May 26, 2020

Dear Neighbor,

Earlier today, Governor Ralph Northam announced that he plans to allow Northern Virginia to enter Phase 1 of reopening this Friday, May 29. This decision came after our region's health officials confirmed that we have met four of the Governor's six metrics necessary to begin easing restrictions, and are making rapid progress to meeting the remaining two -- adequate personal protective equipment and increased contact tracing.

Phase 1 will allow several types of businesses, including restaurants, barber shops, and beauty salons to reopen with strict capacity limits and restrictions. The ban on gatherings of more than ten people, social distancing guidelines, and telework recommendations will remain in place. You can learn more about Phase 1 here .

At 3:00 pm this Thursday, the Board of Supervisors will meet to consider adoption of an ordinance permitting restaurants and fitness facilities to operate outside, provided they comply with the Governor's Executive Orders and meet safety requirements. The ordinance should give our restaurants the flexibility they need to safely serve their customers. You can watch the meeting here.

Governor Northam also announced a mask or face covering requirement that will go into effect Friday, May 29. Masks or face coverings will be required:

  • Inside all brick and mortar retail establishments
  • Inside all personal care and grooming establishments
  • Inside places where people congregate
  • Inside food and beverage establishments, except when eating
  • On public transportation
  • When accessing state or local government services

Exceptions will include:

  • Children under ten years old 
  • While eating or drinking
  • While exercising
  • If one has trouble breathing or unable to remove the mask without help 
  • If one’s health conditions prohibit wearing a face covering

Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and President Trump's Opening Up America Again plan advise wearing face masks or cloth face coverings in public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by individuals who may not be aware they have the virus.

Continue reading for more information on:

  • Testing for COVID-19 Resource Guide
  • Cloth Face Coverings Needed
Yours in service,
Supervisor James Walkinshaw
Testing For COVID-19 Resource Guide
We would like to remind you that there is COVID-19 testing available in Fairfax County and surrounding jurisdictions.

If you have danger signs, such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in chest, confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face, call 911.  

Click here for a three page resource guide with action steps and local testing centers who are accepting uninsured patients.
Cloth Face Coverings Needed
The Health Department is asking for your support with the donation of sewn cloth face coverings to protect the most vulnerable within the community. The cloth face covering donations will support our nonprofit providers and the low-income client households they serve.

Hand-sewn cloth face coverings can be regularly laundered for long-term use.

Click here to donate.
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