Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust
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Dear Neighbor,
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve and impact our community, I will continue to highlight resources and updates that I hope you will find helpful
To support working families during the upcoming school year and while virtual learning is underway, Fairfax County is launching a program called Supporting Return to School. With this program, the Board of Supervisors hopes to help Fairfax County families in need of child care by providing a safe education environment for students who need it. More information about this program is included below.
In addition, this email includes information about the extension of the Virginia eviction moratorium, a Metro update, and more.
Please share this email 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.
Sincerely,
John
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Virginia Eviction Moratorium Extended |
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Governor Northam recently announced a temporary statewide moratorium on eviction proceedings that began Monday, August 10, and continues through September 7. This ruling is a critical step in keeping Virginia families in their homes. Read Governor Northam’s press release here and the Virginia Supreme Court Order here.
The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program provided an initial $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for households in Virginia facing eviction and foreclosure due to COVID-19.
Below are several resources that are available for tenants who are unable to pay their rent because of COVID-19.
Fairfax County is also working with local landlords to launch a housing stability pledge for residents who demonstrate a significant financial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Supporting Return to School Program |
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Supporting Return to School (SRS) is a new Fairfax County program developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s virtual return to school. The program will provide full-day on-site programming for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The SRS program reflects the County’s and Fairfax County Public Schools’ joint commitment to One Fairfax, and to ensure that all families have equitable access to the services they need to support children’s virtual learning.
SRS will provide support for children’s active and engaged learning during the FCPS virtual academic day and promote children’s social, emotional, and physical development. In addition to participating in distance learning, children will have opportunities to explore, engage, relax, and enjoy activities that follow the SRS 2020-21 program curriculum, The Great Outdoors: Road Trips Through the Americas.
The SRS program, located in 37 Fairfax County Public Schools, will serve children of families residing in Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax. A sliding fee scale will be available for income eligible families.
Each classroom will have a group of no more than 10 children who will stay together each day, along with consistent staff to support their online learning and in-person connections. Current CDC health and safety guidelines will be implemented.
Enrollment for the SRS program begins August 24. Space is limited.
Additional information on fees and enrollment, including an online registration option, will be available soon at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/OFC. Questions? Call 703-449-8989. |
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Metro is finalizing plans to restore most rail and bus service to pre-COVID levels across the region in the largest – and likely most complex – service change in the system’s 44-year history. To support the effort, thousands of frontline Metro employees will transition to new work schedules as the region continues its gradual recovery and more customers are expected.
Metrorail service changes take effect Sunday, August 16, including the restoration of Silver Line service for the first time since Memorial Day. Six Fairfax County stations will reopen following planned summer work, resulting in 87 of 91 Metrorail stations open for customers. Wait times will be reduced dramatically, with trains running every 8 minutes on each line during rush hours, and every 12 minutes during off-peak times – identical to pre-COVID schedules.
A week later, on Sunday, August 23, new Metrobus schedules will take effect across the region, including the restoration of bus service on routes that have not had service in months, and significantly more frequent service on almost every line.
Customers are reminded that masks or face coverings are required when traveling on Metro, including all stations, trains, buses, and MetroAccess vehicles. As ridership increases, social distancing may not be possible on every train and bus. Customers may wish to consider traveling during off-peak hours.
Visit wmata.com for more information and future Metro updates. |
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When and How to Safely Visit Grandparents and Older Adults |
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Since March, many older adults have been kept safe in quarantine, limiting contact with family to Zoom or Facetime. Now it is August, and many long to see their children, grandchildren, and other family and friends, but are unsure of the risks.
Below are some scientific facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep in mind as you make your decision whether or not to visit with family members who are older.
- Older people are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection and death. According to the CDC, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older.
- People can spread the disease without having symptoms.
- A negative COVID-19 test is not a guaranteed clearance for safely visiting with grandparents. If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. You might test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected as a result.
- For grandparents in long-term care facilities, like nursing homes and assisted living facilities, visitors are restricted. Call ahead to ensure you know the facility’s policy prior to arrival. Ask if an outdoor visit is allowed.
The following are recommendations from the CDC to make any visit with family and friends as safe as possible.
- Delay or cancel your visit if you or other visitors:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19,
- Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 during the last 14 days, or
- If you had close contact to a person with COVID-19 – meaning you were within six feet of a person who has COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more during the days they had symptoms or two days before they had symptoms.
- Stay outdoors for the visit. If that is not possible, meet in a well-ventilated space where you can have open windows or doors. Also, ensure the space is large enough to enable social distancing.
- Spread out. Practice the “Safe Six” (six feet apart).
- No hugs and kisses. Avoid close contact. Wave instead.
- Wear a mask, even if you are indoors.
- Wash your hands and sanitize surfaces.
- Communicate! Talk with your family members and understand everyone’s concerns before visiting an older parent or grandparent. This is not a time for surprise visits. Planning ahead will help everyone get on the same page in advance.
Remember, during this time, you are still safest at home. This information is available online here. |
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NV Rides in Need of Volunteers |
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NV Rides, a collaborative of community-based volunteer driver programs, needs volunteers to drive vulnerable seniors. All drivers and riders are asked to wear masks and observe physical distancing protocols.
Four volunteer driver information sessions will be offered in August. The Zoom sessions are brief, informative, and easy to attend (Zoom link included with RSVP).
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Fairfax County is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize the resources listed below:
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