By appointment only: Hampton to shift many business transactions back to online
HAMPTON — With coronavirus cases escalating, many city offices are open for business by appointment only, officials said Tuesday.
Hampton will facilitate as many transactions as possible online, via telephone or with dropboxes for paperwork, a city release said. The move is to ensure people won’t need to wait in long lines.
The city’s seven-day positivity rate for PRC tests hit 25%, making it the highest among seven health districts in Hampton Roads, according to the Virginia Department of Health Tuesday stats. Statewide, the positivity rate is at 16.4%.
“Our community did a great job for a long time, staying under state and regional caseload averages. We are now seeing case counts and positivity rates on the higher ends for the state,” City Manager Mary Bunting said in the release.
Hampton City Council and board and commission meetings are still open for the public to attend. Citizens
may also submit their comments via email (council@hampton.gov), by phone message (757-7276315), by mail or at the City Hall dropbox.
Hampton’s treasurer and commissioner of revenue offices also will remain open, but the city encouraged people to conduct business online or by phone when possible.
Other services include: The community development department’s Permit Center will schedule appointments for those who want in-person services, but staff will be able to conduct much of its business via the internet or phone.
The Hampton Public Library will offer curbside service by appointment, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All four library locations now offer Wi-Fi access within range from their parking lots.
The Hampton History Museum will be closed to regular traffic. Appointments to access museum galleries for selfguided tours or the visitors center are available by calling 757-727-1102. The gift shop will be closed until further notice.
City golf courses are open with tee-time reservations.
The building at Air Power
Park will be closed to regular traffic but outdoor visitors can access the facilities. Self-guided tours are available by calling 757-726-0650.
Outdoor parks will remain open, but appointments are required for offices in any park. People can reserve recreational vehicle camp sites at Gosnold’s Hope by calling 757-850-5116. No new camping reservations or boat rentals will be accepted at Sandy Bottom.
Community centers remain closed and pools are closed to the public.
Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled. Emergency services such as fire, EMS and police patrols will be operational, the release said.
Additional information is available by calling Hampton at 311 from a landline; call or text 757-727-8311 from a cell; email (311@ hampton.gov); and online at hampton.gov/311. Chat hours are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.