Hunter Mill District News, March 31, 2020

March 31, 2020 To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors: At today's Board of Supervisors' Budget Committee meeting we had a very sobering discussion on the FY 2021 Budget. As the county's budget director explained, there is still a lot we don't know regarding the implications of the pandemic on the county's revenue, as well as the costs associated with helping residents and impacted county operations. For example, the county's School Age Child Care (SACC) program brings in $4.2 million revenue a month when school is open - that's lost revenue since schools are closed. There are many other examples, including the loss of sales tax revenue on things like cars and furniture, or the hotel occupancy tax. I understand that it could be May until we get a clear picture of the adjustments on our revenue and costs, but I promise to keep you informed as we go through the budget process. For your review, here is the presentation we had today. Important upcoming dates for you to know: April 7: County Executive Bryan Hill anticipates that an updated FY 2021 proposal will be sent to the Board of Supervisors. April 8: I am scheduling a virtual budget town hall at 7 p.m. My staff and I are still working out the details to enable your participation. I will get that information out to you as soon as it is available through this newsletter, as well as my social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. April 14-16: Public hearings on the FY 2021 budget - video and written testimony is encouraged and an online form will also be available. More information is forthcoming on how to provide input in these formats. Respectfully, Walter   Today's Updates (March 31) Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District Daily reported numbers as reported by the Virginia Department of Health are here. 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 Trash and Yard Waste Collection Changes Explained Several changes to Fairfax County’s trash and recycling collection were announced last Friday, March 27. The changes, which went into effect Monday, March 30, are temporary and in response to the current public health emergency. Learn more. Scam Slam Audios: Stay Alert for Coronavirus Scams Scammers have been setting up web sites, fake emails, texts and social media posts to raise money for phony charity projects and to sell fake safety measures and unproven treatments. Some emails claim to be from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. What you need to know. 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.

March 31 Joint Statement from the Chief Elected Officials of the National Capital Region

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Stay at Home orders yesterday for their respective jurisdictions. Today, chief local elected officials of suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia released the following joint statement: “As the chief elected officials of 21 local governments in the National Capital Region, we are joining in one voice to implore each of the more than five and a half million individuals in our region to stay home unless you are performing an essential activity as permitted by authorities. This is the most important thing each of us can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the threat to our most vulnerable neighbors, including older individuals and those with chronic health conditions." Read more.

Resources and Updates

Census Have you filled out your 2020 Census yet? The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count of the nation's population. For each resident who does not respond to the census, Fairfax County could lose $12,000 in potential funding over the course of a decade. Please take a few minutes to fill out yours today! #FFXCounts 2020 Census Information County Operations Trash and Recycling Changes Effective Monday, March 30 Effective Monday, March 30, the county's Solid Waste Management Program is changing collection requirements for trash and recycling haulers and changing service levels at the county’s two disposal sites. These changes included the suspension of the collection of yard waste and glass recycling at purple containers countywide. Learn more. Fairfax County Government Buildings Closed to the Public 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.   Fairfax County Extends Tax Payment Deadlines for Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes The Board of Supervisors approved a one month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes. The board took action today at its March 24 meeting to assist taxpayers during the coronavirus outbreak. 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.   Park Authority Closes All Parks; Trails Remain Open All county Park Authority parks and amenities are closed to the public until further notice. This change is in response to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s order to close public access to recreational facilities. Park Authority closures include parking lots, athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation. Learn more. Health New Health Department Call Center Hours The Health Department’s Coronavirus Call Center has changed it hours.The Call Center, which can be reach at 703-267-3511 with coronavirus questions, is now open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Learn more. 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. Explaining the Increase in Positive Cases; 4 Ways We Can Stop Coronavirus from Spreading Right Now Our COVID-19 case numbers will continue to increase, but we do have some control over how fast that increase occurs and how high it goes. Experience from other disease pandemics and from other countries that have already experienced COVID-19 outbreaks show that several measures can make an enormous difference. 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 How to Help Your Neighbors in Need in Hunter Mill District I encourage everyone who can to consider volunteering or donating to assist our local community organizations noted below or through your own faith community or civic organization. Here's how to help. Unemployment Resources Available through Virginia Career Works Centers 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. Human Services: Assistance From a Distance There are many online and phone/hotline services available for residents in need of human services support, including for domestic/sexual violence services, older adults and people with disabilities. Get help. 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: ·   U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ·   Fannie Mae ·   Freddie Mac Police 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 Online Survey: Public Input Sought on Preferred Plan for Herndon-Reston Area Bus Service The community meetings for the Preferred Plan for Herndon-Reston Area Bus Service have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. Residents can provide input via an online survey at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/reston-herndon-bus-service-review-survey-preferred. The survey will be open until further notice. Comments can also be mailed to Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033. You can also email feedback. Metro to Close Additional 17 Stations and Selected Entrances Amid low-ridership and the need to conserve critical cleaning supplies during COVID-19 response, Metro announced the strategic closing of 17 additional stations, effective Thursday, March 26. Learn more. Seven Fairfax Connector Routes Changing Today Due to McLean and Van Dorn Metro Station Closures While Fairfax Connector continues to operate at full service, the bus system will alter its routes that serve the McLean and Van Dorn Metro stations starting today, March 26. Learn more. 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 Election Residents of the Town of Vienna are encouraged to vote absentee by mail for the May 5 town election. For more information, including how to get your absentee ballot by mail, go to the Office of Elections web page.