May 22, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

I hope you are able to take advantage of our County parks this weekend. Please remember if visiting, we ask that you social distance, not gather in groups larger than 10 people, and wear a mask. To keep the facilities, open it is critical that we all follow the rules and put safety first.

Every day, my staff and I receive data about the programs Fairfax County is facilitating during this pandemic to help those in need. Today, I was updated on our financial assistance work for those unable to pay their rent, mortgages, or other housing related costs. Between March 1 and today, 816 households have received assistance from the County and our partner nonprofits, totaling $686,432.84.

It is unfortunate that we are seeing so much need at this time, but Fairfax County is well-equipped to help. If you, or someone you know, is in need of services varying from financial assistance to food assistance to health care, call our Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm. They will connect you with the resources you need.

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

  1. All Metrorail Orange and Silver Line stations in Fairfax County will be closed starting tomorrow for reconstruction efforts.
  2. Wakefield and Lorton Farmers Markets are scheduled to be re-opened next week. See a full list here.
  3. FCPS has reopened tracks and tennis courts for public use.

Other Updates this Week:

  1. All Fairfax County parks will be open starting this weekend.
  2. Outdoor water parks and pools run by the Fairfax County Park Authority will be closed this summer.
  3. All 2020 Fairfax County summer programs have been cancelled.
Metro Service

  • All nine Orange and Silver line stations west of Ballston-MU will be closed starting tomorrow.
  • Metro will announce the reopening date for the affected stations later this summer.
  • This is part of their Platform Improvement Project that is rebuilding deteriorating platforms at 20 outdoor Metrorail stations and upgrading stations. 
  • Information about alternative travel options, including the free shuttle bus service, can be found here.
  • You can also read an op-ed in today's Washington Post from Supervisor Palchik, Tysons Parternship President Sol Glasner, and I about what this means for Tysons.

COVID-19 Self-Screening Tool

  • Governor Northam launched a new online risk-assessment tool for Virginians to check their symptoms and connect with health care resources.
  • COVIDCheck can help individuals displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 self-assess their risk and determine the best next steps, such as self-isolation, seeing a doctor, or seeking emergency care.
  • This resource assists in identifying users who are at higher risk of COVID-19 and can help individuals find a nearby testing site.
  • It is not to be used in place of emergency medical care.

Food Assistance

  • On May 25 from 9am-11am, the Chinese Christian Church, the Falls Church Anglican Church, and Comunidad will be distributing food at 6567 Arlington Blvd.
  • For other food distribution sites and food pantries be sure to check out this searchable map.

Mental Health Resources

  • The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers a number of mental health services:
  • A suicide prevention text line in Fairfax: text "CONNECT" to 855-11 and a volunteer will respond within minutes. You can also call 703-527-4077, 24/7.
  • If it is not an emergency situation, but you are in need of mental health services, call Entry & Referral Services Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, at 703-383-8500, TTY 711.
  • Telehealth services for therapy, counseling, case management, and prescribing are also available. Contact CSB for services.
  • The Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is offering spiritual support for adults age 60 and over. Read more.
  • Call: 703-324-5185, Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm
  • Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia is providing free mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness recovery support programs for adults online.
  • Programs start daily at 10:30am.
  • They also have a phone line for those who need someone to talk to or if you need help with resources.
  • Call: 703-817-6124

Fairfax County Animal Shelter

  • If you are facing financial hardship and are in need of dog or cat food (canned and/or dry), the Animal Shelter has created a temporary pet food pantry. See their contact information below to arrange a day and time for pick up.
  • Email: animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov
  • Call: 703-830-1100
  • As a reminder, the Animal Shelter is still assisting with pet adoptions, but through a virtual process. See the services being offered here.

Non-COVID news:

  • The call for nominations for the 2020 Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards closes on June 1. If you know someone who is doing extraordinary work for the environment, nominate them here.
  • The financial closing on the $86 million project known as the New Lake Anne House clears the path to commence work on the senior housing project in Reston later this year. It will have 240 units of affordable senior living and a 36-unit multi-family town home community.
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, shoes, 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: ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. 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

chairman@fairfaxcounty.gov | 703.324.2321 |