May 20, 2020

To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:

We live in a great community so it was very upsetting to learn this morning that swastikas had been painted on sidewalks and buildings at North Point Shopping Center in Reston. Reston and the Hunter Mill District have a long history of inclusion and racial and ethnic diversity. Acts of hate will not be tolerated. And vandalism and hate crimes are both criminal acts. Throughout this pandemic we have witnessed tremendous community spirit and goodness and I am confident that will continue. The Police Department is investigating and I encourage anyone with information related to this incident to call the Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. 

What heartened me and I hope it will you, too, is that neighbors came together and bought food for the workers who were removing the spray paint. They left this thank you sign that is pictured above. We are Reston strong!

As we get closer to the Memorial Day weekend, I hope you have the opportunity to joyfully and respectfully celebrate our veterans who courageously fought for our county. In that vein I want to give a personal shout out to my father, the late Dr. Roy Alcorn, who served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army that fought and defeated the Nazis in 1945. Thank you dad and to all the others who fought in that war to right the course of history during the 20 th century.

This newsletter will return on Wednesday, May 27 with more updates on COVID-19 and other important issues that affect our community. 

Respectfully,
Walter


Today's Updates (May 20)
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
Please note that case information is now available by ZIP code through both the Fairfax Health District and Virginia Department of Health.
  • Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
  • Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.

COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of noon, May 20)
Five Things You Need To Know
  1. The parking lots and trails will be open at Park Authority parks countywide in time for the weekend, but bathrooms and many amenities are still closed. Enjoy, but please remember to continue social distancing and wear a mask when you leave home. Learn more.
  2. The closure of all Metrorail Orange and Silver Line stations in Fairfax County begins this weekend. Learn more about your alternative travel options, including shuttle service here. Also note that parking at the Wiehle-Reston-East Station will be free. More information.
  3. Do you sew? The Health Department is asking for your support with the donation of sewn cloth face coverings to protect the most vulnerable within the community. Learn more.
  4. Fairfax County's summer camps, Rec-PAC and summer SACC have been cancelled. More details
  5. Congratulations to the newly elected officials for the Town of Vienna! And congratulations also to the citizens of Vienna for a large voter turnout - more information.

Stuff the Bus is a Great Success!!
Thank you to all our generous Hunter Mill neighbors who dropped off donations for the Stuff the Bus events May 16 and 19. More than 33.6 tons (!!) of food was donated countywide to help meet the food needs of our communities during these unprecedented times.  That is nearly 1/3 of the total amount donated through Stuff the Bus over the previous nine years. The need continues, so if and when you can, please consider donating to our local nonprofits .
Silver Line Summer Closure Town Hall
Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik and I are participating in a town hall discussion with representatives of WMATA and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation regarding the summer closure of Metro's Silver Line. The virtual town hall is Thursday, May 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The town hall will be on the Webex platform. To attend, go to this link . You can also listen to the town hall on your phone by calling 1-408-418-9388 and use access code 714 059 416. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711.
Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Virtual Meeting on Tuesday, May 26
The Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force is meeting virtually on Tuesday, May 26, 7 to 9 p.m. The agenda includes the history of planning in Reston, examining elements of comprehensive planning and discussing topics for future meetings. 

More information , including Task Force members and January 2020 Board Matter that initiated plan study.

The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform - use this  link  to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and zip code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to only listen to the meeting on your phone, you may call 1-408-418-9388 and use access code: 718 006 323. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. Please note each meeting has a unique link and call-in information.
Updates and Resources
Small Business
Updated Information for Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus
This county web page provides the latest resources and information specifically for businesses and their employees. For questions that you may have on business restrictions, email business@virginia.gov If you have a specialized question you can contact the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives at DEI@fairfaxcounty.gov . Learn more .

Support Local Restaurants with Takeout or Delivery
Visit Fairfax is now providing a restaurant Take Out Trail Guide; check it out and help support local businesses:  Learn more .


County Operations
Composting at Home During Pandemic
With yard waste pickup temporarily halted to protect solid waste employees during the pandemic, residents may have yard waste materials readily available for composting. Learn more

To help limit the spread of the coronavirus, Fairfax County closed all  government buildings and facilities  to the public until further notice. However, the county government remains open for business online and by phone and mail and some specific services will continue to be provided in-person. Learn more .
 
County Fire Stations Close to Public
In order to protect the health of firefighters and medics, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue is closing all fire stations to the public, effective Friday, March 27, at 5 p.m. These closures are in coordination with the decision to close county government buildings  to the public. Learn more .

Animal Shelter Service/Program Updates
The Animal Shelter has cancelled activities and implemented temporary changes for several programs and services. Learn more.

Health 
What If I Contract COVID-19 and I’m Too Sick to Care for My Child?
It is critical that parents make a crisis plan now in case they become too sick to care for their children or ask for support. Our Department of Family Services offers some steps you can take to develop your plan.  Learn more .

County Still Seeks Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donations
Fairfax County Government continues to accept Personal Protective Equipment donations to assist county staff during the pandemic.  Learn more .

Fairfax County Now Offers COVID-19 Text Messages in Spanish 
To sign up, text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777. This is a free, anonymous service provided through Fairfax Alerts , the county’s text and email emergency alert system. Learn more .

What Apartment Residents and Building Owners Can Do to Limit the Spread of Coronavirus
P eople who live in apartments or condos should consider additional steps they can take to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Learn more .

Safety Tips for Employees and Employers
While many of us are able to work from home during the pandemic, some of us still must report to an office, store or job site to do our work. Employees and employers can take steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus .   Learn more .

CDC Recommends Wearing Simple Cloth Face Coverings in Public
COVID-19 and Kids: The Problem with Playdates
If your kids go outside, it is important to maintain social distance of at least six feet from anyone from outside their own household. Learn more .

Video: What Should You Do if You Get Sick from the Coronavirus?
In this video, two nurses from our Health Department provide guidance on what you can do at home to take care of yourself if you get sick with COVID-19. Watch

Social Distancing, Self-Isolating and Quarantine: What Do These Terms Mean?
We’ve all been hearing terms like “social distancing,” “self-isolating” and “quarantine” — but what do these terms mean and how do we use them to protect ourselves and others? Learn more .

Three Inova Respiratory Illness Clinics Open 
Inova Urgent Care locations at Dulles South, North Arlington and Tysons are staffing Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics also collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been ordered by physicians. Learn more .

Health Care Options for the Uninsured 
The county has a list of resources for the nearly 8% of residents without health insurance, including a list of clinics that offer low-cost or free medical care and pharmacies during the coronavirus outbreak. Learn more .


Human Services
Online and Phone Assistance for Victims of Abuse and People Needing Food, Medical and Employment Help
Department of Family Services Director Michael Becketts shares important phone numbers and online resources for victims of abuse , and for people needing food, medical, and employment assistance . Learn more .

Help with SNAP, Medicaid, Employment Assistance and More
For people applying for the first time, the process may seem complicated or intimidating. The county's Department of Family Services is available to help with financial, medical and employment assistance, from a distance, so residents can stay safe at home. Learn more .

50+ Podcast on Coping with Social Isolation
Listen to this helpful podcast with Phyllis Miller Palombi, a Reston-based marriage and family therapist, who is the Hunter Mill district representative on the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Listen .

County Adds Four More Ways to Help You Get Assistance from a Distance
Four new options are being added to the menu of Assistance from a Distance opportunities provided by the county to help ease strain and stress on residents and staff. Learn more .

Spiritual Support by Phone Available for Older Adults
To provide support during these unique times, the Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is now offering spiritual support by telephone for adults age 60 and over in our community. Learn more.

New COVID-19 Language Portal Now Available
The county has created a COVID-19 Language Porta l. The page features enhanced information and resources in several languages. Learn more .

Geospatial Resources Platform
The Geospatial Resources Platform highlights applications with data relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic in Fairfax County. Some examples are:
  • Food resources with food pantries, FCPS grab-n-go locations, and other nonprofit sites.
  • Healthcare resources with hospital, urgent care, respiratory clinic, and pharmacy locations.
  • Grocery stores that support seniors shopping during special hours. 

This v ideo play list  provides access to nearly a dozen videos presented in American Sign Language, including "When to Get Medical Care" at left. Learn more .

Social Security Administration Updates on COVID-19
Get updates on Social Security payments and how to get assistance here .

Legal Advice for COVID-19 Issues 
Legal Services of Northern Virginia provides free legal advice to low-income, older adults and individuals with disabilities and is prepared to provide consultation on issues related to COVID-19 including unemployment claims, housing evictions and foreclosures and protective orders. Learn more .

4 Things to Know About Tenant-Landlord Rights
While many things remain uncertain, here are some things to remember about tenant-landlord rights that may provide guidance. Learn more .

Answers to Many Basic Needs Questions (Food, Utilities, Evictions) Can Be Found Online
Residents in need of assistance for the first time may not know where to start. Coordinated Services Planning provides resources including food/utility/rent. Learn more .

Making Home a Safer Place for Domestic Violence Survivors During the Pandemic
With the unemployment rising and bills mounting, these additional pressures during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence. Learn more .

For those affected in our community, job seekers and employers have access to Virginia Career Works Centers a comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources delivered and coordinated through one-stop employment resource centers. Services are being offered online and by phone, so please reach out if you need assistance. 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:
·     Fannie Mae
·     Freddie Mac


Public Safety
For some people, home is not safe. For victims of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse, the isolation and stress of being trapped at home with their offenders puts them at increased risk of serious harm. Learn more .

Scam Slam Audio Series: Unfortunately, More Coronavirus Scams You Need to Know About T here are more scams we should be aware of including those related to shopping, mortgage relief and personal loans. Learn more

Fire Department Reminds Businesses To Maintain Clear Access To All Exits During the pandemic, businesses are rightfully taking a variety of safety measures to maintain physical distancing and reduce exposures. However, the county's Fire and Rescue Department is receiving messages of concern that exits are often being blocked, locked or otherwise restricted while the store is occupied. Learn more

Fire Chief Addresses Concerns 
In video at left, Fairfax County Fire Chief John S. Butler addresses the coronavirus situation and how the county’s fire and rescue personnel are addressing it — and what you can do to help.

Video: Police Chief Addresses Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns 
Watch video at left; learn more .

Keeping Public Safety Employees Safe During the Coronavirus 
Please help us keep our public safety employees safe! Note that there are changes in processes if you seek help from Police, Fire and Rescue, 9-1-1 call takers or Sheriff’s deputies. Learn more .

Beware of Door-to-Door Coronavirus Scams 
As the coronavirus public health emergency continues, scam artists are taking advantage the situation. This includes everything from selling products that supposedly will prevent, treat or cure the virus to asking for donations to aid people who are sick.  Learn more .

How to Report Non-Emergency Incidents
In order to responsibly maintain social distancing, the Fairfax County Police Department is asking residents to report eligible non-emergency incidents by using the online reporting system or calling the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. Learn more .


Transportation
Fairfax Connector Service Relocated as Construction at Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride Begins May 4 Learn more

Fairfax Connector Announces Service Reductions due to Impacts of COVID-19
Effective Saturday, April 11, temporary adjustments will be made to Fairfax Connector bus service due to reduced ridership from the impacts of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of passengers and operators. Learn more.


Utilities
List of Utilities Suspending Service Disconnections, Offering Other Billing Options
As COVID-19 impacts continue, area utility companies are taking actions to help offer relief during this time.  Learn more .  


Vienna
Town of Vienna Updates
Get the latest information on town operations and more here .


Wellness
Help Your Community, Take a Vacation and Learn Something New — All Without Leaving Your House 
There’s lots you can do and learn without ever leaving the house, as shown by this young man on the left! Try a science experiment, volunteer in your community or take a virtual vacation. Learn more .

Wellness Resources for You and Your Family 
To aid you, the people you care about and our community, the county has compiled a range of resources and information on a newly created Wellness Resources web page .
Stay Informed