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Dear Neighbor,
Similarly, i
n accordance with CDC and Health Department guidance, my staff will be working remotely starting Monday, March 30, and my office will be closed to the public. We will be
In addition, you can email the staff person in my office that will likely help address your concern directly. A staff list with responsibilities and email addresses is available online at
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville/staff.
I will not be sending out an April Happenings newsletter at this time, as I normally would at the end of the month, because most, if not all, events and meetings have been cancelled. However, I will continue to regularly share updates with information and resources as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank those who are working on the frontlines of the coronavirus, including healthcare professionals, essential service providers, grocery store and pharmacy clerks, letter carriers and delivery drivers, and so many more. Thank you for all you are doing to help keep our community safe and healthy.
 Update on Coronavirus Cases in Virginia
The
latest numbers reported by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) showed an increase in the number of positive cases in the Fairfax Health District today, as well as around the Commonwealth. Initially, testing was done through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia's public health lab. Commercial labs have now come online, expanding testing capacity throughout the region.
As commercial lab results were consolidated into the state system, an increase in cases was expected. While some of this increase likely reflects increased testing and results, there is no doubt that COVID-19 is here, as well as across the country, and the spread is increasing.
We know that community transmission is occurring in Northern Virginia. This is apparent because in some instances, area health departments are not always able to determine the source of a person's infection, such as recent travel to an area that has a high rate of the virus or close contact with an individual known to have COVID-19.
Though the case numbers will likely continue to increase, we do have some control over how fast that increase occurs and by how much. Experience from other disease pandemics and from other countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks show that several measures can make an enormous difference:
- People who are sick need to isolate themselves at home and away from others immediately.
- People who were in contact with COVID-19 cases should also stay home and away from others for 14 days (this is called self-quarantine). They may have caught the virus but are not yet showing symptoms.
- Social distancing; stay at least six feet or more away from others to help ensure that the virus is not spread through coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
These four simple measures can be incredibly effective in protecting our families, neighbors, and communities from COVID-19. The increasing numbers from VDH are a warning and a reminder of the importance of practicing the above behaviors.
Trash and Recycling Update
Solid waste employees play a critical role in ensuring our community stays healthy as they move from house to house to collect, transport, and dispose of waste.
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.
The changes below will remain in effect until the public health emergency passes. Additional changes may be announced if the situation worsens in the area.
Changes to Solid Waste Collection Requirements in Fairfax County
These changes apply to all private haulers (90 percent of County) and County collections customers (10 percent).
- The requirement to collect yard waste is suspended.
- The 30-day prior notice requirements for change of collection schedule or services is suspended. Collectors must still notify customers and the County as soon as possible if changes in schedule are being made.
Fairfax County Collections Operations
- Support for community clean-ups is suspended.
- Bulk/brush and electronic waste collection (no crane service) is suspended.
- Yard waste collection is suspended.
- Customers who have been provided with trash carts must set-out waste in those carts only.
- The creation of new sanitary districts has been suspended.
- Support for Operation Stream Shield (litter removal program) is suspended.
Residential Drop-off Facilities at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex
- Facilities will be open to the general public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Administrative buildings are closed.
- Household hazardous waste and e-waste stations are closed at the I-95 landfill complex. These services remain available at the I-66 transfer station.
- Commercial Cash (non-residential) receipts are no longer accepted on Sundays. Only receipts from residential customers will be accepted on Sundays.
- Donation Stations at both locations are closed.
Purple Can Club (Glass Recycling)
- Collection of glass dropped off at purple, glass-only containers is suspended. Containers will be removed from existing locations throughout Fairfax County.
- Residents can bring glass to containers at the I-66 transfer station and I-95 landfill complex, or glass can be placed in the trash.
Secure Document Shredding Events
- Secure document shredding events are postponed until further notice.
Residents can help provide safer working conditions for solid waste employees by following these best practices:
- Reduce the waste you generate - During this unprecedented time, residents should be mindful of the quantity of waste they generate, so as not to overwhelm the collection system. For example, this is not the best time to clean out the garage/do spring cleaning.
- Stop setting out yard waste at the curb - Try alternatives, such as grasscycling, backyard composting, and limiting generation of yard waste if possible. Yard waste is still accepted at the I-66 transfer station and I-95 landfill complex.
- Bag all trash and refuse - Bagged trash limits exposure to potentially harmful materials, such as used tissue that could spread viruses and bacteria.
- Keep all recycling clean and loose - When recycling is loose in the bin, not in bags, it is easier to process. Removing food and liquid residue from recyclables minimizes the spread of viruses and bacteria. Only place plastic bottles and jugs, paper, cardboard, cartons and metal cans in the bin.
- Empty all liquids - Liquids in bottles, cans, and other containers can carry viruses and bacteria and can splash onto collectors when trash and recyclables are emptied.
- Sanitize cart handles and lids - The two main touch points on a cart for collectors are the lid and the handles. By wiping those areas down with disinfectant or soapy water, you minimize the danger of shared contact areas.
- Seal and mark all sharp items - Properly dispose of medical sharp objects such as syringes by placing them in a sealed, rigid plastic container. Seal the container with sturdy tape, clearly mark it as "Sharps," and place in the trash.
Utilities Update
2020 Census
The U.S. Constitution requires that a count, or census, of America's population is taken once each decade. While you are likely social distancing or self-isolating at home, take a few moments to complete the census.
The data collected by the census is used in many ways, such as:
- Distribution of more than $675 billion annually in federal funds back to state and local governments.
- Redistricting of legislative districts.
- Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population.
- Determining areas eligible for housing assistance and rehabilitation loans.
- Assisting federal, tribal, state and local governments in planning and implementing programs, services and emergency response.
- Designing facilities for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
By April 2020, households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. You will then have three options for ways to respond: online, by phone, or by mail. Approximately 95% of households will receive their census invitation in the mail, while 5% will receive theirs when a census taker drops it off (primarily for households that use a PO box).
The goal of the 2020 Census is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.
Fairfax County Park Authority Frequently Asked Questions
Fairfax County Field Journal
Looking for fun and educational activities to do with kids while social distancing? Fairfax County's public works team created a field journal for kids to use to explore nature through art, writing and science. Available online at
https://bit.ly/2QLcQU3.
Theatre for Students at Home from the Traveling Players Ensemble
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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