March 3, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
There continues to be a lot of information coming out on vaccines and distribution from the county's Health Department, as well as state and federal agencies. It is a lot to keep track of, especially for those of us still waiting to get a vaccine. Here is the latest information, as of this evening.
March 2 Health Department Update to Board of Supervisors
The county's Health Department officials and chief equity officer updated the Board of Supervisors yesterday on vaccination efforts; you can watch the meeting here.
-
Vaccine Equity Strategy: Take a look at the graphic below under Today's COVID-19 Updates to see the inequitable impacts that the pandemic is having on our communities of color, especially the Hispanic community. I highly encourage you to review the presentation and see what steps are underway by the county.
-
Vaccine Distribution Update: In addition, you can watch the update from the Health Department, which includes an overview of the registration process, efforts at long-term care facilities and the Governor’s Vaccine Allocation Framework. Review the presentation here.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be used as the latest tool to help fight COVID-19. The vaccine was also recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Vaccines now are available from three different drug manufacturers: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. This is good news because it means more supply and more options to help protect our community. Residents are encouraged to get whatever vaccine is available to them first.
All three vaccines are extremely effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While there are a variety of differences between the vaccines, the most important difference is that Johnson & Johnson only requires one dose, and the other vaccines each require two doses several weeks apart. In addition, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is easier to store. Learn more about how the vaccine works.
Transportation Assistance
If you or someone you know needs transportation to a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, Fairfax County and community providers have numerous options to get residents to their appointments. Learn more.
What You Need to Know About Free Vaccine, Health Insurance and Admin Fees
Although there is no cost to you to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the federal government allows vaccine providers to be reimbursed for vaccine administration fees by a resident's public or private insurance company. This is why some vaccine providers might ask for insurance information – it is so they can collect the administrative fee. No one will be charged any out-of-pocket expenses by a vaccinator or by insurance. Learn more
New Online Tool Available to Remove Yourself from COVID-19 Registration Waitlist
If you registered with the Fairfax County Health Department to get a COVID-19 vaccine but you already received it from another provider, you can now remove yourself from the waitlist. Learn more.
Respectfully,
Walter
|
|
Today's COVID-19 Updates (March 3) |
|
This graph was provided to the Board of Supervisors at the Health and Human Services Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 2. Note that it is adjusted for age but does not include the population living in long-term health facilities. Review the entire presentation on Fairfax County’s Vaccine Equity Strategy here. |
|
More Resources:
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 Providers
Vaccine Updates
Testing
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
-
Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
-
Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.
COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of publication on March 3)
|
|
Ban on Plastic Bags for Yard Waste |
|
Fairfax County has joined several neighboring communities in our region that have banned the use of plastic bags for yard waste. Following public hearings and approval by the Board of Supervisors last week, the change went into effect on March 1. However, residents will have until April 19 to begin to use alternatives such as paper bags, reusable containers and mulching. Look for more detailed information forthcoming from your private hauler, or the county if you are in a county sanitary district. According to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), many residents are already using alternatives to plastic bags for yard waste. This important step will substantially reduce plastic pollution in our environment.
|
|
Proposed FY 2022 Budget Update |
|
As noted in last week's newsletter, County Executive Bryan Hill presented his proposed FY 2022 Budget to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 23. Here are some updates as we go through the budget process:
|
|
Transportation and Land Use |
|
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meeting on March 8, 7 to 9 p.m.
To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, March 8, 7 to 9 p.m. Details and the agenda will be found here. The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to listen to the meeting on your phone, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 129 120 9458. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. (Please note each meeting has a unique link and call-in information.) You will also be able to watch a live stream of the meeting on YouTube Live.
Reston Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Virtual Meeting, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
Wiehle Avenue Crossing Study Group Virtual Meeting, March 18, 7 p.m.
Wiehle Pedestrian Crossing Study Group virtual meeting is Thursday, March 18, 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting is hosted on the Webex platform – use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use Access Code: 173 512 0630. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. To submit feedback, questions or comments, email WiehleCrossingStudyGroup@fairfaxcounty.gov.
|
|
School Bus Safety Reminders
Many students are back in school and school buses are back on the road. The Fairfax County Police Department has these safety reminders:
- Pay attention to school zones, especially where they start and end. Those slower school zone speed limits are there for a reason. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing.
- It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children. Stop for any bus that has its lights and “stop arm” activated. Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median.
- Kids should be aware of the bus “danger zone” – blind spots around the bus where the driver may not be able to see them. Children should maintain a distance of 10 feet away from the front, sides and rear of the bus.
Mark Your Calendar for Reston District Police Station Community Advisory Committee Meeting, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Use this Zoom link to participate in the March 23 CAC meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. You can also call in to the meeting at 888-363-4735, conference code: 990007. For more information, email restoncac@gmail.com. Reston residents are invited to attend!
|
|
3 Things to Know Today (Parks Edition) |
|
Frying Pan Farm Park to host Into the Woods
Experience the changes of spring and get up and moving through the wooded trail at Frying Pan Farm Park on Saturday, March 27, 11 a.m. to 1:30 pm. This free program, open to all ages, is being offered in conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Preregistration is required. More Information.
Apply to Work at Frying Pam Farm Park
One of Fairfax County’s most popular parks is hiring. Three part-time positions are currently open at Frying Pan Farm Park. Successful candidates will work up to 30 hours each week, including some weekends and evenings, and will be eligible for healthcare benefits. More Information.
Park Authority Warns Facebook Users of Targeted Scam
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has been notified of a scam with a Facebook page that uses the FCPA logo and a misspelled version of Fairfax County to friend request and message people that they have won a prize. The recipient is asked to click on the link to claim the prize. More information.
|
|
Stay Informed and In Touch |
|
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
