News

COVID-19 UPDATE

Posted: 4 years, 1 month ago

Town of Valdese COVID-19 Update

Amid the growing concern surrounding COVID-19, the Town of Valdese, in accordance with the most recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, have decided that effective March 17, 2020 to close recreation facilities, the Old Rock School and suspend all Town sponsored events until further notice.

Recreation Department Closures and Cancellations

The Town of Valdese Parks and Recreation Department and all its indoor facilities will close at 12 noon, today March 17th, and will remain closed until further notice. All scheduled events and parties, because they are group events, are cancelled until further notice.

As of 3/31/20: Children’s Park and Valdese Family Splash Park are now closed until further notice because of the play surfaces and potential for close contact.

Parks and open space provide necessary respite, especially during challenging times. Park open space and greenways will remain open to visitors, therefore McGalliard Falls Park and Lakeside Park will continue to be open and available. We invite you to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature, but please remember to follow social distancing guidelines and remain more than 6 feet from others. Citizens can call (828) 879-2132 for more information.

Old Rock School & Community Affairs

All events and meetings at the Old Rock School and Teachers Cottage have been canceled for the next 30 days, per recommendations from the CDC. This also includes all meetings, programs and events held by Old Rock School annual lease tenants. The buildings will remain closed to the public for the duration of this time. This does not include services provided by Burke County at the Teachers Cottage – Meals on Wheels. Please contact the Burke County Health Department for details on this program (828) 764-9150. If you have an event scheduled and have not spoken with Community Affairs staff, or if you have questions, call (828) 879-2129 for more information.

Utility Bill Payments

The Town of Valdese is suspending disconnection of utility services for non-payment of bills for the next 30 days, effective immediately. However, late fees will still apply. Customers can still pay their bills online at townofvaldese.com, by using our drop boxes located at the drive-thru, or by using our drive-thru at Town Hall. Customers who have questions may contact our business office at (828) 879-2120.

At this time, Town offices will remain open for business, and garbage collection will operate on a normal schedule. Our Utilities, Streets, Public Safety, and Sanitation departments all continue to operate as normal.

The Town of Valdese still plans to hold the Valdese Town Council meeting on April 6.

As this situation is fluid, please check back for updates on the Town’s Facebook page and website.

The Town of Valdese respectfully asks anyone who is ill or sick to stay home. We encourage customers to practice social distancing and conduct any business they may have with the Town by phone. You can reach us by calling (828) 879-2120.

Important links for more information:

Centers for Disease Control - https://www.cdc.gov/

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services - https://www.ncdhhs.gov/

Burke County Public Health Department - https://www.burkenc.org/1221/Health-Department

Town of Valdese - https://www.townofvaldese.com/

Message from Valdese Public Works:

Due to the unexpected increase in people being home because of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Valdese Public Works is anticipating an increase in the amount of yard waste and rough trash collection. While we understand that this may be the perfect time to clean yards and debris, please understand services may be delayed during these trying times. Your patience during this time will be greatly appreciated. Updates will continue as necessary