To the Fairfax County Community,
As you may know, last Friday, Governor Northam increased restrictions on activity due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in Virginia. The new measures are outlined here. The restrictions do not limit capacity for schools, places of worship, private offices, gyms, restaurants, and other businesses, but do cap private and public gatherings to 25 people. The updated Executive Order is here and updated guidelines are here.
An important goal of these restrictions is to limit social gatherings as the holidays approach. We are finding in Fairfax County for example that the increased spread of COVID-19 is occurring at small, in-person, and indoor gatherings between those who are not in the same household. We need residents to continue to be careful - wear a mask, social distance, wash hands frequently, and stay home. I understand there is COVID fatigue, but that doesn't change the reality of the situation.
In addition, Fairfax County's guidelines for Thanksgiving can be found here. The County's COVID-19 case data can be found here.
That said, consistent with the Governor's guidelines, the Board met electronically today. The meeting agenda is available for your review here.
See below for the full November 17 edition of my newsletter. For COVID-19 resources mentioned in past newsletters, visit my website. If you have a friend who would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can do so here.
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2021 Virginia General Assembly |
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What happened? Every year the Board develops a Legislative Program consisting of the County's priorities for the following General Assembly Session. Today, we heard feedback from members of the community on our preliminary draft program.
What's in it? There are a number of priority areas covered, including increased funding for K-12 schools, regional transportation funding, and climate change and environmental sustainability initiatives. You can read the draft program here and a human services issue paper that is a supplement to the program document here.
What's next? The Board will vote whether or not to adopt the program in December. If adopted, Supervisor Walkinshaw, the Chair of our Legislative Committee, and I will present the package to members of the General Assembly.
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What happened? The Board voted to allocate $25,000 from the Economic Opportunity Reserve as the County’s local match requirement of a Commonwealth Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Facility Grant (AFID Grant) of $25,000.
Who is receiving the Grant? OmMade Peanut Butter is a woman-owned small business based in Reston.
How will the AFID Grant be used? The grant will support the creation of new jobs and manufacturing in Fairfax County for OmMade Peanut Butter. The fund will contribute to the costs of opening a manufacturing and storefront operation. Learn more here.
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Alpine-X Interim Agreement |
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What happened? The Board authorized the County to enter an Interim Agreement with Alpine-X LLC.
An interim agreement? Alpine-X is hoping to build an indoor ski facility located on a portion of the County-owned I-95 Lorton Landfill. This agreement however does not establish any land use rights or entitlements. It is a first step that allows Alpine-X to conduct full land and environmental surveys and analysis. No decisions about the use of this property have been made.
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- The Board authorized the County to adopt ordinances that provide continuity of government in a disaster. This ordinance approves temporary County-operated hypothermia prevention shelters. These shelters will provide relief for over 1,000 people in need as we approach our colder winter months.
- The Board adopted measures to strengthen the code to protect against land disturbing activities that cause erosion and affect groundwater runoff.
- Supervisor Storck asked that a Historic Overlay District be established for River Farm, land once owned by George Washington. Doing so will ensure that this historic and culturally significant property will be preserved for public use.
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Common Health Questions:
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People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. You might experience:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
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Continue to follow the health guidelines:
- Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if that isn't an option (especially when in public places)
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
- Don't touch your face
- Social distance
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The CDC recommends wearing non-medical masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is now required in Virginia.
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The New York Times (access to COVID-19 content is free) spoke with infectious disease experts, aerosol scientists, and microbiologists to find out if COVID-19 can land on your clothing, hair, shoes, and mail.
Resources:
- Fairfax County Health Department
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To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily.
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Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs.
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To view multilingual health materials visit the County's Language Portal.
- Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777. Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
- Call the Health Department from 9am-7pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
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Email: [email protected]. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
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Inova has a helpful FAQ.
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As I often say, we are truly lucky to live in Fairfax County where we have the resources to overcome challenges and a community who rises to the occasion.
Jeffrey C. McKay
Chairman
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