Phase I: What does it mean?
Testing in Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Health Department
does not evaluate patients or collect specimens for commercial testing. The County
helps to facilitate testing.
The Health Department
aggregates testing data from area health providers. We have
greatly improved the County's testing capacity. In early March, we had about 350 tests performed a week.
The week of May 3, we had about 7,000.
The majority of
COVID-19 testing is
still
limited to those who are
showing symptoms. If you have symptoms, we encourage you to
see a health care provider and follow
these steps. I believe it is critical that we
provide testing to anyone who wants a test and will
continue to advocate that testing availability is expanded soon to do that, including more
drive up sites in Mount Vernon.
How are we ensuring vulnerable communities are tested?
- Last weekend, we had temporary testing sites in Bailey's Crossroads and Annandale, with the focus of doing outreach to the communities who live there. More sites are being planned.
- We work with community partners like ADAMS and Culmore Clinic to expand their capacity of testing.
- The Directory of Health Safety Net Providers lists all the community health safety net providers for those who do not have insurance or cannot afford health care.
- The Health Department has an outreach team working with the County's multicultural communities to get the word out.
What are my other options?
- Your doctor or health care provider may offer testing. Clinics offering tests...
- Inova has three Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. If you meet COVID-19 criteria they will test you. Clinic locations can be found here, however all Inova hospitals and emergency rooms are a resource for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Governor Northam launched a new
online risk-assessment tool for Virginians to
check their symptoms and connect with health care resources.
Update from INOVA
IT IS SAFE TO VISIT HOSPITALS IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL NEED!
All Inova hospitals and care sites are
open and serving patients. Visit Inova's website to learn more about
Inova’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Inova’s team of clinical experts is
up-to-date on developments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and has
developed a comprehensive response plan to maintain the safety and well-being of our community.
It is safe to visit an Inova hospital, emergency room or other care site. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please
visit the ER or call 911 immediately. Delaying treatment can be a
dangerous decision, especially when it comes to signs of a heart attack or stroke. Inova hospitals and emergency rooms have taken
precautions to provide a safe environment for all our patients – including screening processes and
separating those suspected of contracting COVID-19.
Mobile Food Pantry
Last week United Community launched a
mobile food distribution to bring food directly to communities without access to our food pantry. Distribution will take place on Thursdays starting in the
Audubon Community (7930 Audubon Ave) from 10-10:30 a.m. and at the Mt. Vernon Woods Elementary School from 11-11:30 a.m. The distribution will include a
small emergency supply of shelf-stable food and is intended for families in need who
do not have transportation to get to the United Community food pantry at 7511 Fordson Rd.
Mental Health Resources
- 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 mental health services, call Entry & Referral Services Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 703-383-8500, TTY 711.
- Telehealth services for therapy, counseling, case management and prescribing are also available. Contact CSB for services.
- Call: 703-324-5185, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Programs start daily at 10:30 a.m.
- For those who need someone to talk to or need help with resources, call 703-817-6124.
NCS Launches Virtual Platform to Connect Youth and Teen Members
Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) Connects
, which is designed to emulate the experience of
visiting a Community or Teen Center
, is a new website for
youth and teens of all abilities in grades 1-12
. The site features original programming, including
self-directed activities and videos
led by familiar staff members, as well as
on-demand resources
for youth and parents in five categories: adapted virtual learning, culture, academics, health and wellness, and STEAM.
Learn more...
NCS Unveils New Virtual Center for Active Adults
Although Fairfax County’s
Senior
and
Community
Centers are closed indefinitely
due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
adults can still stay connected with Neighborhood and Community Services's (NCS) new
Virtual Center for Active Adults
. The VCAA was created with the goal of
enriching the lives of adults
in Fairfax County while combatting isolation. Adults can visit the site to connect with their peers, engage in a variety of activities and discover useful resources.
Learn more...
Fairfax County Animal Shelter
If you are facing financial hardship and are in
need of dog or cat food (canned and/or dry), the Animal Shelter has created a
temporary pet food pantry. All you need to do is
arrange a day and time for pick up.
As a reminder, the Animal Shelter is
still assisting with pet adoptions, but through a virtual process.
Learn more...
Libraries
Good news!
All County Library branches will begin
curbside pickup of holds and grab bags this
Monday, June 1. The curbside program is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more...
