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April 24, 2020

To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:

Thank you to everyone who watched and participated in today's virtual budget town hall - our fourth town hall in four months! And thank you to Melanie Meren, the School Board member representing Hunter Mill District, as well as Christina Jackson, Director, Department of Management and Budget, who also presented with me. I hope you found it informative! The hour went very quickly and if you asked a question by email or on Facebook that wasn't answered during the town hall, we will get back to you with a response. If you weren't able to join us, you can watch the Ch. 16 video here .

A reminder that you have another opportunity to provide input on the FY 2021 Budget during the public hearings scheduled next week, April 28-30. Get more information .

We're coming toward the end of another month of our community being impacted by COVID-19 and it has been difficult for many of our neighbors. I hope you and your families are staying strong and safe!

Respectfully,
Walter

Today's Updates (April 24)
 Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
Daily reported numbers for the Fairfax Health District are  here . In addition, you can get information on COVID-19 cases throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia here .  

Fairfax Lab Staff Perform Critical Role During COVID-19 Pandemic 
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted not only the need for quality public health lab testing but also the importance of having a local public health laboratory in our community ready to respond to emerging pathogens and public health threats. Learn more.

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 .

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 .

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 .
Fellowship Houses Need Food and
Cleaning Supply Donations
Lake Anne and Hunters Woods Fellowship Houses in Reston are in need of food donations and cleaning supplies for their residents. Also, volunteers are needed to help with food distribution and/or make wellness calls to residents; especially needed are volunteers who speak Korean, Chinese, Farsi and Russian. 

Additional information about donating or volunteering can be found at www.felllowshipsquare.org or contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Diane Beatley, at dbeatley@fellowshipsquare.org or 703-483-8575.


Vienna Election Moved to May 19
Governor Ralph Northam today postponed the May General and Special Elections by two weeks, from May 5 to May 19, which includes the Town of Vienna election. The Governor also moved the June primary elections from June 9 to June 23. More Information.
Transportation News
Metrorail Orange and Silver Lines Stations in Fairfax County to Close for Expanded Construction Activities Beginning May 24
Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority ( WMATA) announced a new plan for construction activities for the summer of 2020 with a full closure of all Metrorail Orange and Silver Line stations in Fairfax County. The closures begin Memorial Day weekend and are expected to continue through the fall.  Learn more .

Free Capital Bikeshare Membership for Essential Employees
Capital Bikeshare is offering free membership to essential employees through May 31. Learn more.
Farmers Markets Update
An update from the Park Authority on the status of their farmers markets:

"Although we are not prepared to set a date to open our markets at this time, we are pleased to report that our staff teams have been working to find innovative approaches to open our markets that are safe, adhere to the edicts of social distancing and small group gatherings and conform to the mandates of Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Orders #51 and #53 which mandate, “To the extent individuals use shared or outdoor spaces, whether on land or on water, they must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person.” The order also “prohibits all public and private gatherings of ten (10) people or more,” and closed non-essential businesses until May 8.

We are working closely with our Market Masters to determine a safe means by which to operate the Farmers Markets across Fairfax County. Currently we are evaluating the success of alternative operations used at other markets in the nation that have opened, we are surveying our vendors to determine their level of interest and options such as pre-orders, curbside pick-up, drive-thru options or online direct sales by local farmers. In the short term we have listed our vendors online . Just click on your favorite market to find vendor and product information for ordering.
 
The pandemic has forced us to change the way we conduct business and we appreciate your patience as we develop new procedures, protocols, and review our increased staffing requirements related to opening these markets under current limitations and the need to protect our customers, our vendors, and our staff/volunteers. We are committed to this evaluation process and remain hopeful that our markets will be open forthcoming and in the near-term.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding."
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 is changing collection requirements for trash and recycling haulers and changing service levels at the county’s two disposal sites. These changes included 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 are making new 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 
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
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.

How to Help Your Neighbors in Need in Hunter Mill District
I encourage everyone who can to consider volunteering or donating to assist our local community organizations noted below or through your own faith community or civic organization. Here's how to help.

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
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