May 6, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

Today, in response to a letter from Loudoun County Chair Randall, Prince William County Chair Wheeler, and myself, Governor Northam announced his intention to coordinate any future re-openings with Northern Virginia localities. This is important, because we know a one-size-fits-all approach in the Commonwealth simply doesn’t work. We also communicated our desire to coordinate with DC and Maryland to avoid confusion for our residents and businesses.
 
I will continue to update you as we learn more. In the meantime, please stay home and encourage your friends and families to as well. 

See below for the full May 6 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.
Amended Proposed FY2021 Budget

  • Yesterday, the Board voted 9-1 on the marked-up budget package. The Board mostly agreed to maintain the guidance of the County Executive's amended proposal. You can read it here.
  • The Board also agreed to the importance of reviewing the budget quarterly as our revenue and response to the pandemic changes.
  • The final package will be voted on next Tuesday.
  • As a reminder, the highlights of the budget have been included below.
  • The County Executive no longer recommends an increase in the Real Estate Rate, keeping it at $1.15 per $100 of assessed value.
  • It also no longer includes a 4% Admissions Tax on items such as movie, theater, and concert tickets.
  • Funding to schools
  • Fairfax County Public Schools still represent a priority for the Board.
  • It maintains equal growth for the County and Schools, but with drastic growth reductions from 3.65% to 0.32% over the FY 2020 Adopted Budget Plan.
  • FCPS will still receive an increase in the transfer, but it will be reduced from $85.52 million to $7.31 million for the Operating Fund.
  • There is little funding to expand services, but existing programs will be preserved.  
  • All of the proposed new positions have been eliminated except those related to public health both in our community and schools, and one in the Office of Elections.
  • It eliminates increases in employee compensation, but preserves current salaries and positions. It now includes a path to six weeks of paid family and medical leave for employees.
  • Fairfax County priorities remain the same, we just have to think differently on how to move forward. For example:
  • The Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan is continuing with the public engagement process and creating goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strategies that community members can take to mitigate climate change at the local level.
  • The County still has a pipeline of over 1,300 affordable housing units. Our Housing Department is looking for creative ways to stretch the resources available with efficient investments and changes to land use policy.

Update from the Governor's Office

  • The below details were included in Monday's press conference.
  • Governor Northam extended Executive Order 53, which places restrictions on businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people, through at least May 14. He expects to begin easing restrictions soon in what he's calling Phase I.
  • Phase I:
  • It is still safer-at-home.
  • We should continue to social distance, telework, and wear face coverings in public. Gatherings of more than 10 people will still be banned.
  • All businesses will be required to ensure physical distancing, enhanced cleaning protocols, and enhanced workplace safety.
  • Easing of limits on businesses and faith communities.
  • Phase II:
  • Vulnerable populations will be encouraged to continue to stay home.
  • Social gatherings of more than 50 will be prohibited.
  • Continued social distancing, teleworking, recommendation of face coverings.
  • Further easing of business limitations.
  • Phase III:
  • This phase will only begin if there is no evidence of a rebound in COVID-19 cases for a sustained period.
  • It will still be safer for vulnerable populations to stay home.
  • The ban on social gatherings will be removed.
  • The limits on businesses will be lifted.
  • Continue to use heightened cleaning protocols.
  • To see the Governor's Forward Virginia presentation, go here.
  • To see the Governor's case data briefing, go here.

May and June Elections

  • There are two elections coming up and Fairfax County is encouraging voters to vote by mail and select reason 2A on your absentee ballot application. You can request one here.
  • You can vote absentee in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center. The Office of Elections is offering curbside absentee voting. Call 703-222-0776 upon arrival.
  • Weekdays: Offices are open M-F, 8am-4:30pm.
  • Saturday June 13 and June 20, from 9am-5pm.
  • May 19 Election
  • This election is only taking place in the towns of Vienna and Clifton.
  • Be sure to start returning your absentee ballots as soon as possible to allow enough time for your ballot to be returned.
  • June 23 Democratic and Republican Primaries
  • The races on the ballot will be the statewide Republican Primary for Senate and the Democratic Primary for the 11th Congressional District.
  • You have until May 26 to register to vote or update your voter registration ahead of the election.
  • The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 16.
  • The Office of Elections urgently needs election officers for the June 23 primary. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15. 

Virtual Activities and Education

  • The Workhouse Arts Center has opened many of their galleries online. This Saturday, May 9, they have their Second Saturday Artwalk scheduled. Plan for visual arts performances, music and performing arts classes, as well as yoga and Pilates classes.
  • The Fairfax County Public Library offers access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagainzes, online classes, and more.
  • Neighborhood and Community Services has a number of resources for older adults looking to stay engaged and active.
  • The Virginia Chamber Orchestra offers educational videos with accompanying study guides for students. They have recently added a video to their series "Music of the Presidents".
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.
  • They also have a video presentation in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
  • 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 |