May 15, 2020
To My Hunter Mill District Neighbors:
Wearing a face mask has become part of our new normal when we venture out in public to the grocery store, the farmers market, gas station, or for many people, to work. (You may not need them for your video conferences, but several of my staff modeled good mask habits during our staff meeting today.) I encourage everyone to get in the habit of wearing a mask when leaving home - it will take all of us working together to get through this pandemic. The CDC has helpful information on how to make your own face mask here or you can wear a bandana.
It looks like May weather has finally arrived so I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the weekend!
Respectfully, Walter
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Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District (see below) Please note that case information is now available by ZIP code through both the Fairfax Health District and Virginia Department of Health. - Daily reported case information for the Fairfax Health District: here and scroll down to get to ZIP Code data.
- Daily reported case information throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia: here and ZIP Code data look for Data Download bar.
Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, director of epidemiology and population health for the Fairfax County Health Department, gives answers on the status of COVID-19 testing in the Fairfax Health District and the role of testing in reopening. Read more.
May 15 data dashboard: |
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Message from Chairman McKay on Phase One Reopening |
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You should continue to protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19, stay at home, and employees should telework when possible. Social gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be banned. The governor’s order means Northern Virginia will remain in Phase Zero of the governor’s Forward Virginia plan, while other parts of the state will move into Phase One beginning today, May 15.
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Stuff the Bus is Saturday and Tuesday! |
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The county's Stuff the Bus food drive has served as a biannual effort to fill the shelves of local nonprofits’ food pantries. Because of the extraordinary events taking place due to the pandemic, the demand for food has surged, so Stuff the Bus is again stepping up to feed hungry people. The donations from this month's drive will benefit 11 nonprofits in Fairfax County.
On Saturday, May 16 and Tuesday, May 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fastran buses will be parked at these Hunter Mill District locations, as well as many more locations countywide for you to drop off your food donations. Learn more .
Hunter Mill District Supervisor’s Office
Patrick Henry Library
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Nonprofit Sustainability Grants |
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The Board of Supervisors has established a $5 million fund to support 501(c)3 and 501(c)19 nonprofit organizations, whose primary work currently supports social safety net services to vulnerable populations within our county.
Called the Nonprofit Sustainability Grants (NSG) program, it will offer grants to qualified nonprofit organizations in one of three amounts, $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000, depending on the size of the organization and operating budget. The program will be funded with stimulus funds from the federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund.
The grant application process begins today, May 15 and concludes at 2 p.m. on May 22. This program will be administered by the Department of Procurement and Material Management and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Learn more. |
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“Back to Business” Online Conference on May 20 to Focus on Pandemic Recovery Strategies |
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The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is presenting a free online conference, “Back to Business: Resilience, Recovery and Moving Forward,” on Wednesday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Three panel discussions will be held during the event featuring regional business leaders who will discuss the ways that they have modified and adapted their business operations during the pandemic and how to successfully move forward during the recovery.
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Small Business Updated Information for Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus
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.
County Operations Composting at Home During Pandemic With yard waste pickup temporarily halted to protect solid waste employees during the pandemic, residents may have yard waste materials readily available for composting. 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. 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.
Health 3 Reasons Why COVID-19 Continues to be on the Upswing in the Fairfax Health District Fairfax County is still in the exponential growth phase of our epidemic curve, which means that COVID-19 cases in our health district continue to increase. Learn more.
What If I Contract COVID-19 and I’m Too Sick to Care for My Child? It is critical that parents make a crisis plan now in case they become too sick to care for their children or ask for support. Our Department of Family Services offers some steps you can take to develop your plan. Learn more.
County Still Seeks Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donations Fairfax County Government continues to accept Personal Protective Equipment donations to assist county staff during the pandemic. Learn more.
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.
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
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
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.
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 Online and Phone Assistance for Victims of Abuse and People Needing Food, Medical and Employment Help
Help with SNAP, Medicaid, Employment Assistance and More For people applying for the first time, the process may seem complicated or intimidating. The county's Department of Family Services is available to help with financial, medical and employment assistance, from a distance, so residents can stay safe at home. Learn more.
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
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 COVID-19 Language Portal Now Available
Geospatial Resources Platform - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 For some people, home is not safe. For victims of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse, the isolation and stress of being trapped at home with their offenders puts them at increased risk of serious harm. Learn more.
Fire Department Reminds Businesses To Maintain Clear Access To All Exits During the pandemic, businesses are rightfully taking a variety of safety measures to maintain physical distancing and reduce exposures. However, the county's Fire and Rescue Department is receiving messages of concern that exits are often being blocked, locked or otherwise restricted while the store is occupied. Learn more.
Fire Chief Addresses Concerns In video at left, Fairfax County Fire Chief John S. Butler addresses the coronavirus situation and how the county’s fire and rescue personnel are addressing it — and what you can do to help.
Video: Police Chief Addresses Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns
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 Fairfax Connector Service Relocated as Construction at Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride Begins May 4 Learn more
Fairfax Connector Announces Service Reductions due to Impacts of COVID-19 Effective Saturday, April 11, temporary adjustments will be made to Fairfax Connector bus service due to reduced ridership from the impacts of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of passengers and operators. 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 Updates Get the latest information on town operations and more here.
Wellness Help Your Community, Take a Vacation and Learn Something New — All Without Leaving Your House There’s lots you can do and learn without ever leaving the house, as shown by this young man on the left! Try a science experiment, volunteer in your community or take a virtual vacation. Learn more.
Wellness Resources for You and Your Family To aid you, the people you care about and our community, the county has compiled a range of resources and information on a newly created Wellness Resources web page. |
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