Issue 13
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who is helping to slow the spread of COVID-19. While the many changes to our daily life haven't been easy, they are necessary. I also want to thank you for your patience as we are asked to continue efforts that support a long-term approach to best ensure we are saving both lives and livelihoods.

As I shared in Issue 12, scientific data shows Northern Virginia has not met the metrics established by Governor Ralph Northam for moving into Phase One of Virginia Forward. Therefore, the governor is taking a regional approach which I've provided more information on in my lead section.

Additionally, I've shared how to access new detailed COVID-19 information on both state and county websites. You will also find specifics for obtaining free COVID-19 testing, commenting on several County transportation projects, this week's Board of County Supervisor's Meeting, a special acknowledgment, a few new videos on The Wheeler Connection, and a PWC Schools' naming deadline.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
COVID-19 Phase One
Northern Virginia
This week, Governor Northam issued Executive Order Sixty-Two
delaying the implementation of Phase One
of his Forward Virginia plan for our region until
11:59 pm on Thursday, May 28, 2020 .
The Governor's Executive Order states data revealed Northern Virginia
faces unique challenges related to COVID-19
compared to the rest of the Commonwealth including our
substantially higher percentage of positive tests for COVID-19.
Two specific indicators Governor Northam included in his Executive Order are:
  • The Northern Virginia Region has about a 25% positive test rate, while the rest of the Commonwealth is closer to 10%
  • On any given day, 70% of the Commonwealth’s positive cases are attributable to the Northern Virginia Region
COVID-19 Testing
Drive-Thru Announcement
As of Friday, May 15 drive-thru testing is available in the Dumfries and Manassas Walmart parking lots. The service is:
  • By appointment
  • For people who meet the CDC, state and local guidelines on testing
If you are interested in the drive-thru testing you must visit the Do I Need A COVID-19 Test website to both:
  • Confirm eligibility, and
  • Make an appointment.
Preparing for Phase One
I would like to thank, Governor Ralph Northam and his administration for being responsive to my request for community-based testing sites in Prince William County. Last week, I spoke to Virginia Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Dr. Janice Underwood, Prince William Emergency Management Coordinator, Brian Misner, Prince William Health District Director, Dr. Alison Ansher, and Virginia Department of Health staff members. Together, we mapped out potential testing sites.

Within 72-hours of our call, testing sites were selected and details finalized.We must have a full understanding of the impact of this virus in our local community. Below, you can find additional information.
Two-Day Free Community COVID-19 Testing
On Monday, May 18 , free COVID-19 testing will be available at the Hylton Memorial Chapel located at 14640 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192 between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

On Tuesday, May 19 , free COVID-19 testing will be available at Stonewall Jackson High School located at 8820 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA 20109 between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Both venues will provide drive-up and walk-up testing options.
The Virginia Department of Health will make testing results available by the end of the week.
Visit the County's COVID-19 website for additional information on:
  • All COVID-19 testing locations
  • COVID-19 contact tracing
  • Facts about COVID-19 testing
  • What you should do
Local COVID-19 Data
Information provided by our County and the State of Virginia continues to expand. Below are two websites and how to access key information on them.
Virginia Department of Health
Navigate the Local Demographic Information:
  • Scroll down the page COVID-19 Cases in Virginia Dashboard
  • Select the Demographics tab at the top of the Dashboard
  • On the Demographics page, in the Select Health District search window choose Prince William from the drop-down list
  • Use the radio buttons under Select Measure to see Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths
Prince William County COVID-19
Navigating the County Dashboard:
  • Scroll down the page to the Prince William County COVID-19 Dashboard (below the Virginia Department of Health information)
  • On the map, click on a zip code for a pop-up window of detailed information (if there are multiple pages use arrows at top of the window)
  • On the bottom of the map and the graphic block below it, use the tabs for additional information
  • In the blocks of information to the left of the map, use arrows at the top and bottom for additional information
Transportation
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) Deadline
Comment submissions for regional funding closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 24.
Of the 41 projects on the list vying for
at least $400 million in funding:

  • 10 are in Prince William County
  • 1 is in the Town of Dumfries

See Issue 12 for more information on transportation funding and the NVTA.
Submit your comments by 11:59 pm on Sunday, May 24 via:
Board of County Supervisors
Meeting

This week, the BOCS will hold our regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00 pm. There are no public hearings on the agenda.

You can participate in public comment time remotely. Advance sign-up is required by 5:00 pm on Monday, May 18 through SpeakUp! Prince William.
Acknowledgment
Foster Care Month
During the month of May, we celebrate and acknowledge all who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections. The more than 437,000 children and youth in foster care within the United States rely on foster parents, family members, volunteers, mentors, policymakers, child welfare professionals, and other members of the community.
New Content
Take A Look
I've recently added a few interesting videos to my YouTube Channel, The Wheeler Connection. I've placed them in the top 'Most Recent' section so you can easily find them.
From The Virginia Department Of Health (VDH):
  • Tips for everyday living with COVID-19 featuring the Deputy Commissioner of Population Health
  • The Challenges You Face featuring the State Health Commissioner
From Prince William County Schools:
  • Patriot High School distributes yard signs to the Class of 2020
  • PWCS winners of 2020 SkillsUSA Welding Competition
Town Elections
Time To Vote
The Towns of Haymarket, Occoquan and Quantico are holding their elections for Town Council seats. Ways to Vote:
  • Tuesday, May 19 - Absentee Ballot must be received at Board of Elections by 5:00 pm (deadline to request absentee ballot has passed)
  • Tuesday, May 19 - Election Day for curbside in-person voting at Town Hall 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
PWCS
Its Not Too Late
You still have time to help name our
13th High School opening next year! Submit your
naming ideas by Tuesday, May 19 . Visit Naming The 13th High School to submit ideas and learn more.
Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 470,000 residents.