April 2, 2020
To our GHCP Neighbors, Property Owners, and Members.
Breaking News. County officials were notified today [April 2, 2020] by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) of a positive COVID-19 case in Westmoreland County which may be travel related. The individual is isolated and being monitored by the Virginia Department of Health. The Virginia Department of Health notified the County of this confirmed cases to ensure local public safety officials were aware and could continue the precautions necessary to mitigate further spread of the disease. There is no information regarding the identity of the individual or where the individual lives in the County. Today’s news release and further information on future developments may be found on the Westmoreland County website (westmoreland-county.org).
A Word from the GH-CP Association Board. We want to take a minute to check in with you and let you know we are thinking of you and hoping you are taking care of yourselves and your families. In difficult and uncertain times like these, it’s important that we nurture the most important relationships in our lives and stay connected with family, neighbors, and friends. We thank those of you who are reaching out to check on neighbors and help with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or making face masks. The care for others demonstrates what makes this a remarkable community. Please also remember to thank those serving on the front lines —the EMT’s and VFD (volunteer fire department), Sheriff’s deputies, and doctors, nurses, and hospital staff.
Latest Virginia Coronavirus Guidance. As you know, Governor Northam issued a temporary stay at home order due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 30. The order directs that all individuals remain at their place of residence, except for the purpose of obtaining essential goods and services and that all of us maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person while away from our homes. We can still engage in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided we comply with the social distancing requirements. The temporary stay at home order is in effect until June 10, 2020, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order from Governor Northam.
Use of Recreational Facilities: So, what does this mean for the use of recreational facilities in GHCP? Since individuals may engage in outdoor activity, the tennis courts remain open for tennis and pickleball. The waterways and beaches in the GH-CP community remain open for exercise and fishing and the boat ramps remain open for launching and hauling out watercraft. Whether on land or water, individuals must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from other persons. There may be further guidance coming on recreational fishing and boating in Maryland and Virginia jurisdictional waters. We will pass along local guidance on our web site gh-cp.org, but please check out County, State, and CDC web sites for the most current information.
While we had anticipated being able to re-open our Clubhouse and pool facilities later this spring, the timing of being able to do so is less certain today. We will continue repair and maintenance work to prepare the facilities to re-open at some later date this summer. In the meantime, we will continue to follow state and local guidance to help ensure the safety and health of all our neighbors.
Association Meetings Postponed: We have postponed the orientation meeting for newer property owners, originally scheduled for April 25th, until a future date yet to be determined. Based on the timing of the stay-at-home order by Governor Northam, we are now postponing the Annual Meeting and Election of Directors originally scheduled for June 13th. The meeting and election will be rescheduled to a future date after the stay-at-home order is lifted and gatherings of more than 10 persons are permitted.
We hope that the worst projections of infection or death from this disease do not come to pass. Again, we urge everyone to take seriously the danger of contracting COVID-19, to follow good hygiene practices, and to maintain social distancing so that as few citizens as possible are infected with the virus. We hope and pray that you and your families remain in good health. Stay safe and stay well.
Jeanne Axtell, President
On behalf of the GHCPA Board.
(Posted 4.2.2020)