HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — The high coronavirus call volume has prompted local, state, and federal agencies to set up call centers to provide COVID-19 information to the public.
Here are the points of contact for local, state, and federal agencies:
Local – Hampton Roads
Southside
- The Norfolk Department of Public Health has combined resources with health districts in Hampton Roads to set up a public call center. It will “provide the public with a centralized location to make requests for information and allow for consistent messaging from the eight Health Districts.” Cases will be routed to a dedicated voicemail box and calls will be returned within one business day. The call center number is (757) 683-2745 and still staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has created a hotline for residents. Callers will hear an automated message and be asked to leave their contact information and ask their COVID-19-related questioned as a voicemail. A NRHA representative will call back within 24 hours. The hotline number is (757) 314-4200.
- The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office has created a separate phone number and email address for COVID-19 specific questions from the public. This is in addition to its website: Norfolk-sheriff.com/coronavirus. The email address is: covidupdates@norfolk-sheriff.comand the phone number is: 757-664-4793. The lines will be monitored M-F during routine business hours. The Sheriff’s Office says its goal is to respond to any inquiries within one business day.
Peninsula
- The City of Williamsburg has set up a call center at the Peninsula District specifically for coronavirus medical questions. The call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The call center number is (757) 594-7069.
- The City of Williamsburg has also set up a non-emergency COVID-19 telephone hotline specifically for questions and concerns about city services, closures, and assistance. The hotline phone number is (757) 259-7200.
- James City County has created a local hotline for residents seeking county information. The hotline can be reached at (757) 564-2140.
United Way of South Hampton Roads
- The United Way of South Hampton Roads has established a Coronavirus Recovery Fund. Click here to donate.
- The organization says it is providing coordination of care through a Coronavirus Response Hotline for residents experiencing the effects of closures and missed work. Anyone needing assistance can call (757) 858-7777.
- More information can be found at unitedwayshr.org/coronavirus.
Local – North Carolina
Dare County
- Dare County has established a hotline to answer questions about COVID-19, including information about testing, travel restrictions, symptoms, and preparation efforts. It will open at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 16. It will be open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hotline phone number is (252) 475 5008.
- The Dare County Control Group has created an online information center where residents can learn the answers to frequently asked questions. Learn more here.
- Residents can sign up for COVID-19 email notifications from Dare County here.
Elizabeth City/Albemarle Regional Health Services
- Albemarle Regional Health Services (ARHS) has created a COVID-19 call center. The purpose of the call center is to direct calls to appropriate resources, answer questions about COVID-19 and provide information about clinical services. The call center number is (252) 338-WELL (9355).
State – Virginia
Virginia Department of Health
- The Virginia Department of Health has created a public information line for residents with questions about COVID-19. The phone number for the public information line is (877) ASK-VDH3.
State – North Carolina
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has created a call center to disseminate public information about COVID-19. The phone number for the call center is (866) 462-3821.
Federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The CDC is sending out regular email updates on the status of the coronavirus pandemic. To get email updates the CDC, register here.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- The Disaster Distress Helpline is a free hotline set up to provide crisis counseling to people impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline can be reached at (800) 985-5990.
Hospitals
Sentara
- Sentara has created a COVID-19 call center aimed at directing calls to appropriate resources based on nurse evaluations, answer questions about COVID-19 signs and symptoms, and provide information about Sentara policies and the hospital system’s coronavirus response.
- On May 27, Sentara announced it was reducing its call center hours. The new hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day.
- Callers will not be able to schedule appointments or receive COVID-19 testing recommendations or results at this call center. The call center phone number is (833) 945-2395
Latest Coronavirus Headlines
- The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them
- Why your COVID symptoms may feel different with this wave of infections
- Gastrointestinal issues are common but overlooked symptom of COVID, study finds
- Here’s how you should time your next COVID shot, according to experts
- Virginia Department of Health weighs in on COVID summer surge