Today, there were mixed messages on whether or not newly contracted state health inspectors have the authority to order a business closed.
During a meeting of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Coles Supervisor Yesli Vega asked about the new contractors. They have been hired to investigate people’s complaints about not wearing masks inside businesses in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
Instead of fining small business owners, Vega suggested the contractor’s skills could be better used in the effort to vaccinate the more than 465,000 residents who live in the county.
Prince William Health District chief Dr. Alison Ansher replied to Vega, saying she didn’t believe the contractors had the authority to shudder a business.
“Generally, we don’t try to close places down,” explained Ansher. “We try to use education to explain the importance of wearing masks.”
Three new contractors were hired in early February to conduct surprise visits to ensure people are wearing masks. If they’re not, the contractors can revoke a business’s occupancy permit, putting it out of business, reports the Prince William Times.
Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson pointed out that fact, as reported by the newspaper. Ansher had no further comment on the issue.
Since May, there have been more than 1,800 mask complaints filed with the Prince William Health District office, an arm of the Virginia Department of Health. Most have been unfounded.
While Gov. Ralph Northam eased some coronavirus restrictions this week, including allowing restaurants to stay open past 10 p.m., his order requiring Virginia residents to wear a mask in public remains in effect.
Virginia is one of 35 states that still have a mask mandate in place. Governors in Montana, Iowa, North Dakota, Mississippi, and Texas have lifted their mask mandates.
It’s up to the state health department to enforce Governor Northam’s mask mandate, not the police
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The Montgomery County Women’s Chorus will present a concert to benefit the Betty Ann Krahnke shelter for survivors of domestic violence. 100% of ticket sales (less any online processing fees) will go to the shelter.
The concert will take place at 3:30 pm on Sunday, May 18th at Darnestown Presbyterian Church, located at 15120 Turkey Foot Rd in Gaithersburg. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at https://www.mocosings.org/events-1/nocturnes-and-lullabies-benefit-concert.
The program, Nocturnes and Lullabies, spans numerous centuries and genres, and includes beloved favorites from Johannes Brahms, Leonard Bernstein, and Billy Joel, among many others. We’ll be joined by three of the DMV’s premiere professional instrumentalists – Cara Dailey, flute, Matthew Maffett, viola, and Rachel Flicker, piano.
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This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
