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Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust
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Dear Neighbor,
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, I will continue to share information and resources I hope you will find helpful. This email includes a message from
Inova including information on three Respiratory Illness Centers now operating, an update from VDOT on the comment period for the
495 NEXT project, an update from the
McLean Community Center on previously scheduled activities and events, and a PSA on how to
protect your pipes (hint: don't flush wipes).
 A Message from Inova
All Inova hospitals and care sites are open and serving patients. The most up-to-date information on Inova's response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be found at www.inova.org/covid19. Inova's team of clinical experts is up-to-date on developments and CDC guidelines, and has developed a comprehensive response plan to maintain the safety and well-being of our community.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
- Seek advice from your regular healthcare provider to determine if a medical evaluation is needed;
- If you feel it is an emergency and you cannot wait, contact a local urgent care center or emergency room. Ask for instructions regarding accessing the facility;
- Practice "social distancing" by avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately six feet) from others when possible;
- If you are experiencing a fever or symptoms of respiratory infection, such as cough or difficulty breathing, or had exposure to a COVID-19 patient and traveled to a high-risk area classified by the CDC, contact Inova at 855-IMG-DOCS for assistance, recommendations, and to arrange a clinic appointment if indicated. Please do not show up at an Inova site for COVID-19 screening without calling ahead. After clinic hours, call ahead to one of Inova's nine urgent care centers before visiting.
Is COVID-19 testing available through Inova?
Yes, testing is available across the Inova Health System based on clinical criteria outlined by the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health.
Starting Wednesday, March 25, Inova Urgent Care (UCC) locations at Dulles South, North Arlington, and Tysons are staffing Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. These three clinics will also be able to collect via physician ordered vehicle-side appointments samples for COVID-19 testing.
Before visiting any Inova Respiratory Illness Clinic, take the following steps:
- Contact your regular physician for evaluation. For assistance with recommendations, to arrange for a physician appointment, or if you do not have a primary care physician, call 1-855-IMG-DOCS.
- Your regular physician can evaluate your symptoms to determine if testing is indicated based on COVID-19 testing criteria and provide a testing order, or refer you to the Inova Respiratory Illness Clinic for evaluation.
- Upon arrival at the Inova Respiratory Illness Clinic, a clinician will greet the patient at their vehicle to collect samples for a physician-ordered test, or escort the patient into the respiratory clinic for evaluation.
- For patients who undergo COVID-19 testing, a UCC nurse will contact those whose results are negative. For patients with positive results, a UCC nurse will coordinate with the patient's regular physician for notification and further instructions. Patients who are tested can expect results in roughly four to seven days.
Addresses and contact information for the Inova Respiratory Illness Clinics:
Inova Urgent Care - Dulles South
24801 Pinebrook Road #110
Chantilly, VA 20152
703-722-2500
Inova Urgent Care - North Arlington
4600 Lee Hwy
Arlington, VA 22207
571-492-3080
Inova Urgent Care - Tysons
8357 Leesburg Pike
Vienna, VA 22182
571-665-6440
Inova Urgent Care Centers at North Arlington and Tysons will operate exclusively as Respiratory Illness Clinics. All other urgent care centers, including Inova Urgent Care - Dulles South, remain open to see all patients from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, including weekends. Visit www.inova.org/urgentcare for more information.
How can the public help Inova during this time?
Inova is currently experiencing a shortage of blood supply and inventory is expected to continue to drop with the shortage of donors due to COVID-19. Inova Blood Donor Services has implemented extra precautions to protect donors - it is safe to give blood, and your donation will save a life. Make an appointment at https://www.inovablood.org/ or call 800-BLOOD-SAVES.
Additionally, individuals and businesses across our region have been extremely generous in offers for support, small and large. Inova has established a centralized online resource for opportunities for community support linked here.
Visitation
Inova Health System has suspended all in-person visitation and is encouraging video meetings between patients and loved ones. Understanding that a family member, caregiver, or visitor may be crucial for clinical and patient care, exceptions to Inova's Visitation Guidance can be made in extenuating circumstances.
Telemedicine
With the philosophy of trying to limit risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19 and to help provide clinicians with greater flexibility to safely treat patients, Inova has adopted a system-wide initiative that will allow patients to receive a wider range of healthcare services without having to travel to an Inova healthcare facility.
Inova is currently offering the option for appointments to be conducted via telemedicine (video or phone), with flexibility to meet in person if a clinician determines necessary.
How can I protect myself?
The best way to protect yourself and your community against the spread of COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus by:
- Practicing good hand hygiene,
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or using the inside of your elbow,
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick by practicing social distancing of six feet or more,
- Cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly, and
- Staying home if you feel sick.
Protect Your Pipes - Don't Flush Wipes
Keeping yourself, your children, and your home clean is extremely important. Many wipes are not flushable, despite what the packaging may say, and can cause blockages in wastewater pipes and sewers to backup.
McLean Community Center Update
At a Special Meeting of the McLean Community Center (MCC) Governing Board, the Board unanimously voted to cancel all Center-sponsored activities in the months of April and May, including McLean Day 2020.
Absentee voting for the MCC 2020 Governing Board Election, currently underway, will continue through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13. The McLean Day in-person voting, stipulated in the Center's Memorandum of Understanding, will be held at the MCC, located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue, as scheduled, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. For more information, visit https://www.mcleancenter.org/ or call the MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.
495 NEXT Comment Period Extended
The deadline for the public and government agencies to provide formal comments and input on draft design plans and the Environmental Assessment for the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension project (495 NEXT) has been extended until further notice due to ongoing changes resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation.
Details regarding a future public hearing and public involvement opportunities, along with the conclusion of the formal public comment period for 495 NEXT, will be provided as they become available.
Comments can be submitted via:
Comments should reference "495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project" in the subject line
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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