July 2, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

Happy (almost) 4th of July. I hope you have the opportunity to relax and have fun outside. I do want to use this opportunity however to remind residents that regardless of our entry into Phase 3, it is safer to be home, be in small groups, and to wear a mask. For example, although gatherings of up to 250 people are allowed, that doesn't mean you have to be in one. Fairfax County has put together some tips for holiday safety here.

See below for the full July 2 edition of my newsletter. For the 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.
Testing in Fairfax County

  • Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or an exposure to COVID-19 should get tested right away. There are almost 30 testing sites across the Fairfax Health District. However, each site is different - some included operate at no cost and some are even able to test asymptomatic individuals.
  • The Fairfax County Health Department does not evaluate patients or collect specimens for commercial testing. The County helps to facilitate testing.
  • The Health Department aggregates testing data from area health providers. We have greatly improved the County's testing capacity. In early March, we had about 350 tests performed a week. Now, tests per week average between 8,000 to 10,000.
  • How are we ensuring vulnerable communities are tested?
  • The Fairfax County Health Department is performing targeted testing in vulnerable communities. To choose testing locations, they are using data that shows clusters of high risk spread.
  • Testing utilizes a mobile lab provided by the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Department.
  • Events are not highly publicized so neighborhoods can be specifically targeted.
  • If an individual has tested positive, they will receive care guidance, assistance with quarantine options, and a thorough contact tracing investigation.
  • Below you can see a slide from the Health Department's presentation to the Board on Tuesday, which shows their success in addressing the disproportionate impact on Hispanic residents.
  • How are long-term care facilities doing?
  • The Health Department continues to respond aggressively to cases of COVID-19 in nursing and assisted living facilities.
  • For example: conducting 15 point prevalence surveys, which is a point-in-time testing of asymptomatic residents and staff to identify who is infected.
  • Many of the facilities that experienced outbreaks earlier in the pandemic have been cleared after not having new cases for 28 days.
  • The Virginia Department of Health reports facility-specific data on its website.
  • What are my other options for testing?
  • Your doctor or health care provider may offer testing. Some clinics offering tests can be found here.
  • Inova has three Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. If you meet COVID-19 criteria they will test you. Clinic locations can be found here, however all Inova hospitals and emergency rooms are a resource for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
  • More information on testing in Fairfax can be found here.
  • The Virginia Department of Health has an online risk-assessment tool for Virginians to check their symptoms and connect with health care resources.
Phase 3

  • Phase 3 guidelines can be found in English here and in Spanish here. The County's overview can be found here.
  • Key changes:
  • Non-essential businesses, restaurants, and beverage services may fully reopen. Congregating in bars is prohibited.
  • Entertainment venues may open at 50% capacity.
  • Gatherings of up to 250 people will be allowed.
  • Childcare facilities may open.
  • All open facilities must continue to maintain physical distancing practices and enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices.
  • Teleworking is still strongly encouraged.
  • Face masks are still required.

Camp Fairfax

  • Fairfax County will be providing an abbreviated summer program for elementary school age children of working families from July 13 through August 7.
  • Camp Fairfax will be at 18 locations across the County, from 7:30am to 5:30pm each day.
  • Camps will feature outdoor adventures, performing arts, sports & recreation, visual arts, science exploration and creative writing.
  • Current CDC health and safety guidelines will be implemented.
  • Registration begins Monday, July 6; space is limited. Learn more about Camp Fairfax and virtual opportunities here.


Park Authority

  • The Park Authority has launched a series of group outdoor fitness classes seven days a week.
  • Choose from workouts such as Boot Camp, Aerobics, Cycle Spin, Zumba, Tai Chi, PiYo, Yoga, Pilates, H.I.I.T., BODYCOMBAT and Fitness for Seniors.
  • These are not free drop in classes. You must register in advance.
  • Learn more here.
  • The Park Authority is offering virtual summer camps.
  • Registration is now open. To register, search for category of activity: "camps" in Parktakes online.
  • RECenters will begin a phased reopening starting July 13 with Lee District, Oak Marr and Spring Hill RECenters. Learn more here.
  • Check the operating status of all Park Authority facilities here.

FCPD Data


Other headlines:

  • Saturday, July 4th from 9-11 am Comunidad, in partnership with the The Falls Church Anglican and the Chinese Christian Church will host a food giveaway at 6567 Arlington Blvd in Falls Church. 
  • VDOT is conducting a statewide survey to gauge the effects of COVID-19 on commuting around Virginia. Anyone who lives or works in the Commonwealth is invited to participate. Access the survey here.
Health
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
  • Continue to follow the health guidelines:
  • 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
  • What it means to social distance, self-isolate, and quarantine.
  • The CDC recommends wearing non-medical masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is now required in Virginia.
  • The New York Times (access to COVID-19 content is free) spoke with infectious disease experts, aerosol scientists, and microbiologists to find out if COVID-19 can land on your clothing, hair, shoes, and mail.

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: [email protected]. 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 you see in these newsletters that positive change has occurred over the last several months.

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

[email protected] | 703.324.2321 |