To the Fairfax County Community,
Today, the Board returned to in-person meetings for the first time in months now that we are in phase three of reopening. We followed strict social distancing guidelines and required that every person in the room wear a mask. It wasn't ideal, but they were the actions that we all must take to continue to reduce cases of COVID-19.
We have come a long way and must continue to be diligent as we see spikes in other places. In fact, hours ago, I received some good news. While at the beginning of this pandemic, Fairfax County Health District had one of the highest percentages of the statewide positive cases, we now have one of the lowest. This is because of the care our residents are taking and the significant work of our Health Department.
See below for the full July 14 edition of my newsletter. 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.
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View the full Board package
here.
Fairfax RISE
- In May, the Board allocated $25 million in CARES Act funding to a create a grant program (Fairfax RISE) to help small businesses.
- Who received grants? A lottery occurred and just over 2,000 of 6,280 businesses were able to move to the second phase of the process. 71% had identified themselves as women-owned, minority-owned, or veteran-owned businesses.
- What's new? Today, the Board authorized expanding the program by $20 million to be able to accept more applicants who had already applied.
2020 General Assembly Special Session
- In advance of the August Special Session of the General Assembly, the Board voted to send a letter to our local delegation outlining the County’s progress and positions on a variety of police reform issues.
- What is among the Board's priorities?
- Provide adequate funding for courts, public defenders, and Commonwealth’s Attorneys.
- Establish a statewide database for officer misconduct.
- Improve data transparency.
- Support and fund strong Civilian Review Panels.
- Prioritize body-worn cameras.
911 Dispatch/ Mental Behavioral Health
- What's the background? We are in the midst of a dialogue over law enforcement activities and many ask if our police are asked to do too much. According to data studies from other jurisdictions, 20% of calls police officers are asked to respond to are principally mental and behavioral health crises, as opposed to potential criminal activity.
- What about Fairfax? The Board and County staff have worked over the years to be sure we have a number of programs that address mental health crises. Through Diversion First, the deployment of mobile crises units, and the Police Department's Crisis Intervention Training, officers are able to prevent unnecessary harms. These efforts however, should be reviewed and potentially enhanced.
- What happened? The Board voted to direct County staff to review and report our 911 dispatch and response system to enhance our Diversion First strategies by implementing systems for the deployment of trained unarmed professionals in instances where mental and behavioral health are the principal reason for the call. Moreover, staff should look at models such as CAHOOTS in Eugene, Oregon for consideration.
Confederate Statues
- What happened? We voted to authorize a public hearing this fall on the possible removal, relocation, or contextualization of Confederate statues at the Judicial Center that the County controls.
- Anything else? On a different schedule, staff has been directed by the Board to develop a full Countywide inventory of Confederate statues, memorials, and place names to further consider.
- Why is this important? Symbols matter – They reflect the priorities and the values of a community. If we are committed to equity, we need to have serious conversations about the removal of items that memorialize the Confederacy. Holding a public hearing will allow our residents to be a part of these complex conversations.
Discrimination in Public Employment
- Why now? The Virginia General Assembly prohibited this year discrimination in public employment on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity.
- What changed? The legislation took effect on July 1, however the Board had to vote to amend Fairfax County's Code. Today, the Board voted to amend the County Code to prohibit the discrimination described in the bill.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
- Teletherapy is now available.
- If you live with a partner who threatens your safety, you are probably concerned about your child’s safety, too. It’s best to plan before a crisis. See more information here.
- Learn how to manage feelings of frustration and anger to keep your family safe here.
Housing Resources
- For assistance with rent (or utilities and food), please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880.
- The line is multilingual and Fairfax County doesn't ask for immigration status.
- Find out if you are covered by the Federal Eviction Moratorium or other protections.
- Search this database to see if your residence is covered.
- Stay Home Virginia, provides resources for renters, homeowners, landlords, and the homeless.
- For FCRHA residents: If you are experiencing difficulties in meeting monthly rent payment, you should contact your assigned housing specialist.
- Virginia Poverty Law Center: Call the Eviction Helpline, 833-NOEVICT (833-663-8428) in English and Spanish.
- Legal Services of Northern Virginia: Call 703-778-6800 from 9:30am-12:30pm and from 1:30-3:30pm, Monday-Thursday.
- Your rights as a tenant during the outbreak can be found here.
How you can help
- NV Rides, a collaborative of community-based volunteer driver programs, needs volunteers to drive vulnerable seniors.
- All drivers and riders are asked to wear masks and observe physical distancing protocols.
- Grow a Row FC is seeking volunteers to join its community-wide effort to grow fresh produce for Food for Others and its food pantry partners.
- Fairfax County is accepting donations of PPE and various supplies for the Office for Children Childcare Program. See what is needed here.
Other News:
- Some Fairfax County Government buildings have resumed in person services. See what's available here. We still recommend however, taking advantage of services online or by phone.
- All Fairfax County Public Library branches are open for express services as well.
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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:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- 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. It is now required in Virginia.
- 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 9am-7pm weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends: 703-267-3511
- Email: [email protected]. This account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8am-8pm.
- Inova has a helpful FAQ.
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We recognize that we are in very trying times, but I hope you see in these newsletters that positive change has occurred over the last several months.
As I often say, we are truly lucky to live in Fairfax County where we have the resources to overcome challenges and a community who rises to the occasion.
Jeffrey C. McKay
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