Loudoun County is offering new WiFi hot spots in library parking lots for use by residents in the western part of the county. The county amplified the WiFi signals so that residents can access the Internet in the parking lots immediately adjacent to the Loudoun County Public Library branches in Lovettsville, Middleburg and Purcellville.
Residents who have no reliable Internet service are encouraged to use the free WiFi to access information about the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, and complete any other type of essential online business, such as ordering groceries or other household supplies. These hot spots can also be used by students attempting to access assignments uploaded by LCPS to Google Classroom.
Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles in order to maintain the physical distancing needed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Users of the service who are not in vehicles are also asked to maintain a distance of approximately six feet from other people.
The name of the network is LibraryWiFi. No password is required, although users will need to click “accept” on the landing page.
The Wi-Fi hot spots are expected to be operational Monday, April 13, 2020. Service will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Meanwhile, the Loudoun County Public Schools system has purchased mobile hotspots to help ensure students have access to Internet-based instruction during the extended closure of schools due to the coronavirus.
The Loudoun County school system is prioritizing the distribution of hotspots to students in grades 3-12 in households with the greatest need. There is a limit of one hotspot per household. To request a device, families must complete the online form or call the Loudoun County Public Schools Technology Support Center at 571-252-2112 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
Residents can visit the county’s website for more information about the coronavirus. They can also text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19. Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line at 703-737-8300, or send an email.
