COVID-19 Dashboard
In Fairfax County, our response to COVID-19 is informed by data and science. At my direction, the Health Department has expanded the data it releases to the public about cases of COVID-19. The COVID-19 dashboard breaks down case information by combined zip code, age group, and race. It also includes the trajectory of cases and Fairfax County's epidemic curve by new cases per week.
Fairfax County residents deserve transparency in how their local government is responding to this epidemic. Identifying COVID-19 cases by race, gender, age, and combined zip code is crucial to the our efforts.
Do not drink bleach
- Drinking bleach or other cleaning products will NOT kill the virus inside your body.
- There is no product you can swallow to prevent a virus from attacking your cells once it is in your body. Swallowing cleaning products could result in serious illness or injury.
- Cleaning products should be used to clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Read more on Fairfax County's COVID-19 Rumor Control.
FY2021 Budget
- Public hearings on the FY2021 budget begin on Tuesday, April 28 and run for three days through Thursday, April 30. It is not too late to review the budget and provide public testimony.
- All public hearings are taking place electronically. Testimony can be submitted by phone during the meeting, via video beforehand, or written via email beforehand. Learn how to submit testimony here.
- Remember you will be able to watch the hearings on Channel 16 or stream live online. You can watch on demand here.
- Listen to the Connect with County Leaders Podcast to hear County Executive Bryan Hill discuss the new budget proposal.
Update from Governor Northam
- Governor Northam announced today initial guidance for re-opening Virginia. Please note these are simply criteria for re-opening, he did not announce the re-opening of the Commonwealth.
- The first phase would be an easing of restrictions and the re-opening of some non-essential businesses.
- This would require a downward trend of positive tests for over 14 days, downward trend of hospitalizations, increased capacity for both testing and contact testing, sufficient hospital beds and ICU capacity, and a sustained supply of personal protective equipment.
- This has not been directed yet, again it is a plan to move forward.
- The General Assembly did not approve moving local May 5 elections to November, so by Executive Order the Governor moved elections to May 19. In Fairfax County these elections are only taking place in the towns of Vienna and Clifton.
Update from Health and Human Services
- Neighborhood Health, Health Works, Community Health Centers, and Inova's Partnership for Health Communities, continue to provide health care and some COVID-19 testing for those without insurance. See a full list of options here.
- The Department of Housing and Community Development has waived over $13,000 in fees for late rental payments for renters in Fairfax County owned affordable housing units.
- The Office to Prevent and End Homelessness has secured three hotels to provide additional shelter space for at risk homeless individuals. OPEH has also secured related services for transportation, security, cleaning, meal delivery, and laundry services.
- When the pandemic began there was an immediate need for food resources. Now there are increased requests for help with rent and mortgage payments.
- As federal funding begins to come in, we wanted to give you an idea of where some of this money may go.
- CARES Act funding: Go towards COVID-related community needs.
- Community Development Block Grant: This funding will be recommended to go to Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning for emergency rent and utility assistance; to go to non-profits who provide targeted public services; and, to affordable housing providers as rental income replacement for tenants who are unable to pay.
- Emergency Solutions Grant: This will help respond to those experiencing homelessness.
Mental Health
- The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers a number of mental health services:
- A suicide prevention text line in Fairfax: text "CONNECT" to 855-11 and a volunteer will respond within minutes. You can also call 703-527-4077, 24/7.
- If it is not an emergency situation, but you are in need of therapy, counseling, or other mental health resources, call: 703-383-8500, M-F, 9 am - 5 pm., at 703-383-8500, TTY 711.
- The Virginia Association of Community-Based Providers is an association of private sector organizations that provide behavioral health treatment to Virginia's most vulnerable populations. They have provided a list by location of providers who offer treatment to Medicaid members and others.
Domestic Violence
- If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse call the County's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline. Call: 703-360-7273.
- You are the best judge if you feel safe at home, but the Department of Family Services has ideas on how to keep yourself safe. Read here.
- The Domestic and Sexual Violence Services website has more resources including counseling and shelters.
New help lines
Metro
- WMATA announced changes to its construction plans for this summer: all Metrorail Orange and Silver Line Stations in Fairfax County will be closed. They are expanding their work because of low ridership from stay-at-home orders.
- Starting May 23 the following stations will be closed:
- Orange Line - East Falls Church, West Falls Church, Dunn Loring, Vienna
- Silver Line - McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill, Wiehle-Reston East
- A free shuttle bus service will be provided.
- Read more.
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Other News
- The Fairfax County Communities of Trust is sponsoring a drive to collect needed personal hygiene products and household cleaners to families and individuals facing hardship. Collection boxes are being placed at all 8 Fairfax County District Police stations. The items will be picked up and distributed to local food pantries near the stations.
- Read my op-ed for The Hill here and my interview with Making Change Radio here.
- Fairfax is modernizing its zoning ordinance. They are adjusting regulations on accessory dwelling units and home based businesses. Learn about the proposed changes and share your feedback here.
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Common Health Questions:
- People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. You might experience:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills, repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste and smell
- Continue to follow the health guidelines:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if that isn't an option (especially when in public places)
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
- Don't touch your face
- Social distance
- What it means to social distance, self-isolate, and quarantine.
- The CDC recommends wearing non-medical masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read here for information and to learn how to best wear a mask and how to make your own.
- The New York Times (access to COVID-19 content is free) spoke with infectious disease experts, aerosol scientists, and microbiologists to find out if COVID-19 can land on your clothing, hair, shows, and mail.
Resources:
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As we have more information to share, my office and Fairfax County Government will continue to update residents.
Thank you for your support and patience as we work to manage this challenging, complex, and rapidly evolving situation.
Jeffrey C. McKay |
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