April 2, 2020
To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:
While many of our county employees are able to telework, many others including our public safety staff are continuing to support critical county operations at their work sites and in the community. If you see one of these employees, whether a police officer, firefighter, sheriff's deputy or 9-1-1 call taker, please thank them for their service! I was happy to learn that local businesses have generously supported Reston District Station police officers with much appreciated donations, including Starbucks and Nando's - as shown above with PFC Katy Defoe and PFC David Bonner.
Also a reminder that some changes have been made to our public safety processes to keep these employees safe as they continue to work directly with the public. For example, enhancements have been made to the Police Department's Community Reporting System so you can make certain police reports over the phone. Learn more and help support public safety in our county.
Respectfully,
Walter
Today's Updates (April 2)
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District
Daily reported numbers as reported by the Virginia Department of Health are here.
Fairfax County Courts Further Postpone Dockets Due to the Coronavirus
The Fairfax County courts are making new changes to their schedules and procedures in response to the coronavirus, including further postponing dockets. Learn more.
Be Sure You Have a COVID-19 Plan in Place for Your Pets
Eight D.C., Maryland and Virginia animal welfare organizations — including Fairfax County’s Animal Shelter — are uniting to urge the community to have a plan in place for your beloved companion animals. Learn more.
Answers to Many Basic Needs Questions (Food, Utilities, Evictions) Can Be Found Online
Residents in need of assistance for the first time may not know where to start. Coordinated Services Planning provides resources including food/utility/rent. Learn more.
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A Kaiser Family Foundation poll that was reported today in The Washington Post indicates that almost half of the nation feels that the pandemic has harmed their mental health. If you are struggling during these difficult times, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) has a wealth of information and resources available for you to access. Although county facilities are closed, you can still get assistance online and by phone. If you have questions, call CSB at 703-383-8500, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. In the video below, Marla Zometsky, manager of CSB's wellness, health promotion and prevention team, reminds us to take care ourselves emotionally, stressing the importance of staying socially connected — and how to do that.
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Update on FY 2021 Proposed Budget
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The budget implications of our pandemic emergency will be significant and it is difficult to know what they will be as this continues to be an unprecedented and fast-changing emergency. I understand it could be until May when we get a clear picture of how this affects the county's revenues and costs. I promise to keep you informed as we go through the budget process. For your review, here is the presentation that was provided to the Board of Supervisors' Budget Committee on March 31.
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.
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Small Business
Updated Information for Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus
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
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.
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
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
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.
Making Home a Safer Place for Domestic Violence Survivors During the Pandemic
With the unemployment rising and bills mounting, these additional pressures during the already stressful coronavirus pandemic could lead to an increase in domestic violence. Learn more.
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:
Public Safety
Keeping Public Safety Employees Safe During the Coronavirus
Please help us keep our public safety employees safe! Note that there are changes in processes if you seek help from Police, Fire and Rescue, 9-1-1 call takers or Sheriff’s deputies. Learn more.
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
Metro to Close Additional 17 Stations and Selected Entrances
Seven Fairfax Connector Routes Changing Today Due to McLean and Van Dorn Metro Station Closures
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.
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