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Dear Neighbor,
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, I hope you are finding the time and energy to take care of yourself. Each of us d
oing our best to stay healthy helps keep our community safe and healthy.
With talk of "social distancing," "self-isolating," and "quarantine" part of our daily lives now, check out this article from the County's Emergency Blog for helpful information about what these terms mean and how to practice them.
 Fairfax County Budget
Amid the rapidly changing coronavirus situation, budget implications are one of many issues Fairfax County, and other local and state jurisdictions, as well as the federal government, are considering as we work to keep the community safe and informed. While we know this emergency will have impacts on the County's proposed budget, it is too early to tell exactly what they will be or how they will be addressed, but we are preparing nonetheless.
The County Executive has directed agencies to defer all non-critical expenditures and imposed a hiring freeze on non-critical positions.
This year, the Third Quarter package includes only critical funding items with a balance of $11.3 million recommended to be set aside in a reserve to address impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. This reserve will be utilized to fund necessary spending requirements resulting from the pandemic, as well as to offset potential revenue losses.
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the budget on Tuesday, March 31 at its Budget Committee meeting, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. and be televised on Channel 16, live streamed online, and available to watch on demand after the meeting. The Board will discuss potential revenue implications and adjustments to the FY 2021 Budget. It is anticipated that an updated proposal will be shared with the Board of Supervisors no later than April 7.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Distance Learning
This afternoon FCPS announced that it is planning to begin distance instruction and learning with students on April 14. More information on the plan, including specific information for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as information regarding special education and ESOL resources, is available online at
https://bit.ly/3anyk14.
Healthcare Options for the Uninsured
Fairfax County has provided a
list of pharmacies and clinics that offer low-cost or free medical care.
Services are located throughout the Fairfax Health District from a variety of health care providers.
This list includes health care providers that offer primary care, dental care, behavioral health, and pharmacies. These clinics and centers serve people who have no insurance or have Medicaid.
If you have coronavirus symptoms, call ahead before you go, so proper infection control measures can be put in place. Be sure to review each provider's website, as providers have various protocols in place for COVID-19, such as telemedicine.
Virginia's SNAP Program to Issue Emergency Benefits
The Virginia Department of Social Services will issue emergency benefits to Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to any household not already receiving the maximum benefits. The emergency benefits will allow the household's current monthly allotment to increase to the maximum allotment during the months of March and April, as part of a provision set forth by the Families First Coronavirus Responses Act of 2020.
The emergency benefits for March were released on March 25 and automatically loaded to recipients' SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. SNAP households will receive their regular April benefits on their usual issuance date, with emergency benefits added on April 16.
Public Transportation
Metro
Metro has significantly reduced its service. As of
today, Thursday, March 26, Metro has closed a total of 19 stations until further notice, due to low ridership and to conserve critical cleaning supplies. WMATA asks that customers only use Metro if absolutely necessary.
Fairfax Connector
George Washington Memorial Parkway Update from NPS
Outdoor areas of the George Washington Memorial Parkway including Great Falls Park, Theodore Roosevelt Island, and Fort Hunt Park remain open. This includes trails, picnic areas, overlooks, and green-spaces. However, in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus and encourage social distancing, the parking lots at Theodore Roosevelt Island and Belle Haven Park will be temporarily closed on Saturdays and Sunday and the parking lot at Great Falls Park will be restricted to only 2/3 capacity on Saturdays and Sundays. All restrooms and porta-johns in the parks are temporarily closed.
Park Rangers remind you to:
- Observe CDC's guidance of maintaining a distance of six feet from people if you choose to visit a park, go for a hike, or exercise outside.
- Be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms - park users will find that all public restrooms are closed.
- Do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands frequently.
- Bring water or drinks - public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
- Bring a suitable trash bag, leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
- Carry hand sanitizer.
Signs will be posted at affected locations. Park visitors are asked to adhere to all closure notices and current social distancing recommendations.
Resources for Art Organizations and Artists
Stay Informed
Fairfax County is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation to determine when facilities can be re-opened to the public. Residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for coronavirus text alerts and to visit the frequently updated websites listed below.
Please share this information with your friends and neighbors and do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance; email
Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov
or call 703-356-0551.
John
John W. Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275
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