March 19, 2020

To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:

These extraordinary times provide us with a special appreciation for the heroes in our midst – health care workers, food and pharmacy store employees, public safety officials including our police, fire, sheriff and 9-1-1 call takers, human services providers, other county employees and countless more who are on the front lines providing critical services. If you have the opportunity, please thank them for their service – they also have families and we depend on them to help us stay safe and healthy – please let them know you care.
 
We are in this together – please stay connected. To help with that I am providing regular updates on COVID-19 through social media: Twitter , Facebook and Instagram or email my office at [email protected] . County and Health Department resources are provided for you below, including where to get information on testing for COVID-19. Please check these resources regularly for updated information.
 
In addition, my coronavirus updates and other Hunter Mill District information can be found on the Hunter Mill District web page . 


Respectfully,
Walter


Today’s Updates (March 19):

Update on COVID-19 Testing in Fairfax County 
The county has created a new testing web page with updated information and a video from Dr. Ben Schwartz, our of director epidemiology and population health. New Testing Web Page .  

Update on Number of Cases in Fairfax Health District
This is a new web page with updates on cases with details. Coronavirus Case Information

Small Business News
  • Low-interest loans are now available for county businesses impacted by coronavirus. Learn more.
  • The Vienna Business Association has created a Facebook page to share information to the business community, as well as information you will find helpful including what businesses are open, hours, etc. Vienna Business Facebook Page
  • Fairfax County Economic Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) provides information on the coronavirus impact on region's economy. Read report.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration Update: https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
  • Watch this great video on how you can support our local businesses right here in Hunter Mill District: Video

Mental Health Resources
The outbreak of the coronavirus may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming. If you are struggling with mental health issues during this stressful time, Fairfax County has resources for help. Learn more .

Interactive Map to Find Food Resources, Services
Some of our neighbors in Hunter Mill District may have food assistance needs. To make it easier for you to find food resources, the county has developed a searchable map that includes all food distribution sites, including Fairfax County Public Schools, community meal distribution sites, food pantries and other related services. Please share this information with your neighbors and organizations. Learn more .

Housing Resources
Many residents may have concerns about mortgage payments and assistance. Here are suggested resources:

Special Hours at Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores in our area are offering special hours for older adults and others at higher risk to shop for essentials. Please check your store's web page or call them for more information.

Volunteer Fairfax
Volunteer Fairfax has resources for those seeking volunteers or how to sign up if you are able to volunteer, as well as donation needs, etc. Learn more .

Census
A reminder that if you haven't received your Census information in the mail, it is coming your way soon! It is critical that everyone fills out the 2020 Census, which you can do online and by other means. Learn more .

March 24 Board of Supervisors Meeting
The Board will be meeting next week with an altered agenda and in a different meeting space to accommodate social distancing guidelines. The meeting will begin at 3:30 pm on March 24 in Conference Room 11 of the Fairfax County Government Center. More information:
  • The Board will still vote on Administrative and Action Items. There will be no presentations or Board Matters. Here is the agenda.
  • All public hearings will be postponed except for those that require immediate attention. Those two are:
  • Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance to Amend and Readopt Fairfax County Code Section 7-2-13 and Relocate the Polling Places for the Lorton Precinct in the Mount Vernon District and the Nottoway Precinct in the Providence District
  • Public Hearing on the Draft Consolidated Plan One-Year Action Plan for FY 2021 for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • Should you wish to testify on those two items, your options are as follow:
  • Submit written testimony to [email protected]
  • Provide in-person testimony in Conference Room 6 in an appropriate, socially-distanced environment, which will be streamed to Conference Room 11
  • Submit a maximum 3-minute video testimony via email [email protected]


In Case You Missed it: Information from Previous Updates

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 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.



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
Fairfax County Public Schools expanded the number of grab and go meal sites Learn more .


Stay Informed