July 21, 2020
To the Fairfax County Community,

Today, the Fairfax County Public School Superintendent recommended to the School Board that FCPS begin the school year virtually. I know there are differing opinions on this topic among School Board members and I respect the hard choices that have to be made. As a parent of two FCPS students myself, like so many families and teachers, I have also struggled for the right answer.

In light of this, I wanted to discuss our collaboration with FCPS as we prepare for the fall. During this process, I have offered the support of the Board and continue to be in conversation with the School Board Chair and the Superintendent. Our Health Department has also been meeting weekly with FCPS staff since February and has met with the School Board at least three times recently to provide information and help with guidance.

FCPS must use the critical health data we have presented to them as well as many other factors to decide the best way to return to school.

We all want to be as safe as possible. Frankly, as much as I wish the Health Department had all the answers, they do not. In fact this pandemic has proven to be a daily roller coaster that is not easily predictable.

In last Thursday's newsletter, I detailed Fairfax County's data. It is looking positive. Our Health Department is working on all cylinders to expand contact tracing and testing capacity to make sure we are ready for the months ahead. Whatever the decision may be, it does not replace protective behaviors such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask. We must continue to work together to slow this virus. I look forward to continuing to work with FCPS to support their decision once its final and help in all ways possible to support the community as we move forward in this new world.

See below for the full July 21 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.
Committee Meetings
Economic Advisory Committee

  • The increased funding announced last week for the Fairfax RISE small business grant program will extend grants to 1,800 additional applicants.
  • The first round of funding offered grants to 2,000 small business applicants.
  • This is important because the majority of loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program went to large business in the County.
  • The EDA hired a consultant to develop an Economic Recovery Framework. They will provide a report in four months with an overview of economic conditions, summary of gaps in support, and recommendations.
  • View meeting materials here.
  • Learn about the options available for businesses here.

Environmental Committee

  • The Board focused on green initiatives as an important path to restarting our economy.
  • We recognize that equity is at the center of creating sustainable economies. Marginalized communities are disproportionately affected during tough economic times and often feel the first effects of poor environmental health.
  • I requested that staff examine a “green bank” for Fairfax County that would provide loans and other funding opportunities for green businesses that are viable but may not attract funding.
  • Both Montgomery County and Washington DC have green banks that target funding to low and middle income communities.
  • The current COVID-19 crisis and its impact on our economy can be an opportunity. Our economic recovery framework is being developed to highlight strategies that will support an environmentally sustainable and inclusive economy.
  • View meeting materials here.

Public Safety Committee

  • This week we will be launching a new public safety reform website. It will be a central page for all existing and future public safety data and serve as a catalogue for policy questions and suggestions.
  • Use of Force Research Study
  • In February of this year, at the direction of the Board, the Independent Police Auditor chose a research team at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Cincinnati to study use of force in Fairfax County.
  • The lead researcher, Dr. Michael Smith, at UTSA provided an overview of the study's progress.
  • The results of the study will likely come in the second quarter of 2021.
  • The scope of the study:
  • Evaluate UOF data for 2016-2018.
  • Understand how the factors of gender, race, and ethnicity contribute to UOF by Fairfax police.
  • Examine rates and levels of force for persons of different races and ethnicities.
  • Other information that will be examined: Demographics of officers involved, geographic factors, population factors of the County, arrest data, and calls for service.
  • The study will also provide a series of recommendations to the County and the Police Department.
  • View meeting materials here.

Land Use Policy Committee:
 
  • There’s been a lot of progress on our Zoning Ordinance Amendment Work Program, with 82% of identified items either adopted or in progress.
  • This year’s work program saw several major accomplishments, such as updates to community garden guidelines, outdoor lighting, and regional mall parking rates. The goal is to keep our ordinance modern and flexible.
  • 2020 Work Program topics currently under review and to come, include: Adult Day Care Centers, Affordable Housing Initiatives, Green Initiatives, and a review of our Short-Term Lodging Ordinance.
  • Johnson Aviation Consulting provided us with a review of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Noise Contour Map Update for Dulles Airport. This analysis and review of our comprehensive plan for this area will help us make informed decisions about land use planning and noise mitigation around Dulles International Airport.
  • View meeting materials here.
Other Updates
Virginia Workplace Safety Standards

  • The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board approved temporary, emergency standards that are anticipated to take effect the week of July 27.
  • The newly adopted standards require all employers to:
  • Mandate social distancing measures and face coverings for employees in customer-facing positions and when social distancing is not possible.
  • Regularly clean high-contact surfaces, including bathrooms and shared tools or equipment.
  • Provide easy and frequent access for employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
  • Assess workplaces for potential hazards that can cause exposure to COVID-19 and put in place an Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan for high-risk employees.
  • Notify all employees within 24 hours if a coworker tests positive for the virus.
  • Regulations also require additional steps be taken for employees that have a medium to higher risk of exposure to the disease.
  • Workers can file a complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration online or call 800-321-6742.
  • Read more.

Other headlines:

  • Be sure to check out the Community Market at the Workhouse Arts Center. They are Saturdays through August, 9am-1pm.
  • Tips for disinfecting at home can be found here.
Health
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.
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
Contact the Office

[email protected] | 703.324.2321 |