Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage
March 27, 2020
Neighbors,

“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today,” said Abraham Lincoln. Well, today, our community needs your help ! 

It is a strange and ever evolving new reality we find ourselves in as a result of the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Three weeks ago, we never imagined we would find ourselves with schools, parks, libraries and businesses closed ; being asked to stay home; empty groceries store shelves or financial instability. However, we are all in this together and we will work to get through this together. Adversity drives us to find new ways to do things and that is just what TEAM MVD and the County are doing. As our Board Chairman Jeff McKay said last week, “I don’t believe there’s any better place in this country or this world to make it through trying times than in Fairfax County.” We have the resources and we are prepared. For updates on all the County is doing and resources available, visit the County COVID-19 webpage and sign up for text alerts by texting FFXCOVID to 888777 .

There is also much you can do in this time of great uncertainty and need! Look out for your neighbors , offer to pick up groceries for the elderly or facetime those you might normally visit. In our broader community, many are facing financial or food insecurity . As our human services and non-profit providers are seeing increased demand, they are also receiving less donations . Blood banks are running low and many organizations still need volunteers – with safety and social distancing precautions. We have put together a comprehensive list of those offering services in our community, both for those in need and those looking to help visit our "Get Help, Give Help" webpage . We will continue to update this information.

Businesses are also facing hardship and uncertainty, especially our small, local businesses . Please consider continuing to support those you can through ordering take out and delivery, purchasing gift cards or making donations to their employees . 

We have a very strong, engaged and caring community . It has been amazing to see so many great examples of charity and assistance. It is also encouraging to see so many wonderful new healthy habits – families jogging and riding bikes daily, spending family time playing board games and using social media to connect with each other. These new habits, enhanced interactions and pathways are making each of us and our community stronger!

Our destiny is in our own hands!
NOTE: Only those topics that are new since my last newsletter are updated below. For information sent in previous emails:

FCPS

  • FCPS will begin distance learning with students on April 14. 
  • Distance learning resources are provided for all ages, elementary, middle, and high school and for special education students. 
  • Learning plans include paper packets, video broadcasts, lessons/assignments on Blackboard, and web chats. 
  • Although this will be overseen by the School System and the School Board, we'll continue to post updates as we receive them.
  • Also, many of FCPS's grab and go meal sites are transitioning to curbside service starting Friday, March 27.

Assistance from a Distance

As Fairfax County continues to respond to COVID-19, a number of key government services are available online so you can still conduct business.

A Message about INOVA Mount Vernon Testing

We have been in touch with Inova and they are continuing efforts to provide additional COVID-19 medical symptom screening and testing. Please keep in mind that individuals who are concerned that they have symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to contact their regular healthcare provider to determine if medical evaluation is needed.  

Testing is available for those who meet clinical criteria across the Inova Health System, including Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. However, if it is not an emergency please seek advice from your regular healthcare provider or Urgent Care Center to determine if a medical evaluation is needed. The Inova Mount Vernon Emergency Department is a resource for those individuals who are experiencing clinical symptoms of COVID-19 that include cough, fever and shortness of breath. All individuals will be screened for symptoms and testing is available for those who meet clinical criteria.  

Any individual can visit the Respiratory Illness Clinics to be screened for symptoms and potentially tested for COVID-19. For more information on Inova’s response to COVID-19 in Northern Virginia, and what to do if you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19, visit INOVA's COVID-19 webpage. 

Federal Stimulus Bill

Congressman Don Beyer is hosting a conference call today, March 27, 4:00 p.m., to give an overview of the business relief sections of the Federal coronavirus stimulus bill. He will talk and hopes to take live questions. Participate...

Public Works PSA

With the increased use of sanitizing wipes due to coronavirus, Fairfax County wants to remind you that you cannot flush wipes down the drain or the toilet! Even those that say "flushable" may block your wastewater pipe. Learn more...

Fairfax County Public Works and FCPS created a journal to encourage kids to discover their backyards and neighborhoods while social distancing. Print a copy here... 

Medicine Disposal


REAL IDs

The REAL ID enforcement deadline has been extended to October 1, 2021. 

Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations

ArtsFairfax has compiled a list of resources for local artists and arts organizations. Learn more...    
 
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 the 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.

For more information on how to protect yourself , visit www.cdc.gov or www.vdh.virginia.gov .

Resources

Fairfax County Health Department  
  • To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily. 
  • Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs. 
  • Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777
  • Call the Health Department from 9:30 am - 9 pm weekdays and 9:30 am - 5 pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
  • Email: ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 am - 8 pm. 

Inova  has a helpful  FAQ . 
Mount Vernon District Meetings & Events Update

Based on current Health Department guidance, below is an update on local events.

  • Ides of Bark Dog Festival scheduled for March 29 has been postponed. New date to be announced.
  • Hollin Hills Historic Overlay District (HOD) Community meeting scheduled for March 30 has been postponed.
  • South County Site Specific Plan Amendment Task Force (SSPA) meeting scheduled for March 31 has been postponed.
  • Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society (MVRHS) meeting on George Washington's slave family scheduled for April 16 has been postponed.
  • Fairfax County Planning Commission meetings are cancelled until April 29.

We will continue to update you as additional meetings and events are postponed or cancelled. Events will be updated to our website calendar as changes are made.
As we have more information to share, my office and Fairfax County Government will continue to update our community.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work to manage this challenging, complex, and rapidly evolving situation. We are all in this together. Take care of yourselves, your family and neighbors, and support our local businesses where possible. Look out for those who are elderly or infirm in your neighborhoods and let our office know if there are ways you or your neighbors need help.
Respectfully yours in public service,
 


Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518