April 22, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

In April 1970, 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day to call attention to environmental degradation and to insist on a better future for people and the planet. As a result of this monumental movement, many landmark environmental policies in the United States, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act, were passed.

Our plans for 2020 have shifted because of COVID-19, but the priorities of Fairfax County remain the same, including our commitment to fighting climate change and reducing greenhouse gases.

That's why we launched the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination last year. We continue to move forward with the Fairfax County Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan. This will create a greenhouse gas inventory, emission reduction goals, and strategies for the community.

During this time, we need to be grateful for clean air, clean water, and green spaces. Fairfax County alone has over 200 miles of trails . Learn how you can take action on Earth Day and every day here .

See below for the full April 22 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.
Update from Health and Human Services

  • When the pandemic began there was an immediate need for food resources. Now there are increased requests for help with rent and mortgage payments.
  • As federal funding begins to come in, we wanted to give you an idea of where some of this money may go.
  • CARES Act funding: Go towards COVID-related community needs.
  • Community Development Block Grant: This funding will be recommended to go to Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning for emergency rent and utility assistance; to go to non-profits who provide targeted public services; and, to affordable housing providers as rental income replacement for tenants who are unable to pay.
  • Emergency Solutions Grant: This will help respond to those experiencing homelessness.

Update from the Capitol

  • Yesterday, the Senate passed the "3.5" CARES package. The House is expected to pass it as well.
  • Here is the breakdown:
  • $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, including $60 billion for women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and businesses in rural communities.
  • $50 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Grants.
  • $75 billions for hospitals.
  • $25 billion for testing and national testing strategy.
  • Read about Small Business Administration COVID-19 relief options here.

Domestic Violence

  • If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse call the County's 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline. Call: 703-360-7273.
  • You are the best judge if you feel safe at home, but the Department of Family Services has ideas on how to keep yourself safe. Read here.
  • The Domestic and Sexual Violence Services website has more resources including counseling and shelters.

New help lines

  • The Department of Family Services has launched a Parent Support Line.
  • Call: 703-324-7720, M-F, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
  • Email: buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov.
  • The Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is offering spiritual support for adults age 60 and over. Read more.
  • Call: 703-324-5185, M-F, 10 am - 6 pm.
  • Learn more about the operations of the Fairfax County Health Department Call Center and their Contact Investigations Call Center.

Other News

  • Read my statement on FCPS's distance learning roll-out here and my op-ed for The Hill here.
  • Fairfax is modernizing its zoning ordinance. They are adjusting regulations on accessory dwelling units and home based businesses. Learn about the proposed changes and share your feedback here.
  • Listen to the Connect with County Leaders Podcast to hear County Executive Bryan Hill discuss the new budget proposal.
  • Area internet companies have created low to no cost internet options for low-income families, students, and teachers. Learn more at Verizon, Comcast, and Cox.
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:

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

chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov | 703.324.2321 |