Because residents receive news and information in a variety of ways, Henrico County is providing many outlets for updates on the COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on services and operations.

Beginning with a March 5 news release about preparations across the region, Henrico has provided regular updates to local news media, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Henrico Citizen, VPM, NBC12, WTVR and WRIC.

Officials hope aggressive measures already being taken will limit the outbreak’s severity in the region.

Elected officials from the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Goochland and the city of Richmond announced the declarations at a news conference Friday while urging the public to remain calm, stay informed and follow safety protocols, including frequent handwashing and avoiding crowds.

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday received a proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year that would retain the current real estate tax rate while enhancing support for schools and public safety and delivering various capital projects, including an addition to Hungary Creek Middle School, a new elementary school in the Fairfield District and a new, permanent South Station for the Police Division.

The proposed budget for fiscal 2020-21 totals $1.4 billion across all operating funds, an increase of 5.5% from the current year’s plan. The proposed general fund, which supports most governmental operations, totals $962.5 million, an increase of 4.8%. The plan also provides $142.7 million for capital projects in fiscal 2020-21.

Amariah Williams could sense the awkwardness when a 2-year-old boy in foster care met with his parents in a conference room at the Henrico County Department of Social Services.

Weeks later, she felt a sense of ease when they gathered in the agency’s new Family Visitation Room.

The space is warm and inviting, like a living room or playroom. It’s furnished with soft, comfortable seating, floor lamps, a Lego-building wall, books and interactive toys.

Local governments remain concerned about the spread of COVID-19. Today, regional cooperation and precautionary planning took a new step forward as more than 50 emergency managers, first responders, health experts, and public information professionals met to review roles and responsibilities.

Leadership of the city of Richmond, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Goochland counties and the Central Virginia Healthcare Coalition has authorized the activation of the Central Virginia All Hazards Incident Management Team to help guide the region’s preparations for, and response to, a potential local occurrence of COVID-19.

As vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists continue to occur with alarming frequency, law enforcement agencies in the Richmond region and other partners are urging travelers to take simple precautions and to avoid distractions, such as mobile phones and headphones.

A video public service announcement with tips for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists is being shared by the police departments or sheriff’s offices of Chesterfield County, Hanover County, Henrico County and the City of Richmond as well as by the Virginia State Police and Virginia Department of Transportation.

Henrico County is encouraging all residents to participate in the upcoming national census – the decennial count of every person living in the United States.

The 2020 Census will be the first census conducted primarily online, and responses are required to be kept confidential under federal law. It will ask for basic information about individuals and households, such as names, dates of birth and race; it will not ask about citizenship or immigration status.

A longstanding community group in Elko has a parting gift for Henrico County students. After nearly a century of service, The Windsor Club of Elko is dissolving and leaving more than $50,000 toward scholarships for students pursuing careers in technical fields.

The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 28 voted unanimously to approve a resolution expressing appreciation for the nonprofit club’s dedication to the community, generosity and support for Henrico County Public Schools.