April 28, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

I am happy to report that the first day of public hearings on the budget went well. We heard from many including the Chair of the School Board, the Economic Development Authority, local unions, and individual members of the public.

Especially in times like these, it is crucial that the public have the opportunity to engage with their government and elected officials. Before I approved the transition to fully electronic meetings, I made sure to create multiple ways for residents to submit public comments, particularly as we approached the budget hearings. Please, if you haven't, take a moment to review the budget. This budget doesn't accomplish all we had hoped this year, but it's important we respond to the economic challenges and hardships many in our community are facing because of COVID-19. Your input is needed as we craft the best possible FY2021 budget. Be sure to submit testimony soon for review on Wednesday or Thursday. You can learn more here.

I have also asked that, starting tomorrow, the Fairfax County flag fly at half staff at County facilities in honor of the residents who have died of COVID-19 and in recognition of the many essential workers who are responding to the pandemic.

See below for the full April 28 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.
Farmers Markets and Garden Plots

  • The Fairfax County Park Authority will reopen garden plots and some seasonal Farmers Markets with conditions that allow for compliance with the Governor’s orders on social distancing and safety guidelines.
  • All garden plots will reopen on Wed., April 29.
  • Gardeners will be notified of the opening and guidelines via email.
  • Gardeners will be expected to comply with all COVID-19 health and social distancing requirements.
  • The gradual re-opening of Farmers Markets will begin May 9, in a phased approach for the markets.
  • Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne Shopping Center will open on Sat., May 9, from 8am-12pm.
  • Burke Farmers Market will open on Sat., May 16, at Burke VRE Parking Lot from 8am-12pm
  • Mount Vernon/McCutcheon Farmers Market will open on Wed., May 13, from 8am-12pm.
  • More operational details such as pre-orders, limited contact sales and distribution, and other safety procedures will be announced later this week.
  • Farmers market information can be found online.
  • All other park amenities currently closed (like visitors centers and restrooms) will remain closed.

El Condado Fairfax Ahora Ofrece Mensajes de Texto de COVID-19 en Español

  • Fairfax County now provides COVID-19 text alerts in Spanish.
  • To sign up, text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777. // Para inscribirse, textear FFXCOVIDESP a 888777.
  • See Fairfax County's Language Portal here.

Microloan Program


Support for Victims of Abuse

  • The Fairfax County Police Department takes domestic violence, child abuse, and elder abuse very seriously. Abusers may use this crisis to find additional ways to exercise control and power over their victims.
  • If anyone at risk or if you know someone at risk of danger, you can call or text 911 or call 703-691-2131 (the non-emergency line).
  • For the Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline call: 703-360-7273.
  • For the Child Protective Services Hotline call: 703-324-7400.
  • For elder abuse, exploitation, or neglect call: 703-324-7450.

FCPS

  • FCPS has created a Parent Resource Center that includes workshops, consultations, and other guidance. You can also call (703-204-3941) and email (prc@fcps.eadu). They are open M-F 8am-4pm.
  • If you are in need of technical support for your student, FCPS has created a guide here.
  • For more advice resources go here.

Car maintenance

  • The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has extended vehicle registrations that expire in March and April by 90 days, and those that expire in May by 60 days. Emissions inspection facilities may still be open, but call your specific facility in advance to confirm.
  • If you are required to obtain an Air Check emission inspection to renew your registration in March or April, you also have an additional 90 days. You have an additional 60 days to obtain an Air Check emission inspection if your registration expires in May.
  • The Air Check Virginia vehicle emissions inspection program for drivers in Northern Virginia remains operational. Please avoid in-person visits and call 703-583-3900 between M-F, 8:15am-5pm for assistance.
  • The validity of driver’s licenses and identification cards expiring on or before June 10, 2020 is extended for a maximum of 90 days, not to exceed July 31, 2020.

May Town Elections in Clifton and Vienna

  • This election information is only relevant to the towns of Vienna and Clifton.
  • The election will take place May 19, but voting by mail is strongly encouraged. The deadline to request a ballot is May 12. You can do so here.
  • The Fairfax County Office of Elections is offering curbside absentee voting at the Government Center. Offices are open M-F 8am-4:30pm. Call 703-222-0776 upon arrival.

Other News


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 |