FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WAYNESBURG – The phased reopening of the Commonwealth consists of three phases; red, yellow and green followed by a phase out period. The Governor has allowed Greene County to progress into the yellow phase of the COVID-19 reopening plan beginning Friday, May 15, 2020. As we progress toward recovery, we want to remind residents that the virus is still here, active, contagious and easily spread. We understand this has not been easy, but now is not the time to change behaviors that have successfully kept our rates of illness low.
The yellow phase does not significantly change individual personal protective equipment or social distancing requirements. The major change is that some previously shuttered businesses can begin reopening and child care is again available. Also, gatherings of individuals are limited to no more than 25 people. As of today, the Governor has not provided data points nor a timeframe to move from the yellow phase to the green phase of the reopening plan.
Our number one concern continues to be the safety and welfare of our residents. After much thought, conferring with industry experts and regional partners, it is with much desolation that the Greene County Commissioners announce cancellations and changes to our traditional summer events.
- • All traditional county summer camps are cancelled.
- • All county swimming pools will remain closed throughout the summer.
- • Flashlight Drag Races for May and June have been cancelled.
Although these traditional summer activities have been cancelled, we continue exploring opportunities to provide some limited activities throughout the summer that will conform to CDC and DOH guidelines. Optional activities may include computer gaming, outside games, walking clubs and disc golf in smaller groups. Please keep an eye out for additional information as we progress toward recovery.
The Electronics Recycling event at the Greene County Fairgrounds on May 20, 2020 will be conducted using a drive-through traffic pattern and residents will not get out of their vehicles. The Greene River Trail remains open and county pavilions and the facilities at the fairgrounds remain available for private events provided CDC and DOH mitigation standards are followed. Playgrounds will be opened at the earliest opportunity provided by reopening guidelines.
We ask all Greene County residents to be patient and continue to be vigilant with behaviors designed to reduce the spread of the virus. The idea of gradually opening businesses and returning to normal through a measured re-opening is to prevent a second wave of the virus as we return toward normal activities. The worst-case scenario is that through irresponsible behavior, the second wave exceeds local medical capability and we have already used large portions of our personal protective equipment meant to slow the spread.