July 7, 2021
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend and enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family! These gatherings feel even more special now that it is safer to gather. However, it is important to remember that we need more people to get vaccinated – this pandemic is not over. Here are several updates:
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As part of the Fairfax County Health Department's efforts to get more residents vaccinated, their talented staff created a video I think you'll enjoy. Please share the link on your social media and with neighbors and friends.
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According to our Health Department, we are currently experiencing a low level of community transmission. Much of this success is attributed to identifying and isolating individuals who are sick with COVID-19 and vaccination efforts targeting everyone 12+. However, because the Delta variant is more transmissible and may cause more severe disease, people who are not vaccinated should wear a face covering in all public settings and continue to practice physical distancing. Learn more.
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Virginia's State of Emergency ended July 1, which is very encouraging as the majority of Virginians are now vaccinated. Although the ending of the State of Emergency will not greatly impact state or county operations, there are some things you should be aware of – you may have heard talk of masks now being illegal. However, while state law prohibits wearing a mask for the purpose of concealing one’s identity, it does not prohibit wearing a mask for the purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Masks are an important tool to protect yourself and others. Learn more.
- Yesterday, the White House outlined a national strategy that includes five ways to make gains in getting more people vaccinated across the country. Read it here.
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An important lifeline for our older adults has re-opened! Select county senior centers are open again, including the Herndon Senior Center. Members can access fitness rooms and computer labs and have the opportunity to play games and socialize. Classes and programs will not be offered but are scheduled to resume when senior centers open at full capacity on Sept. 7. Learn more including locations and FAQs.
As you can see by the chart below, our COVID-19 numbers have moved in the right direction. I am so proud of our Hunter Mill community for wearing masks and social distancing when needed and getting vaccinated so that we can get to this point!
Finally, a reminder that summer storms can often cause road closures, power outages and other havoc. Make sure you stay informed by subscribing to Fairfax Alerts. It is a free service and it only takes a few minutes to sign up.
Regards,
Walter
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COVID-19 Information (July 7) |
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Weekly COVID-19 Case/Vaccine Information Chart |
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Data resources:
For COVID-19 Related Information:
Call/Email
If you have questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Fairfax County Health Department:
- Call 703-267-3511 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends)
- Email ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov (monitored 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays)
Vaccine Updates
Testing
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
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Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here
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Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here
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We received the recognition for our Jan. 28, 2020 Board Matter, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors, to establish a timeline for the county implementing its ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan, evaluate its current approach for funding pedestrian improvements and establish measurable safety goals.
A couple of weeks ago at the Transportation Committee meeting on June 29, the Board discussed a draft of ActiveFairfax: Safe Streets for All. It is a framework designed to address systemic transportation safety issues with a focus on vulnerable road users and equity. This is part of a regional and nationwide effort to systematically reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries. You can watch the FCDOT presentation and Board discussion here. The presentation is here and the full draft plan here.
I will keep you updated on the progress of ActiveFairfax and you can also get more information here.
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Public Safety: Stolen Vehicles |
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Fairfax County Police Department detectives are investigating a series of stolen vehicle reports that have occurred countywide since the beginning of June. These vehicles have primarily been stolen overnight and it appears the suspects mainly entered unlocked vehicles with keys inside. Suspects have also used garage door openers or forced entry to gain access to at least three homes. In these incidents, the suspects entered homes and stole personal belongings as well as vehicle keys. The suspects then proceeded to steal one or more vehicles from the home.
In response, our district stations are conducting extra patrols and are asking neighbors to follow these steps:
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times
- Remove keys and garage door openers from vehicles
- Lock the door to an attached garage
- Keep all doors and windows to your home locked
- Keep the perimeter of your home well lit
- Keep vehicle keys out of view
To report suspicious activity, call the Police Department's non-emergency number, 703-691-2131 or 9-1-1 for an emergency.
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Reports of Sick and Dead Birds:
What You Can Do
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The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has received a large number of reports of sick and dying birds in our region, including Fairfax County. An investigation has been underway, however no definitive causes have yet been determined. Birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another, so the state is recommending the following precautions:
- Do not feed birds until it is deemed safe.
- Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water, and allow to air dry.
- Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them wear disposable gloves. If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird.
- Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.
- If at any time you find multiple dead birds in your yard over a short period of time, it is important to clean feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution.
Image by Daniel Roberts, Pixabay
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Land Use and Transportation |
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Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meetings
An updated listing of Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force meetings for July is below. To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. You can watch a live stream of the meetings on YouTube Live. (Please note that each meeting has a unique link and call-in information).
Monday, July 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Call-In Number: 1-844-621-3956
Access Code: 173 460 3841
Wednesday, July 21, 7 to 9 p.m. (rescheduled from 7/20)
Call-In Number: 1-844-621-3956
Access Code: 173 460 3841
Monday, July 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
Call-In Number: 1-844-621-3956
Access Code: 173 460 3841
Lake Anne Fellowship House Construction Impacts: Parking and Lane Closure
Bozzuto Construction plans to remove the construction crane being used at the Lake Anne Fellowship House construction site, July 9-12. In order to remove the crane safely, a lane will be closed and no parking allowed along North Shore, from Village Road up to the construction site entrance.
County Closes One Northbound Lane of Tysons Blvd. for Community Recreation - Scheduled to Begin July 14
Fairfax County is again closing one northbound lane of Tysons Boulevard for community recreation as the region continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, The closure is scheduled to begin Wed., July 14 and will give pedestrians and bicyclists access to a .5 mile stretch of road from Westbranch Dr. to the pedestrian entrance of Lillian Ct. at Tysons II. Learn more.
Release 2 of Online Planning Land Use System (PLUS)
Launched on July 1, Release 2 of PLUS adds more than 25 planning and land use applications and related information to the online platform. Visit the PLUS Support Center webpage to get all the information about the applications included in this release. If you need help learning how to use and navigate PLUS, several trainings are scheduled throughout the month of July. Training details are available on the PLUS Support Center webpage along with video tutorials, user guides and more: fairfaxcounty.gov/plan2build/plus.
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Grants Available for Fairfax County Businesses
Fairfax County PIVOT grants offer up to $18,000 for restaurants, $12,000 for retail; $10,000 for arts organizations and $400/room for hotels. Some restrictions apply. The application deadline is this Friday, July 9. Apply here. Learn more.
County's School Age Child Care (SACC) Program Hosting Virtual Open Hire Event Next Week
The SACC program is holding a virtual open hire event on July 14,15 and 16. Learn more about responsibilities and qualifications for these child care positions.
Vienna Multicultural Festival Saturday, July 17
The Vienna Multicultural Festival is Saturday, July 17 from 2 to 7:30 p.m. on Historic Church Street. This is the closing event for for the town's Liberty Amendments Month. Learn more.
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Stay Informed and In Touch |
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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