April 2, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

I hope you are hanging in there. Staying home isn't easy, but we are very lucky to have the technological resources to explore the world remotely. Fairfax County has historical attractions, restaurants, breweries and wineries, and recreation centers that want to keep you busy from the comfort of your own home. Read below for the latest from Visit Fairfax.

Here is also a friendly reminder to fill out your Census.

See below for the full April 2 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.
Businesses

  • The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is asking that businesses affected by coronavirus fill out their short survey. They hope to use this information to understand the challenges facing the business community and what resources are needed.
  • Don't forget to check the County website dedicated to businesses - it has been recently updated with new loan and grant information and with a guide to the federal CARES Act.

Visit Fairfax

  • Fairfax First details all the ways you can support and enjoy Fairfax County from your home. It inclues virutal tours, how to support local businesses, and wellness options.
  • Here is a restaurant list for take out and delivery options. Similarly, you can also follow the Fairfax County Take Out Trail.

Financial Updates

  • Our business website also has information on collecting unemployment and other information for workers.
  • The Virginia Employment Commission is reminding those filing for unemployment insurance benefits to do so weekly.
  • If you are in need of financial counseling, the Financial Empowerment Center is supported by Fairfax County.
  • The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced, that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people.
  • Direct cash assistance of $1,200 per person earning up to $75,000 or $150,000 for married couples filing jointly; an additional $500 cash payment available per child.
  • Seniors who receive Social Security will automatically receive checks. However, those individuals that don’t receive Social Security and did not file a tax return last year will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment.
  • Read more.

Courts


Legal Resources

  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia is providing free legal counsel to low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families.
  • Some areas they are working on: unemployment claims, housing evictions and foreclosures, and protective orders.
  • Call: 703-778-6800; Monday - Thursday; 9:30 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Other information:

  • Information on protecting yourself from coronavirus related scams.
  • Animal welfare organizations urge people to have a plan for your pet if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and must go to the hospital.
  • Uber is providing ten million free rides and deliveries for frontline healthcare workers, seniors, and people in need. They are working with organizations to help do this - Organizations looking for support with rides or food deliveries can reach out to [email protected].
Health
Common health questions:

  • Not every case of coronavirus has symptoms, but those that do may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Some of the symptoms you might experience are below:
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • 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 is expected to update its guidance on face masks. They will be recommending the use of non-medical masks as a community mitigation tool.

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

[email protected] | 703.324.2321 |