Coronavirus Response in Fairfax County
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Fairfax County Health Department Announces Two New “Presumptive Positive” Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19)
The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting two additional presumptive positive cases for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Information about the additional cases:
- The first case is an individual in her 40s who was in close contact with a positive COVID-19 case linked to Christ Church in Georgetown. The individual developed respiratory symptoms on March 3 and sought medical care on March 11 but was not hospitalized. Specimens were collected and sent to the Virginia state laboratory for testing. The individual is currently doing well and is isolated at home.
- The second case is an individual in his 60s who had contact with a positive COVID-19 case reported by Department of Defense. The individual developed respiratory symptoms on March 5 and was hospitalized on March 11. Specimens were collected and sent to the Virginia state laboratory for testing. The individual is currently hospitalized.
The Health Department is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health and local health care providers to identify additional people who came in close contact with these individuals in order to decrease the spread of the illness. Those identified as close contacts will be self-quarantined and actively monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms. If they start experiencing symptoms, they will immediately undergo testing.
The total number of cases in the Fairfax Health District is now 6. These cases include 4 cases already reported - two in Fairfax County and two in the City of Fairfax. The results are considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has not yet occurred for any of the cases.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The Health Department recommends that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses
:
- Individuals at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions should avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, or places where large groups of people congregate, such as ticketed events (such as theaters, concert halls, and sporting events).
- Abstain from all cruise ship travel, as suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, except to get medical care.
- Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.
- Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19.
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If you’re struggling with mental health issues during this stressful time, please visit the resources below for help.
- Community Services Board Mental Health Emergency Services 703-573-5679 or visit 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive.
- The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, in partnership with PRS CrisisLink, offers a suicide prevention text line in Fairfax. Anyone can text "CONNECT" to 855-11 and a PRS CrisisLink volunteer will respond within minutes. You can also call 703-527-4077, any time 24/7.
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis hotline by texting 741741
- Contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
- Veteran's Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
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- In support of the governor’s announcement today, and in response to the ongoing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in our region, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will close schools through April 10.
- The operating status of SACC has not been determined at this time.
- The staff development day scheduled for Monday, March 16, is postponed. School offices and central offices will be open on Monday, March 16.
- FCPS schools will be open Monday, March 16, for students and staff to access their belongings as well as providing laptops or other digital devices for students in grades 3-8 who do not have access at home.
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As we confront school closures and disruption to our daily lives, Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to providing information to assist families that rely on free and reduced priced school meals.
FCPS will be providing emergency meals at no cost for students at five sites. Meals were served at these sites today, March 13, with plans to expand to additional schools next week. We are coordinating with community partners to ensure the locations and timing of food centers and pantries are being communicated with FCPS families.
Breakfast will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations:
- Bailey’s Elementary School, 6111 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church
- Hutchison Elementary School, 13209 Parcher Avenue, Herndon
- Hybla Valley Elementary School, 3415 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria
- London Towne Elementary School, 6100 Stone Road, Centreville
- Burke School, 9645 Burke Lake Road, Burke
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School-age students are welcome to come to any of the five sites to pick up a meal during these time periods.
All meals are available at no cost to children 18 years and under. Adult lunches are available for purchase for $2.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
provides access and referrals to both government and community based resources for Fairfax County residents in need. If you are facing difficulties - including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, healthcare and more other needs, please call (703) 222-0880 for assistance.
Click
here
to learn about additional food resources in every part of Fairfax County.
Food for Others
Food for Others has three food distribution programs and sites all around the neighborhood. Bring a picture ID with a current address.
Click
here
to view neighborhood sites.
Other places you can go for food *
Every Saturday
Columbia Baptist
3245 Glen Carlyn Road
Falls Church, VA 22041
(703) 820-6910
9:30am – 12:00noon
4th Saturday of the month
St. Stephens UMC
9203 Braddock Road
Burke, VA 22015
(703) 978-8724
7:30am – 9:00am
4th Saturday of the month
Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
6304 Lee Chapel Road
Burke, VA 22152
(703) 455-7500
9:00am – 11:00am
*Please call the organization beforehand in case procedures have changed.
Other County Resources
For help with rent, utilities, housing services, clothing, jobs, health services, and other needs, please contact the following services:
Emergency Information and Referral Services
From anywhere in Northern Virginia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, dial 2-1-1
Aunt Bertha – Connecting People and Programs:
On this website you will be connected with social service programs and organizations based on your zip code. Click
here
to visit.
County Services: Fairfax
County
Coordinated Services Planning
(703) 222-0880
Open Monday – Friday, 8:30 – 4:30 pm
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This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available.
- Call (703) 267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.
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In accordance with George Mason University’s recent announcements and out of an abundance of caution due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) spread in our region, George Mason University and Monumental Sports & Entertainment have decided to close EagleBank Arena to the public through April 3, 2020.
Click
here
to learn more.
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