Local and state COVID-19 updates are posted first, followed by Town of Berryville and Clarke County government news. Find more information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As of 10 a.m. March 18, VDH reports that over the past 13 weeks Clarke County had 938 cases of COVID-19 and 7 deaths. (Since March 18, 2020, there have been 2,595 cases and 40 deaths in Clarke County.) As of March 18, 72.3% of Virginians are fully vaccinated; 66% of Clarke residents are fully vaccinated.
Clarke County’s community transmission rate is “moderate” as of March 18, 2022, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker. According to the CDC, people in Clarke County may choose to wear masks at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear masks. Follow local laws, rules, and regulations.
The CDC offers these guidelines for social gatherings.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available for ages 5 and up Monday through Friday — 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. — at the Clarke County Health Department. No appointment necessary. The Health Department, located at 100 N. Buckmarsh St. in Berryville, is part of the Lord Fairfax Health District. Call the Clarke County office at (540) 955-1033.
VDH recommends using its testing locator website to find available PCR tests and antigen tests, though it may not be complete. VDH provides no-cost rapid antigen tests to individuals who are 60 and older.
Winchester-based Valley Health has web pages dedicated to COVID-19: Get Vaccinated and Frequently Asked Questions. Or, go to GetVaccineAnswers.org.
Everyone in the United States can find free COVID-19 vaccinations using vaccines.gov. Virginia residents without computers should call (877) 829-4682.
TOWN OF BERRYVILLE & CLARKE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Town of Berryville and Clarke County government offices at the Berryville-Clarke County Government Center (101 Chalmers Ct., Berryville) are open during regular business hours. Contact Town offices at (540) 955-1099 or customerservice@berryvilleva.gov. Contact County offices at (540) 955-5100 or info@clarkecounty.gov.
Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings and maintain social distance while inside any government building.
Find government meeting schedules at Berryville calendar and Clarke County calendar.
ADDITIONAL COUNTY INFORMATION
Clarke County Health Department (100 N. Buckmarsh St., Berryville) offers FREE COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 5 and up every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. No appointments necessary. Call (540) 955-1033. The Clarke County Health Department — part of the Virginia Department of Health — is within the Lord Fairfax Health District that serves the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Clarke County Public Schools Food Service Program provides five days’ worth of FREE meals (five breakfasts and five lunches) to individuals under the age of 18 who are not enrolled in public schools. Meal pick up is 1:30 to 2 p.m. each Friday at Boyce Elementary School and Clarke County High School throughout the 2021-22 school year. One meal pick up per week. Registration is encouraged; use this application form. Call (540) 955-6100 for more information.
Clarke County Senior Center in the Clarke County Recreation Center remains CLOSED because of the pandemic, but its “Meals on Wheels” delivery continues for its regular clients. Anyone over age 60 who needs meals is encouraged to contact the Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging. Go to shenandoahaaa.com. Contact Clarke County Senior Center staff at (540) 955-3572.
DMV Select (Trip’s Auto Sales, 6103 Lord Fairfax Hwy., Berryville; 540-955-1367) is open by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Schedule an appointment online at berryvilledmvselect.as.me. Appointments are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.
• You may arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
• Park in a designated DMV spot.
• Do not park in any other spot or along the road.
• Do not stand in line outside the office.
• Wait in your car until your appointment.
• Limit two (2) transactions per visit.
• For more information, go to dmv.virginia.gov.
FISH of Clarke County (36 E. Main St., Berryville) clothing store and FREE food pantry are OPEN 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday. FISH also manages a monthly FREE food bank at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Berryville. All visitors must wear face masks. Contact FISH at (540) 955-1823 or fishfoodpantry@comcast.net.
FREE Food Pantry in Millwood serves serves all Clarke County residents. Contact Christ Church at (540) 837-1112 or cccares@cunninghamchapel.org.
FREE public Wi-Fi in Clarke County is available at more than 15 locations. Park near the building, follow social distancing standards, and keep at least six feet from individuals who are not members of your immediate family. Wi-Fi networks are offered as-is with no guarantee of signal or speed quality.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19:
COVID-19 is spread person to person. An infected person sneezes or coughs, particles are in the air and/or land on surfaces. Other people inhale the particles, or touch the same surface, before touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth. COVID-19 symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Individuals who are most at risk are those ages 60 and older, those with chronic diseases, and those who have compromised immune systems.
COVID-19 symptoms:
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• sore throat
• new loss of taste or smell
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
The most effective ways to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19:
• Get vaccinated! COVID-19 are safe, effective, free, and widely available.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
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