Anyone who tries to cross the police barricade around the apartment complex could face criminal charges.

Appalachia, VA – A police barricade has been established around an Appalachia apartment building in order to keep people from leaving or entering the complex for the next two weeks in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Several people who reside at the Appalachia Towers Building located at 505 West Main Street have recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to WJHL.

Law enforcement officers established a perimeter around the complex at 8 a.m. on Friday, WCYB reported.

“Violations of the police line could result in criminal charges,” residents were told in a letter from city and county officials.

The lockdown came at the behest of Lenowisco Health District Director Dr. Eleanor Cantrell, who notified the town of Appalachia that all residents of the apartment complex needed to be “quarantined due to their risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection” effective April 5, WCYB reported.

Food, medication, and other essential items will be provided to residents by Wise County Emergency Management and the Town of Appalachia.

In addition to requiring residents to remain inside their homes, police have also been tasked with keeping other members of the public from entering the complex.

Anyone who attempts to leave or enter the property without authorization from the Appalachia Police Department (APD) and Appalachia Town Manager Fred Lunstford may be criminally charged.

“All that we have done up to this point and all that we will do in the future is for the safety and preservation of the health of all the residents of the Town of Appalachia and Wise County,” Lunstford told WCYB.

The Appalachia Towers Building is owned and operated by the Wise County Housing Authority.

“COVID-19 is an uncharted territory with frightening results,” Wise County Housing Authority Executive Director Monty Salyer told WCYB. “We feel these temporary precautions are for the safety and well-being of all our residents at Appalachian Towers.”

Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp said that everyone must do their part to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus.

“It is my hope that these measures will keep the community safe until the threat of COVID-19 community spread has passed,” Slemp told WCYB. “I want to thank the diligent efforts of local law enforcement and first responders in addressing this threat to public health and public safety.”

“While we hope that we will not have any need to do so, my office stands ready to assist in enforcing this protective zone barricade in court,” Slemp added.

The forced quarantine will remain in effect for 14 days or until the Center for Disease Control and Cantrell decide that lifting the requirements are appropriate, WCYB reported.