March 17, 2021
To the Fairfax County Community,

A few exciting news items to share:

This morning we have expanded eligibility to the following groups of essential workers within 1B:

  • Food and agriculture
  • Manufacturing
  • Grocery store workers

If you live or work in Fairfax County and meet the criteria, please register with the Fairfax County Health Department here. The criteria is illustrated in the chart below and detailed here. Other eligible groups include those over 65, those 16-64 with a high risk medical condition, and frontline workers.

You may be aware of VDH's announcement that there are a few health districts that will begin the transition to Phase 1C this week. While we are not quite there yet, we do expect to make that transition soon, perhaps by mid-April, when all jurisdictions are expected to have moved into Phase 1C. Phase 2 is expected to begin by May 1, per the President's deadline.

In addition, residents may register to be vaccinated using a new Spanish form that's now available here. (Our English form is here.)

Personas en el Condado de Fairfax ahora pueden registrarse para una vacuna COVID-19 (cuando sea elegible) usando un nuevo formulario en español que ya está disponible. El formulario se puede cambiar entre inglés y español seleccionando el idioma en la parte superior derecha de la pantalla. Si las personas no pueden registrarse en línea, se les pide que llamen al 703-324-7404 para brindarles asistencia en español (a igual que en otros idiomas).

Finally, this week we received over 43,000 vaccine doses! This is a significant jump from last week's 31,000 doses and welcome news as we work to get shots in arms quickly and efficiently.

For COVID-19 resources mentioned in past newsletters, visit my website. If you have a friend who would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can do so here.
Landlords: Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance Program For Your Tenants
  • Funds are now available for Fairfax County landlords seeking rental assistance on behalf of their tenants.
  • The Landlord Portal is connected to the efforts of the Evictions Taskforce.
  • To be eligible, tenants must meet three criteria:
  1. They must be experiencing income loss as a result of COVID-19.
  2. The monthly rent for the property must not exceed 150% of the Fair Market Rent value. 
  3. The annual household income of the tenants must not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income. 
Boards, Authorities, and Commissions
  • We are looking to appoint residents to positions on several BACS, which serve as advisory bodies to the Board of Supervisors.
  • Tenant-Landlord Commission
  • Purpose: To give objective and fair assistance to the County’s tenants and landlords and advise the Board on problems and trends.
  • We are look to fill one landlord and one tenant seat.
  • Read more here.
  • Oversight Committee on Distracted and Impaired Driving
  • Purpose: Seeks to reduce the number of critical injury crashes and reduce the number of fatal crashes related to impaired, drowsy, and distracted driving.
  • Read more here.
  • Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
  • Purpose: To oversee the operation of services relating to mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse.
  • Read more here.
  • A. Heath Onthank Award Selection Committee
  • Purpose: To grant recognition for accomplishment of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in County by merit system employees.
  • Read more here.
  • Airports Advisory Committee
  • Purpose: To advise the Board on all airports and aircraft operations affecting Fairfax County.
  • Read more here.
  • Community Action Advisory Board
  • Purpose: Advises the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on the needs, concerns and aspirations of limited-income persons; and recommends policies.
  • Read more here.
  • Police Civilian Review Panel
  • Purpose: To build and maintain public trust and transparency among the police department, the community, and the Board of Supervisors.
  • Read more here.
  • To apply: Submit your resume and magisterial district via email to chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov. Please include the name of the BAC in the subject line of the email.
COVID Updates
  • Fairfax County Public Library will re-open for interior Express Services on Monday, March 22. Learn more here.
  • The Health Department is pleased to announce that in the coming weeks more partners will begin offering the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, in the Fairfax Health District, vaccine is being administered by the Health Department and through partnerships primarily with health care organizations, pharmacies and urgent care clinics. There are also several pharmacies in the health district that are offering vaccines through a partnership with the federal government. You can learn more here.
  • New strains of the COVID-19 virus are spreading across the United States, as well as in the D.C. region. SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 (the “South Africa” variant) and B.1.1.7 (the United Kingdom (U.K.) variant) have been confirmed in Virginia. Learn more about the variants and what Fairfax County is doing here.
Health
Vaccine Resources:


Common Health Questions:

  • People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. You might experience:
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Follow mitigation practices:
  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer if that isn't an option (especially when in public places)
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve
  • Don't touch your face
  • Social distance
  • Wear a mask (Which is required in Virginia.)
  • What it means to social distance, self-isolate, and quarantine.
  • If interacting with others outside of your household, being outside is safer than inside. You can make your home safer by increasing ventilation and filtration.
  • The New York Times (access to COVID-19 content is free) speaks with infectious disease experts, aerosol scientists, and microbiologists to find out if COVID-19 can land on your clothing, hair, shoes, and mail.

COVID-19 Resources:

  • Fairfax County Health Department
  • To view the number of cases in Fairfax County this page is updated at noon daily.
  • Visit the County site on COVID-19, Health Department Website, and see their FAQs.
  • To view multilingual health materials visit the County's Language Portal.
  • Sign up for text message alerts: text FFXCOVID to 888777. Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
  • Call the Health Department from 9am-7pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
  • Email: ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
  • Inova has a helpful FAQ.
We recognize that we are in very trying times, but I hope this newsletter helps you track the progress we are making.

As I often say, we are truly lucky to live in Fairfax County where we have the resources to overcome challenges and a community who rises to the occasion.

Jeffrey C. McKay
Contact the Office

chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov | 703.324.2321 |