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May 1, 2020

To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:

We're in for a great treat around noon tomorrow (Saturday, May 2) when the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will be flying over our county as part of a salute to healthcare workers. A collaborative effort by the Navy and Air Force, the planes will be flying over hospitals and locations in Baltimore before heading to D.C. and Fairfax County. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacle with your family at home. More information

I would also like to thank our many residents and advocates for your engagement and input during both the Hunter Mill District budget town halls and the public hearings with the Board of Supervisors. Your voice is essential and you have been heard during what is the most difficult budget environment that the county has faced in a long time. We have a lot of tough decisions to make as we move forward in this new terrain of crafting a budget during a pandemic. The next step in the FY 2021 budget process takes place this Tuesday, May 5, when the Board of Supervisors meets to mark up the county executive's proposed budget, which was revised on April 7. If you can, I encourage you to watch our discussion on Ch. 16 or live stream . More information .
 
Have a good weekend!

Respectfully,
Walter


Today's Updates (May 1)
 Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
Daily reported numbers for the Fairfax Health District are  here through the county's new dashboard . In addition, you can get information on COVID-19 cases throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia here .  NOTE: Governor Northam announced that case information by zip code will be available soon.

Help with SNAP, Medicaid, Employment Assistance and More
For people applying for the first time, the process may seem complicated or intimidating. The county's Department of Family Services is available to help with financial, medical and employment assistance, from a distance, so residents can stay safe at home. Learn more .

County Still Seeks Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donations
Fairfax County Government continues to accept Personal Protective Equipment donations to assist county staff during the pandemic.  Learn more .

What If I Contract COVID-19 and I’m Too Sick to Care for My Child?
It is critical that parents make a crisis plan now in case they become too sick to care for their children or ask for support. Our Department of Family Services offers some steps you can take to develop your plan.  Learn more .

New COVID-19 Language Portal Now Available
The county has created a COVID-19 Language Porta l. The page features enhanced information and resources in several languages. Learn more .

Composting at Home During Pandemic
With yard waste pickup temporarily halted to protect solid waste employees during the pandemic, residents may have yard waste materials readily available for composting. Learn more

Stuff the Bus Returns!
The county's Stuff the Bus food drive has served as a biannual effort to fill the shelves of local nonprofits’ food pantries. Because of the extraordinary events taking place due to the pandemic, the demand for food has surged, so Stuff the Bus is again stepping up to feed hungry people.

On Saturday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 19, Fastran buses will be parked at 20 locations throughout the county to collect food donations. However, unlike past years, the buses will not be parked in grocery store parking lots. Instead, buses will be parked in less-frequented lots, including all Board of Supervisors’ offices (including the North County Governmental Center) and the Fairfax County Government Center, to allow donors to comply with social distancing recommendations. The donations will benefit 11 nonprofits in Fairfax County. Mark your calendar and look for Stuff the Bus hours and more details coming soon. Learn more .
Phase 1 of Body Worn Cameras Launches Today
The Fairfax County Police Department launched phase one of the Body Worn Camera (BWC) program today, Friday, May 1. Phase one includes three district stations, including Reston, which shares a building with my office at the North County Governmental Center. This afternoon, I had the opportunity to get a quick briefing on how the camera works by Officer Katlin Wood. The Board of Supervisors approved the implementation of the BWC program in September 2019 as a valuable tool for the county's Police Department to use for transparency and accountability. Learn more .
Updates From Local Hospitals
I have received updates from both Inova and Reston Hospital Center this week to share with our residents:

Update From Inova:
Throughout Hunter Mill District and the region there are numerous community healthcare providers, including the Inova Health System, screening and testing for COVID-19. Individuals are always screened for symptoms and tested for COVID-19 when clinical criteria are met. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness or suspect you have COVID-19, take the following steps:
  1. If it is not an emergency, contact your regular healthcare provider to determine if medical evaluation is needed. Your regular healthcare provider can screen you for symptoms and most effectively guide you to the appropriate resource for COVID-19 testing if clinical criteria are met. For information on symptoms of COVID-19, visit the Inova COVID-19 FAQs.
  2. If you do not have a regular healthcare provider call 855-464-3627 to schedule an in-person or virtual visit with a primary care physician.

How Do Patients Get Tested if Needed?
If an individual is screened in person and a physician determines a test is needed, the physician’s office will collect a specimen for testing if they have the capability, or they will refer the person to one of many healthcare providers offering COVID-19 testing in the region.

Inova Testing/Screening Locations – Hunter Mill District and North County
Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 may visit any regional healthcare facility (primary care, urgent care, emergency room, etc.) including an Inova facility that offers screening/testing. Hospital and HealthPlex emergency rooms are a resource for those individuals who are experiencing clinical symptoms of COVID-19 that include cough, fever and shortness of breath. The closest Inova screening and testing locations to the Hunter Mill District community:
  • Inova Primary Care Offices (for patients of those providers)
  • Inova Primary Care – Vienna: 130 Park St. SE #200; 703-938-7800
  • Inova Primary Care – Oakton: 10530 Rosehaven St. #100, 703-938-0363
  • Inova Primary Care – Chantilly: 3914 Centreville Road #250; 703-435-1223
  • Inova Respiratory Illness Clinic – Tysons or Dulles South (appointment only, M-F 1-4:30 p.m.)
  • InovaCares Clinic for Families and Neighborhood Health are providing screening and testing for the uninsured and under insured.
  • Inova Fairfax Hospital: 3300 Gallows Road; 703-776-3116
  • Inova Fair Oaks Hospital: 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive; 703-391-3600
  • Inova Emergency Care Center – Reston: 11901 Baron Cameron Ave.; 703-668-8333
More information on COVID-19 resources in North County:


Update from Reston Hospital Center:
Over the last few months we have become aware that many in our community have not sought medical care for their urgent healthcare needs unrelated to COVID-19, due to fear and uncertainty about the safety of hospitals . We want to reassure our community of the numerous additional protocols that we have implemented to ensure their safety. We are here to take care of our community and we are well-equipped to handle any health concern they may have.

In addition to our emphasis on safety, we are also very aware of the financial strain caused by this pandemic on so many within our community. We are now providing Patient Benefit Advisors to help patients navigate their insurance options, given potential recent shifts in their coverage. 

Across Reston Hospital Center, our facility has maintained historically strict standards for infectious diseases while following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and we will continue to do so to ensure the safety of all. We have carefully prepared for the re-opening of many postponed services. We have introduced enhanced precautions to ensure a safe environment for health care delivery. 

Here are just a few of the steps we’re taking to keep our patients, visitors and our clinical teams safe:
  • Screening processes are in place for all patients, visitors and clinicians before entering our facility.
  • Updated visitor policies, including limitations, which have been in place for the duration of the pandemic, remain in place across our facility.
  • Universal masking is required throughout our facility, which exceeds CDC guidelines. We continue to have adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients, visitors, clinicians and caregivers.
  • Heightened infection prevention policies instituted, including the removal or discontinued use of high-touch items such as magazines, toys and vending machines from our facilities.
  • Our hospital has a separate location for COVID-19 positive patients and those who are under investigation. These patients are masked and escorted to designated locations.
  • Non-COVID-19 patients, as well as those receiving outpatient care, or patients with scheduled procedures, are treated in separate areas and assigned caregivers who are not concurrently caring for COVID-19 positive patients
  • We added screeners to manage expanded screening processes designed to identify anyone who may have respiratory illness and expedite their entry to a dedicated COVID-19 area.
  • We are working with major commercial lab companies to increase testing capacity within our own facility.

Reston Hospital Center remains focused on providing our patients with outstanding care. Our facility is part of a comprehensive learning health system that uses data science from research, laboratory results and clinical excellence from 2000+ sites of care to drive superior, evidence-based and patient-centered care. As we continue to monitor the dynamic shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will provide periodic updates on our continued efforts to care for our patients, caregivers and community. For up to date information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.restonhospital.com .
More Info on Reston Farmers Market
When the Reston Farmers Market opens on Saturday, May 9, market shoppers will be asked to comply with social distancing orders and safety guidelines to protect customers, market staff and volunteers. The guidelines include:
  • No more than two family members in the market
  • Face covering strongly recommended
  • No pets
  • Keep a 6-foot distance from others
  • One customer per stall
  • Do not touch surfaces. Let vendors bag purchases.
  • Credit or debit card payments preferred
  • No on-site eating of purchases or sampling
  • Do not linger. Get in and get out quickly.
  • Leave by Exits only
The Park Authority also strongly encourages shoppers to pre-order products directly from our vendors. (However, please note that not all vendors accept pre-orders.) Pre-order

Following the initial market openings in May, including Reston, Burke and Mount Vernon, the Park Authority will evaluate the operations, staffing needs, volunteer resources, and other considerations to determine if any changes are needed.

The Reston Farmers Market takes place at Lake Anne Shopping Center, Saturdays, beginning May 9, 8 a.m. to noon.
Resources and Updates
Small Business
Apply for Small Business Microloan Program beginning April 28. Fairfax County is offering a $2.5 Million fund to support small business recovery. Along with the Federal CARES programs, the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund and associated counseling will help our business community with needed relief.  Learn more . 

Updated Information for Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus
This county web page provides the latest resources and information specifically for businesses and their employees. For questions that you may have on business restrictions, email business@virginia.gov .  If you have a specialized question you can contact the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives at DEI@fairfaxcounty.gov . Learn more .

Support Local Restaurants with Takeout or Delivery
Visit Fairfax is now providing a restaurant Take Out Trail Guide; check it out and help support local businesses:  Learn more .

Census
Have you filled out your 2020 Census yet? The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count of the nation's population. For each resident who does not respond to the census, Fairfax County could lose $12,000 in potential funding over the course of a decade. Please take a few minutes to fill out yours today! #FFXCounts


County Operations
Residents Discouraged from Taking Yard Waste to Fairfax County Transfer Station or Landfill 
Fairfax County residents are strongly discouraged from taking their yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill .  Learn more .

 Trash and Recycling Changes Effective Monday, March 30
Effective Monday, March 30, the county's Solid Waste Management Program changed collection requirements for trash and recycling haulers and changing service levels at the county’s two disposal sites. These changes include the suspension of the collection of yard waste and glass recycling at purple containers countywide . Learn more .

Fairfax County Courts Further Postpone Dockets Due to the Coronavirus
The Fairfax County courts have made changes to their schedules and procedures in response to the coronavirus, including further postponing dockets.   Learn more .

To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County closed all  government buildings and facilities  to the public until further notice. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail and some specific services will continue to be provided in-person. Learn more .
 
Fairfax County Extends Tax Payment Deadlines for Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes
The  Board of Supervisors  approved a one month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took action today at its  March 24 meeting  to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more .

County Fire Stations Close to Public
In order to protect the health of firefighters and medics, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is closing all fire stations to the public, effective Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. These closures are in coordination with the decision to close county government buildings  to the public. Learn more .

Animal Shelter Service/Program Updates
The Animal Shelter has cancelled activities and implemented temporary changes for several programs and services. Learn more.
 
Park Authority Closes All Parks; Trails Remain Open
All county Park Authority parks and amenities are closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. Learn more .


Health 
Fairfax County Now Offers COVID-19 Text Messages in Spanish 
To sign up, text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777. This is a free, anonymous service provided through Fairfax Alerts , the county’s text and email emergency alert system. Learn more .

What Apartment Residents and Building Owners Can Do to Limit the Spread of Coronavirus
P eople who live in apartments or condos should consider additional steps they can take to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Learn more .

Safety Tips for Employees and Employers
While many of us are able to work from home during the pandemic, some of us still must report to an office, store or job site to do our work. Employees and employers can take steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus .   Learn more .

CDC Recommends Wearing Simple Cloth Face Coverings in Public
Information on COVID-19 Case Reporting in the Fairfax Health District 

COVID-19 and Kids: The Problem with Playdates
If your kids go outside, it is important to maintain social distance of at least six feet from anyone from outside their own household. Learn more .

Video: What Should You Do if You Get Sick from the Coronavirus?
In this video, two nurses from our Health Department provide guidance on what you can do at home to take care of yourself if you get sick with COVID-19. Watch

New Health Department Call Center Hours
The Health Department’s Coronavirus Call Center has changed it hours.The Call Center, which can be reach at 703-267-3511 with coronavirus questions, is now open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Learn more .

Social Distancing, Self-Isolating and Quarantine: What Do These Terms Mean?
We’ve all been hearing terms like “social distancing,” “self-isolating” and “quarantine” — but what do these terms mean and how do we use them to protect ourselves and others? Learn more .

Explaining the Increase in Positive Cases; 4 Ways We Can Stop Coronavirus from Spreading Right Now
Our COVID-19 case numbers will continue to increase, but we do have some control over how fast that increase occurs and how high it goes. Experience from other disease pandemics and from other countries that have already experienced COVID-19 outbreaks show that several measures can make an enormous difference. Learn more . 

Three Inova Respiratory Illness Clinics Open 
Inova Urgent Care locations at Dulles South, North Arlington and Tysons are staffing Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics also collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been ordered by physicians. Learn more .

Health Care Options for the Uninsured 
The county has a list of resources for the nearly 8% of residents without health insurance, including a list of clinics that offer low-cost or free medical care and pharmacies during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more .


Human Services
50+ Podcast on Coping with Social Isolation
Listen to this helpful podcast with Phyllis Miller Palombi, a Reston-based marriage and family therapist, who is the Hunter Mill district representative on the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Listen .

County Adds Four More Ways to Help You Get Assistance from a Distance
Four new options are being added to the menu of Assistance from a Distance opportunities provided by the county to help ease strain and stress on residents and staff. Learn more .

Spiritual Support by Phone Available for Older Adults
To provide support during these unique times, the Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is now offering spiritual support by telephone for adults age 60 and over in our community. Learn more.

New Language Portal
The county has created a portal with vital COVID-19 related information in one place and includes translation content in our top seven non-English languages, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi.  Learn more .

Geospatial Resources Platform
The Geospatial Resources Platform highlights applications with data relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic in Fairfax County. Some examples are:
  • Food resources with food pantries, FCPS grab-n-go locations, and other nonprofit sites.
  • Healthcare resources with hospital, urgent care, respiratory clinic, and pharmacy locations.
  • Grocery stores that support seniors shopping during special hours. 

This v ideo play list  provides access to nearly a dozen videos presented in American Sign Language, including "When to Get Medical Care" at left. Learn more .

Social Security Administration Updates on COVID-19
Get updates on Social Security payments and how to get assistance here .

Consider Alternate Means to Celebrate Religious Observances
With many major religious observances approaching and evidence of community spread of COVID-19, residents are encouraged to consider alternative means of celebrating religious observances .  Learn more.

Legal Advice for COVID-19 Issues 
Legal Services of Northern Virginia provides free legal advice to low-income, older adults and individuals with disabilities and is prepared to provide consultation on issues related to COVID-19 including unemployment claims, housing evictions and foreclosures and protective orders. Learn more .

4 Things to Know About Tenant-Landlord Rights
While many things remain uncertain, here are some things to remember about tenant-landlord rights that may provide guidance. Learn more .

Answers to Many Basic Needs Questions (Food, Utilities, Evictions) Can Be Found Online
Residents in need of assistance for the first time may not know where to start. Coordinated Services Planning provides resources including food/utility/rent. Learn more .

Making Home a Safer Place for Domestic Violence Survivors During the Pandemic
With the unemployment rising and bills mounting, these additional pressures during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence. Learn more .

For those affected in our community, job seekers and employers have access to Virginia Career Works Centers — a comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources delivered and coordinated through one-stop employment resource centers. Services are being offered online and by phone, so please reach out if you need assistance. Learn more .

Human Services: Assistance From a Distance
There are many online and phone/hotline services available for residents in need of human services support, including for domestic/sexual violence services, older adults and people with disabilities. Get help .

Interactive Map to Find Food Resources, Services
Some of our neighbors in Hunter Mill District may have food assistance needs. To make it easier for you to find food resources, the county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services. Please share this information with your neighbors and organizations. Learn more .
 
Housing Resources
Many residents may have concerns about mortgage payments and assistance. Here are suggested resources:
·     Fannie Mae
·     Freddie Mac


Public Safety
For some people, home is not safe. For victims of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse, the isolation and stress of being trapped at home with their offenders puts them at increased risk of serious harm. Learn more .

Scam Slam Audio Series: Unfortunately, More Coronavirus Scams You Need to Know About T here are more scams we should be aware of including those related to shopping, mortgage relief and personal loans. Learn more . 

Fire Department Reminds Businesses To Maintain Clear Access To All Exits During the pandemic, businesses are rightfully taking a variety of safety measures to maintain physical distancing and reduce exposures. However, the county's Fire and Rescue Department is receiving messages of concern that exits are often being blocked, locked or otherwise restricted while the store is occupied. Learn more . 

Fire Chief Addresses Concerns 
In video at left, Fairfax County Fire Chief John S. Butler addresses the coronavirus situation and how the county’s fire and rescue personnel are addressing it — and what you can do to help.

Video: Police Chief Addresses Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns 
Watch video at left; learn more .

Keeping Public Safety Employees Safe During the Coronavirus 
Please help us keep our public safety employees safe! Note that there are changes in processes if you seek help from Police, Fire and Rescue, 9-1-1 call takers or Sheriff’s deputies. Learn more .

Beware of Door-to-Door Coronavirus Scams 
As the coronavirus public health emergency continues, scam artists are taking advantage the situation. This includes everything from selling products that supposedly will prevent, treat or cure the virus to asking for donations to aid people who are sick.  Learn more .

How to Report Non-Emergency Incidents
In order to responsibly maintain social distancing, the Fairfax County Police Department is asking residents to report eligible non-emergency incidents by using the online reporting system or calling the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Learn more .


Transportation
Fairfax Connector Service Relocated as Construction at Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride Begins May 4 Learn more

Fairfax Connector Announces Service Reductions due to Impacts of COVID-19
Effective Saturday, April 11, temporary adjustments will be made to Fairfax Connector bus service due to reduced ridership from the impacts of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of passengers and operators. Learn more.

The community meetings for the Preferred Plan for Herndon-Reston Area Bus Service have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. Residents can provide input via an online survey at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/reston-herndon-bus-service-review-survey-preferred . The survey will be open until further notice. Comments can also be mailed to Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033. You can also email feedback.

Metro to Close Additional 17 Stations and Selected Entrances
Amid low-ridership and the need to conserve critical cleaning supplies during COVID-19 response, Metro announced the  strategic closing of 17 additional stations , effective Thursday, March 26. Learn more .

Utilities
List of Utilities Suspending Service Disconnections, Offering Other Billing Options
As COVID-19 impacts continue, area utility companies are taking actions to help offer relief during this time.  Learn more .  


Vienna
Town of Vienna Updates
Get the latest information on town operations and more here .


Wellness
Help Your Community, Take a Vacation and Learn Something New — All Without Leaving Your House 
There’s lots you can do and learn without ever leaving the house, as shown by this young man on the left! Try a science experiment, volunteer in your community or take a virtual vacation. Learn more .

Wellness Resources for You and Your Family 
To aid you, the people you care about and our community, the county has compiled a range of resources and information on a newly created Wellness Resources web page .
Stay Informed