We have all heard far more than we would like about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)  in the United States and its emergence here in Virginia.  As of mid-afternoon, March 12, 2020, 17 people in Virginia have been diagnosed presumptive positive for the virus, and the Governor has declared a State of Emergency.  While recent reports of a case in Westmoreland County were in error, https://www.westmoreland-county.org/news/mistaken-coronavirus-report there is always a risk that the virus will spread.

Open Events at the GHCP Clubhouse.  The Board of Directors for the GHCP Association, after consultation with Westmoreland County, has decided to cancel or postpose scheduled group gatherings at the Clubhouse through at least the end of March.   This includes Tuesday night social hours, Friday game nights, the bridge, mahjong and pool groups, and the book clubs.  The Mexican Fiesta potluck planned for March 31 will be rescheduled.  We will reevaluate the situation in early April and determine whether and when scheduled group gatherings at the Clubhouse may be restarted.   We will also determine at that time whether the GHCP orientation meeting for newer property owners planned for April 25 will be held on that date or rescheduled.

Private Use Events at the GHCP Clubhouse.  No private events are scheduled in March. We will be contacting sponsors of April events to discuss cancellation or rescheduling of events, or if the event cannot be postponed, the need for additional cleaning and disinfecting measures.  Our goal is to exercise an abundance of caution to assure the health and well-being of residents and guests in our community and in our facilities.

Over half of County residents commute outside the County for work each day.  Many of our community residents travel to visit family and to see health care providers in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC.  Each of these trips represents a vector for possible introduction of transmissible disease into our community.  Many community residents are older adults and/or have health issues that put them at higher risk if they were to contract the Coronavirus.  We need to do what we can to protect the health of our community.

Encourage everyone to take basic precautions to include washing your hands often with soap and water; avoid touching your face; staying home when sick; covering your cough; practice social distancing; and avoiding non-essential travel.  Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/COVID19) and from the Virginia Department of Health (www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus).

(The Assocation office remains open, but hours may vary. Please call 804 472 3646 to confirm. )

(Posted 3.13.2020)