âUnprecedented.â
That word has been repeated over and over in Amherst County this year as residents, businesses, nonprofits and local officials for roughly 10 months wrestled with the multitude of challenges and disruptions from the novel coronavirus pandemic. The virusâs effect on the community is the yearâs overall top story and news event, leading to a constant flow of headlines throughout the year.
Quarantines, teleworking, face masks and the extensive ripple effects from the stateâs shutdown in the spring aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus were part of the new normal. Schools were closed March 13 and Amherst County Public Schools swiftly acted to ensure students had access to learning materials and meals at home through technology, bus delivery and drive-thru distributions.