March 17, 2020

To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:

With so many of us out of our normal routines and staying close to home, teleworking, or taking care of children who are out of school, it is more important than ever that we stay connected. This is our new normal for at least a few weeks to come. I am committed to keeping you up to date on what we can do locally and how the coronavirus is impacting our community. Please stay in touch through social media: Twitter , Facebook and Instagram or email at [email protected] . County and Health Department resources are provided for you below.

A great example of helping our community stay connected is an effort by Shepherd’s Center to coordinate a “friendly caller” program and have residents reach out with phone calls to our older adults who may be feeling isolated. If you would like to participate in their program and request a senior to befriend, call 703-281-5038 or email [email protected] You may also want to replicate this idea in your neighborhood to coordinate a community effort to call seniors and drop off food and necessities.

Today’s Updates (March 17):

Budget Town Hall Postponed
Due to the uncertainty of the impacts of coronavirus on county operations and resources, I am postponing my budget town hall until we have a better picture of where we stand with county projections for revenue and expenditures in FY 2021. It is very important that you have a voice in the budget process and I will reschedule as soon as it is appropriate. In the meantime, I welcome your comments and questions on the budget priorities by email at [email protected] Information on the proposed FY 2021 budget can be found at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget/advertised-budget-plan

Declaration of a Local State of Emergency
This morning the Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency for Fairfax County. Declaring a local state of emergency allows for the county and private businesses to be eligible for state and federal resources. Learn more

Metro Service Further Reduced to Support Essential Trips Only
Effective tomorrow, March 18 and continuing until further notice—Metro service will operate as follows:
Metrorail:
  • Rail system hours and service levels are further reduced to support ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY. DO NOT TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY and follow guidance from your state and local authorities.
  • New hours: Weekdays 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat/Sun 8 a.m to 11 p.m.
  • Trains will run every 15 minutes on each line at all times, including the Red Line. All trains will operate with eight cars, the maximum possible length, to help maintain social distancing between customers.
  • Metro’s Rail Operations Control Centers (two) will actively monitor trains and station platforms for any possible crowding, something that has not been an issue at any point during the pandemic emergency response.
  • Metro is reducing/cancelling track work, except emergency maintenance and inspections, to avoid unexpected delays and maintain 15-minute intervals between trains.
Metrobus:
  • Bus hours and service levels are further reduced to support ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY. DO NOT TRAVEL UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY and follow guidance from your state and local authorities.
  • Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule, with supplemental service on selected routes to prevent crowding and ensure areas are not cut off. Visit wmata.com for information about “supplemental” routes that will operate, in addition to Sunday routes.
  • IMPORTANT: Bus operators are granted the authority to bypass bus stops to maintain safe social distancing aboard the vehicle.
  • These actions reduce the number of Metro employees and buses required to maintain service by more than 60 percent.
MetroAccess:
  • All subscription trips are cancelled until further notice. Customers with a critical need to travel should make a separate reservation calling 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535) or via the online reservation system.


Update From Governor Northam Includes State Support for Employees and Businesses
The Governor announced new measures today, learn more .

Most Court Cases Canceled Following State Supreme Court Order
The Supreme Court of Virginia  declared a judicial emergency , and it ordered that all non-essential, non-emergency proceedings for circuit and district courts be suspended. Learn more .

Child Care Programs: What You Need to Know
To address concerns of both child care programs and families, following are some resources that may be helpful: https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2020/03/17/covid-19-and-child-care-programs-what-you-need-to-know/

Contact Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) for Basic Needs Assistance
Fairfax County’s  Coordinated Services Planning  (CSP) team provides access and referrals to both county and community-based resources for Fairfax County residents in need. Learn more .

FCPS Expands Grab and Go Meal Distribution Sites to 39 Countywide
Fairfax County Public Schools is expanding the number of grab and go meal sites beginning Wednesday, March 18. A total of 39 sites will serve food to FCPS students. Learn more .

Stay Informed


Respectfully,
Walter