May 18, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

I wanted to take a minute to reemphasize the important everyday steps we can be taking each day to reduce and ultimately eliminate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
 
Those steps include: practicing social distancing, frequently washing your hands (or using hand sanitizer when you can’t wash), and wearing a face covering or mask.
 
I want to focus on wearing a non-surgical mask in particular. No, this will not stop the virus, but according to the CDC , wearing a mask slows the virus and helps to prevent asymptomatic individuals from transmitting the virus to others. Here's a study that talks about the importance of wearing a mask.
 
Currently, wearing a mask is not mandated by the CDC or the Virginia Department of Health. Even though they’re not required and wearing a mask can be inconvenient, it’s important we do this to protect ourselves and those around us.

On another note, you can also help your community by donating food items to Fairfax County Stuff the Bus tomorrow . There are 21 drop-off locations across the County that will be collecting food from 10am-3pm. See all drop off points, requested items, and more here .

See below for the full May 18 edition. 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.
Bottom line: What's Changed?

  1. Fairfax County's General District Court began a phased in reopening today.
  2. Starting today, Metro and Fairfax Connector buses are requiring passengers to wear a mask.
  3. Glass recycling has resumed. See location and safety tips here.
Housing

  • The state has launched the Stay Home Virginia website to provide resources and information to renters, homeowners, property owners, developers, and the homeless.
  • Because of the phased in reopening of the District Courts, Governor Northam noted today that eviction processes and orders may start resuming, but there has been legislation put in place to support renters. This information can be found here.
  • Renters should know their rights: Your landlord cannot evict you without a court order, no matter what your lease says. 
  • If you need financial assistance to pay your rent, call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning:
  • Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
  • Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

Nonprofit Sustainability Grant Program

  • The Board established a $5 million fund to help non-profit organizations whose primary work supports social safety net services. This program will also be funded through CARES Act dollars.
  • Applications are open until May 22.
  • This is in addition to the $20 million of CARES Act funding we previously issued to nonprofits in our community.
  • Learn more 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:
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills, repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste and smell
  • 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. Read here for information and to learn how to best wear a mask and how to make your own.
  • 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, shows, 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 9:00 am - 7 pm weekdays and 9:30 am - 5 pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
  • Email: [email protected]. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 am - 8 pm.
  • Inova has a helpful FAQ.
As we have more information to share, my office and Fairfax County Government will continue to update residents.

Thank you for your support and patience as we work to manage this challenging, complex, and rapidly evolving situation.

Jeffrey C. McKay
Contact the Office

[email protected] | 703.324.2321 |