Park and Coleman Memorial Park are open to the public, effective June 12th.  Signage is posted reminding everyone how to use open spaces safely while following current guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.   In addition, public restrooms in English Park and in the Trade Lot Parking Lot have also reopened.

Business Support

  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is helping in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions declared disasters through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia. Those affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis can apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million from the SBA to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. To submit a loan application through the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, please click here.
  • To support the business community and provide useful resources during the coronavirus pandemic, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, in collaboration with Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, has led the creation of a Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task Force. This regional task force will meet weekly to brainstorm ideas, curate resources, share information, and unify efforts as the task force addresses business, employer, and governmental concerns. The virtual gathering will discuss the latest information from each locality in the region regarding what is being done to support the business community, as well as local, state, and federal developments. This will be part of a weekly Wednesdays@One webinar series to engage with regional officials and discuss issues. More information can be found here.
  • For any other small business support information, please contact Sharon Williams, AICP – Community Development Director at (434) 369-5001 ext. 103 or at sdwilliams@altavistava.gov.

Worker Support

  • If you are a worker who has been totally or partially separated from your job due to Coronavirus, you may file a claim with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) for unemployment insurance by clicking here or through the Customer Contact Center by calling 1-866-832-2363 Monday through Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
  • If your employer temporarily closed and you did not receive your last paycheck, you may file a nonpayment of wages claim, by visiting the Virginia Department of Labor’s website.

Charitable Organizations

  • Lynchburg’s “Daily Bread” organization will continue to provide free meals on Monday’s and Thursday’s at 11:30 am at English Park.
  • DAWN will do a weekly drive-through service. Citizens can continue to call DAWN at (434) 369-7937. The person who answers will have an updated time of service.

Other Important Information

  • The U.S. Census Bureau is still hiring field workers to assist with the 2020 Census. For more information, please contact Robert Fowler, Partnership Specialist, at (276) 920-7965 or via email. In addition, you may visit the Census website here.

Town of Altavista Contact Information



Helpful Links


We cannot stress enough the need to treat this public health crisis with the utmost seriousness, even if you are not experiencing health concerns related to COVID-19.  We all care deeply about how others with ongoing health challenges could be affected if exposed. We appreciate the steps you are taking.

Someone recently said, “We all need to act as “One” – a community in this together.”  We must all sacrifice together, in hopes that we can protect our community and the people within it.

Sincerely,

J. Waverly Coggsdale, III
Altavista Town Manager