Hunter Mill District News, April 29, 2020

April 29, 2020 To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors: As we move ahead in this new “normal” and keep our county government operating, I want you to know that your Hunter Mill District staff is diligently working to assist you. Despite working from seven different locations, we are meeting virtually by video every day on Microsoft Teams (you can see several of us in the photo). This has allowed us to collaborate and stay on top of issues that affect you even beyond the pandemic, including many transportation, land use, human services, and public safety issues, and more. I don't know yet when we'll be back together again in the North County Governmental Center, but I assure you that a lot of work is being done on your behalf! Beyond the Hunter Mill District staff are the thousands of county employees who are teleworking and thousands more who continue to report to work sites while following safety guidelines, including police officers, nurses, scientists, firefighters, EMTs, 9-1-1 call takers, bus drivers, landfill employees, budget and IT staff – and many more. In many instances, they are finding new and creative ways to make sure we can continue to serve our residents. Take a look at some of these efforts to help keep Fairfax County strong. Finally, with a nice weekend on the horizon, I encourage you again to support our restaurants in the Hunter Mill District with takeout and delivery. Our small businesses need our support to get through the pandemic. Two resources for locations, hours and other info: Reston restaurants from the Reston Citizens Association and Vienna restaurants from the Vienna Business Association.  Respectfully, Walter For the latest updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram How to Help Your Neighbors in Need in Hunter Mill District 

Today's Updates (April 29)

Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District Daily reported numbers for the Fairfax Health District are here through the county's new dashboard. In addition, you can get information on COVID-19 cases throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia here. NOTE: Governor Northam announced today at his press conference that case information by zip code will be available in the next few days. Fairfax County Now Offers COVID-19 Text Messages in Spanish  To sign up, text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777. This is a free, anonymous service provided through Fairfax Alerts, the county’s text and email emergency alert system. Learn more. Learn How the County's Outreach Team is Working with Multicultural Communities It is well documented that COVID-19 is negatively impacting communities of color across the country. Fairfax County is no different. Enter the Health Department's Outreach Team. Learn more.

Southgate Center Food Distribution for Youth

Beginning today, Wednesday, April 29, Southgate Community Center will distribute “grab and go” supper meals for youth up to age 18. The hours are Monday through Friday, 3 to 4:30 p.m. In addition, youth can also pick up activity bags on Mondays, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Southgate Community Center is located at 12125 Pinecrest Road in Reston. For more information, please call 703-860-0676.

Public Hearings Continue Today and Tomorrow

The Board of Supervisors held our first round of virtual public hearings yesterday afternoon (April 28), with close to 30 people providing testimonies on a number of topics related to the proposed FY 2021 budget. These hearings continue today, April 29 and tomorrow, April 30 at 3 p.m. You can watch on the county's live stream or video on demand after the public hearing has concluded. Learn more about the budget.

Reston Farmers Market to Open May 9

An update on Farmers Markets from the County's Park Authority: "Over the next two weeks, the Fairfax County Park Authority will reopen garden plots and open some seasonal Farmers Markets with conditions that allow for compliance with the Governor’s orders related to current social distancing and safety guidelines. All garden plots will reopen today, Wednesday, April 29. The gradual re-opening of Farmers Markets will begin May 9 in a phased approach for the markets and as resources allow. Garden plots and markets have been closed since mid-March. During the closure, Park Authority staff and volunteers worked to develop a plan that safely meets all social distancing recommendations aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19.   On May 9, the gradual opening of Fairfax County Farmers Markets will begin. Openings will be based on our ability to properly resource staff and volunteers and conduct markets in a manner that supports the guidelines of the Governors’ safety boundaries. These include social distancing, group size limits, minimizing touch and sanitation restrictions geared to protect the customer and market staff and volunteers.      The schedule for market openings: Reston Farmers Market, Lake Anne Shopping Center, Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. to noon Burke Farmers Market, Saturday, May 16, Burke VRE Parking Lot, 8 a.m. to noon Mount Vernon/McCutcheon Farmers Market, Wednesday, May 13, 8 a.m. to noon.  Following this initial opening of the three markets we will evaluate operations, staffing needs, volunteer resources, and our ability to procure personal protective equipment. We remain hopeful that initial success, subsequent review and the flexibility to make any needed changes will allow us to open all our markets in a timely fashion.   A public announcement providing further details about Farmers Market openings will be shared on Friday, May 1. This announcement will contain operational details regarding pre-orders, plans for limited contact sales and distribution and other mechanisms by which we can help ensure safe operation of these markets. SNAP will not be offered initially in order to determine how it can be safely administered. Farmer’s Market information can be found online. Beginning today, April 29, all 671 garden plots will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Access to the plots will be available via nearby and adjacent parking lots that will be staffed and will open only to accommodate gardeners. Other park amenities currently closed, remain closed. All garden plot rules apply except for active gardening deadlines. For example, gardeners must self-sanitize water hydrants after use and no tools may be shared. Enhanced guidelines are intended to protect both gardeners and our staff. Gardeners will be notified of the impending opening and the above guidelines via email and gardeners will be expected to comply with all COVID 19 health and social distancing requirements.   We are thankful these phased openings will begin in earnest as they provide our community another source of healthy food and support small business and the agricultural community. These are the first of several system re-openings we anticipate in the coming weeks and months."   Thank you Fairfax County Park Authority Board and staff!

Resources and Updates

Small Business Apply for Small Business Microloan Program beginning April 28. Fairfax County is offering a $2.5 Million fund to support small business recovery. Along with the Federal CARES programs, the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Fund and associated counseling will help our business community with needed relief. Learn more.  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. Support Local Restaurants with Takeout or Delivery Visit Fairfax is now providing a restaurant Take Out Trail Guide; check it out and help support local businesses: Learn more. 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 Residents Discouraged from Taking Yard Waste to Fairfax County Transfer Station or Landfill  Fairfax County residents are strongly discouraged from taking their yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill. Learn more. Trash and Recycling Changes Effective Monday, March 30 Effective Monday, March 30, the county's Solid Waste Management Program changed collection requirements for trash and recycling haulers and changing service levels at the county’s two disposal sites. These changes include the suspension of the collection of yard waste and glass recycling at purple containers countywide. Learn more. Fairfax County Courts Further Postpone Dockets Due to the Coronavirus The Fairfax County courts have made changes to their schedules and procedures in response to the coronavirus, including further postponing dockets. 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 What Apartment Residents and Building Owners Can Do to Limit the Spread of Coronavirus People who live in apartments or condos should consider additional steps they can take to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Learn more. Safety Tips for Employees and Employers While many of us are able to work from home during the pandemic, some of us still must report to an office, store or job site to do our work. Employees and employers can take steps to stay healthy and limit the spread of the coronavirus. Learn more. CDC Recommends Wearing Simple Cloth Face Coverings in Public Learn more. Information on COVID-19 Case Reporting in the Fairfax Health District  Learn more. COVID-19 and Kids: The Problem with Playdates If your kids go outside, it is important to maintain social distance of at least six feet from anyone from outside their own household. Learn more. 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 50+ Podcast on Coping with Social Isolation Listen to this helpful podcast with Phyllis Miller Palombi, a Reston-based marriage and family therapist, who is the Hunter Mill district representative on the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Listen. County Adds Four More Ways to Help You Get Assistance from a Distance Four new options are being added to the menu of Assistance from a Distance opportunities provided by the county to help ease strain and stress on residents and staff. Learn more. Spiritual Support by Phone Available for Older Adults To provide support during these unique times, the Fairfax County Spiritual Support Team is now offering spiritual support by telephone for adults age 60 and over in our community. Learn more. New Language Portal The county has created a portal with vital COVID-19 related information in one place and includes translation content in our top seven non-English languages, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi. Learn more. Geospatial Resources Platform The Geospatial Resources Platform highlights applications with data relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic in Fairfax County. Some examples are: Food resources with food pantries, FCPS grab-n-go locations, and other nonprofit sites. Healthcare resources with hospital, urgent care, respiratory clinic, and pharmacy locations. Grocery stores that support seniors shopping during special hours.  Video Playlist Provides Coronavirus Information in American Sign Language This video play list provides access to nearly a dozen videos presented in American Sign Language, including "When to Get Medical Care" at left. Learn more. Social Security Administration Updates on COVID-19 Get updates on Social Security payments and how to get assistance here. Consider Alternate Means to Celebrate Religious Observances With many major religious observances approaching and evidence of community spread of COVID-19, residents are encouraged to consider alternative means of celebrating religious observances. Learn more. Legal Advice for COVID-19 Issues  Legal Services of Northern Virginia provides free legal advice to low-income, older adults and individuals with disabilities and is prepared to provide consultation on issues related to COVID-19 including unemployment claims, housing evictions and foreclosures and protective orders. Learn more. 4 Things to Know About Tenant-Landlord Rights While many things remain uncertain, here are some things to remember about tenant-landlord rights that may provide guidance. 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. 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.