As we head into the weekend, I want to share an update from Governor Northam about new guidance on face coverings for fully vaccinated people. This email also includes information from the Health Department about getting 12-15 year-olds vaccinated, the FCC's temporary program designed to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a message from Fairfax County Public Library. See below for details.

Also, below are a few upcoming meetings and events:

Please share this email 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.

Sincerely,

John

Gov. Ralph Northam updated his executive order today to align with recent announcements by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The highlights include:

The full text of Seventh Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two and Order of Public Health Emergency Nine, which takes effect on Saturday, May 15, can be found here.

The full text of Executive Order Seventy-Nine, which takes effect on Friday, May 28, can be found here.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that providers across the Commonwealth could begin vaccinating those aged 12-15 following federal approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents. Previously, this vaccine was only authorized for individuals ages 16 and older.

The announcement follows both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12-15 earlier this week and a recommendation yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here is what parents and guardians should know about this latest development.

1.) Vaccine appointments are available at Health Department clinics for 12-15 year-olds.

Parents and guardians interested in having their child immunized can make an appointment through the Health Department. Go to the vaccine scheduling portal and be sure to search for “Pfizer.” Clinics across the area have appointment availability. The Tysons Community Vaccination Center also is accepting adolescent appointments and walk-ins beginning today, May 14. Please note that a parent, guardian or another adult in place of the parent/guardian must accompany anyone under the age of 18 to their appointment at these Health Department sites.

People can also search for vaccine on Vaccines.gov or en español, Vacunas.gov or contact their own physician to see if they have vaccines available. Vaccination is free of charge; at some sites, you may be asked for health insurance information but there will never be an out-of-pocket cost for vaccine.

The Health Department is working with the school administrations of Fairfax County Public Schools and Fairfax-Falls Church Public Schools on strategies to ensure equity in access to vaccination for under-resourced students. Parents are encouraged to monitor their email and school announcements for information and updates.

Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s pediatrician with questions.

Administration of the vaccine in adolescents will be the same as in adults: given in two doses, separated by 21 days. Adolescents are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose. Side effects in this age group included pain or redness in the arm where the vaccine is given, fatigue, fever and muscle aches.

Anyone who has questions about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can contact the Health Department’s COVID-19 information line at 703-267-3511.

Those interested in making COVID-19 vaccine appointments and are unable to do so via the Health Department’s online scheduler can schedule via phone by calling 703-324-7404.

The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. 

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting the FCC website here, or by calling 833-511-0311  

As of Friday May 14, Fairfax County Public Library branches no longer quarantine incoming returned library materials. Cardholders may return materials to internal and external service points including the circulation desks and external book drops. 

Also on May 14, all circulation limits will return to their pre-pandemic settings including: 

FCPL continues to offer a robust array of virtual programs, telephone and chat reference, and readers' advisory services. 

Please do not visit a branch if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, have been exposed to someone who tested positive or are awaiting your own COVID-19 test results. And please, get vaccinated if you have not already as there’s now plenty of vaccine for everyone age 12 and older. 

Thank you for using the Fairfax County Public Library! 

McLean’s favorite annual event is celebrating our hometown in a different way this year! This drive-thru experience is available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Longer lines and wait times could be expected at the beginning of the event, therefore, the MCC encourages the public to consider attending at different times throughout the day.

McLean Community Center Parking Lot

1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 22101

FREE admission

This in-person, drive-thru event includes:

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

   • Jugglers

   • Magician

   • Stilt walkers

   • Unicyclists

   • Aerialist

   • Costumed Characters

   • Animals

   • DJ

   • Give-aways (limits apply)

A voting opportunity for tax Dranesville District 1A residents to vote for the MCC Governing Board will be available during this event.

Girls and young women experience criminalization and racial profiling by law enforcement in ways that are overlooked and can have lifelong consequences. The tragic reality is that Black and Brown girls and young women often enter the juvenile justice system because of status offenses such as truancy and are overwhelmingly victims of physical and sexual abuse and violence.

Join The National Coalition of 100 Black Women and Virginia National Organization for Women

Featuring:

Cherice Hopkins - Senior Counsel of Rights4Girls

Valerie Slater - Executive Director of Rise for Youth

Ta’ Dreama McBride - youth leader

Juandiego Wade - member of the Charlottesville City School Board

With the increased attention to criminal justice reform and racial justice, this is the time to get serious about the racist and sexist policies and practices targeting Black and Brown girls. The welfare of our children should be foremost in reform, not an after-thought.

Join Fairfax County Police Department McLean Station for several informative virtual community events:

Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Once you have registered a Zoom link will be emailed to you. If you have any questions email MPO Carolyn Beyer at Carolyn.beyer@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize the resources listed below: