Over the weekend, the Fairfax County Health Department reported four additional presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in the County. As a result of these developments, along with information from Governor Northam and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Fairfax County is moving into its next phase of response. Along with updated guidelines below, the Board of Supervisors plans to hold an emergency session on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. to consider making a local Declaration of Emergency.
As this situation is continuously changing, I recommend signing up for text message alerts from the County's Health Department. To receive these alerts, text FFXCOVID to 888777. In addition, residents can send specific questions or concerns related to the coronavirus to
ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to respond to community questions.
During this time, it is important to take care of yourself. The CDC continues to recommend avoiding close contact, putting distance between yourself and others (and staying home if you are sick), washing or sanitizing your hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
There is a lot of information below. Please take some time to look it over and continue to check CDC and health department websites for the most up-to-date information.
Mass Gatherings and Community Events
On Sunday, Governor Northam announced a temporary statewide ban on public events of greater than 100 people. In addition, the CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
For events of any size (public or private), organizers and participants each have a responsibility to reduce the chance of disease transmission.
Persons considering attending any event, regardless of the number of people attending should consider the risks and benefits in deciding to attend. In particular, those who are at high-risk of severe disease if they become infected - persons who are older than 60 years old, have chronic illness, have a compromised immune system, are pregnant - should consider the status of COVID-19 in the community and not attend the event if local infection is widespread.
I will send out another email later today regarding changes to previously scheduled public meetings in the Dranesville District.
Fairfax County Public Schools
All FCPS school buildings and administrative offices are closed until further notice. Only essential personnel as defined by FCPS will be asked to report to work during this time. All other employees will work remotely.
Food distributions will continue during the closures at 18 locations throughout the County. Breakfast will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Annandale Terrace ES, 7604 Herald Street, Annandale
- Bailey's Primary ES, 6111 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church
- Braddock ES, 7825 Heritage Drive, Annandale
- Brookfield ES, 4200 Lees Corner Road, Chantilly
- Burke School, 9645 Burke Lake Road, Burke
- Centre Ridge ES, 14400 New Braddock Road, Centreville
- Crestwood ES, 6010 Hanover Avenue, Springfield
- Cunningham Park ES, 1001 Park Street, Vienna
- Dogwood ES, 12300 Glade Drive, Reston
- Garfield ES, 7101 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield
- Graham Road Community Center, 3036 Graham Road, Falls Church
- Fort Belvoir Upper ES, 5980 Meeres Road, Fort Belvoir
- Hutchison ES, 13209 Parcher Avenue, Herndon
- Hybla Valley ES, 3415 Lockheed Blvd., Alexandria
- London Towne ES, 6100 Stone Road, Centreville
- Mount Vernon Woods ES, 4015 Fielding Street, Alexandria
- Providence ES, 3616 Jermantown Road, Fairfax
- Weyanoke ES, 6520 Braddock Road, Alexandria
All students enrolled in FCPS and other County children 18 years and under can receive one meal at no-cost and may have additional meals at no-cost upon request. Adults may purchase breakfast and lunch meals at a cost of $2.00.
Fairfax County Government
All County agencies have been directed to identify core functions that must continue to be carried out and resources will be shifted to ensuring those essential functions are maintained, as needed. Residents are strongly encouraged to conduct County business online if possible. My office will continue to respond to resident questions and concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Fairfax County Parks, Libraries, and Community Facilities
Effective today, Monday, March 16, Fairfax County parks, libraries, and community facilities will be closed for at least two weeks. This includes recreation, nature, community, resource and teen centers, golf courses, historic sites, athletic fields, and picnic shelters.
Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care Centers
All Fairfax County Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care Centers are closed until further notice. Additionally, beginning today, Monday, March 16, Fairfax County will provide meal delivery service to registered participants who wish to obtain it. County staff will be contacting participants and caregivers directly to make arrangements.
Fairfax County Health Department Updates
Other Resources
Neighborhood and Community Services
- Coordinated Services Planning - Connects Fairfax County residents with government and community-based resources for assistance with, but not limited to: food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.
- Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Small Businesses
Utilities
- Verizon, Comcast, and Cox have pledged to keep customers connected for the next 60 days and not terminate services to any residential customer or small business that is unable to pay their bills.
- Dominion Energy has suspended disconnections.
- Washington Gas will be waiving late fees and suspending disconnections.
Fairfax Connector Bus
There have been no changes to Fairfax Connector services, however cleaning protocols have been reviewed and updated. Increased vehicle cleaning cycles are occurring with a special focus on bus interiors and critical touchpoints. These cleanings incorporate disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.
Metro
METRORAIL service:
- Monday through Friday: Trains will operate every 12 minutes on each line throughout the day. The rail system will maintain normal hours, opening at 5:00 a.m.
- Saturday: Trains will operate every 12 minutes on each line, with service from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. (normal Saturday service).
- Sunday: Trains will operate every 15 minutes on each line, with service from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. (normal Sunday service).
METROBUS service:
- On weekdays, bus service will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule.
- Weekend bus schedules are unchanged.
WMATA also asks that customers do not use Metro to go to healthcare appointments if you are showing signs of illness. As a reminder, in preparation for Metro's summer repair work, parking will continue to be reduced at the Vienna, East Falls Church, and West Falls Church stations.
As we have more information to share, my office will continue to update residents. Thank you for your patience as we work to manage this challenging, complex, and rapidly evolving situation.
