Jan. 6, 2021
Dear Neighbors,
Today has truly been one of the most remarkable days in our country’s history, and the sounds and images on our screens are frightening and saddening. Over the years we have seen many challenges to authority, to our system, and even to each other. However, we have always emerged stronger and doubled down on our commitment to a more perfect union. Let’s not forget that our institutions are strong, our commitment to rule of law is unchanged, and that government by the people and for the people remains our foundational principle. We have the oldest democracy on earth and we will pull together so that does not change. Please everyone, stay home, stay safe and reach out to neighbors and friends who may be feeling frightened or isolated. For your awareness, the county has been requested by D.C. officials to send trained Fairfax County Police Department Civil Disturbance Unit officers and commanders to assist in public safety efforts. In addition, Metro will close rail service at 8 p.m. and bus service at 9 p.m. COVID-19 Update I have heard from many of you with questions about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines and the need for more information. Cases continue to increase and most of us are anxious to rolI-up our sleeves and get vaccinated as soon as possible. To provide you with the latest information, I am hosting a town hall tonight at 7 p.m. with Fairfax County Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu. Dr. Gloria will present updates on the pandemic and local vaccine distribution plans. The virtual town hall will be on the Webex platform; use this link to attend and participate. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to listen to the meeting on your phone, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 179 331 0021. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. You can watch a live stream of the meeting on YouTube Live. If you can't watch tonight, the video of the town hall will be available here beginning tomorrow, Jan. 7.
In addition, Governor Northam held a press conference today detailing the state's efforts to vaccinate Virginia's approximately 8.5 million residents (times 2 shots is 17 million vaccinations).You can watch the video here.
I also encourage you to take a few minutes to review these two vaccine FAQ pages, which may answer many of your questions.
Respectfully, Walter |
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Today's COVID-19 Updates (Jan. 6) |
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If you have questions about COVID-19, you can contact the Fairfax County Health Department: - Call 703-267-3511 (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends)
- Email ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov (monitored 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays)
Vaccine Updates
Testing
Data Dashboards and Charts
Current Number of Cases in the Fairfax Health District - 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.
COVID-19 Case Information Charts for Prior Two Weeks
COVID-19 Case Information Chart (as of publication on Jan. 6) |
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Transportation and Land Use |
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Reston Comprehensive Plan Study Task Force Meeting on Jan. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. To learn more about the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study and the task force, visit the Reston Comprehensive Plan Study webpage. The next scheduled meeting is Monday, Jan. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Details and the agenda will be found here. The meeting will be hosted on the Webex platform. Use this link to attend and participate in the meeting. You will be prompted to register with your email address and ZIP code before logging into meeting. If you prefer to listen to the meeting on your phone, you may call 1-844-621-3956 and use access code: 179 469 1739. This is also the number to use if accessing TTY 711. (Please note each meeting has a unique link and call-in information.) You will also be able to watch a live stream of the meeting on YouTube Live.
Help Shape the Future of Bus Service in Fairfax County; Survey and Meetings The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) continually evaluates bus service on Fairfax Connector to ensure that it is meeting the needs of our residents. Outreach on a ten-year Transit Strategic Plan is beginning and you are encouraged to provide input through a survey and three virtual meetings held Jan. 12-14. Learn more.
Fairfax County Park Authority Pickleball Study Open through Jan. 24. The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) seeks the public's input on how to provide for the emerging sport of pickleball and invites participation in an online survey. The survey will be open through January 24, 2021. More information. Photo credit below: Legends Sports Leagues. |
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New Hands Free Law Effective Jan. 1 |
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A reminder from the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) that it is now against the law to hold a phone or mobile device while driving. The fine is $125 for the first offense. If you are caught again or seen on the phone in a construction zone, the fine is $250. Help keep our roads safe and put your phone down. Here are some options from FCPD if you need to make a call: - Use a Bluetooth earpiece for hands free talking.
- If you choose to use headphones, please keep in mind Virginia law states you may only have one ear bud in while driving.
- If equipped, connect your phone to your vehicle through Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Consider having a passenger answer your calls via speakerphone so you can talk hands free.
- Use a cell phone mount in your car to hold your phone.
The law provides some exemptions, which include: - Reporting an emergency.
- If you are legally parked or stopped.
- Anyone operating an emergency vehicle while in the performance of their official duties.
- The use of an amateur or citizens band radio.
- The operator of any Department of Transportation vehicle during the performance of traffic incident management services.
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Reston Historic Resources Survey |
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A draft of an Historic Resources Survey of Reston has been completed and is available for community review and input until this Monday, Jan. 11. Yesterday, I hosted a virtual community meeting to provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments on the draft survey. We also had an excellent presentation by the consultant hired by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. You can watch the meeting here. Learn more. |
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MLK Jr. Day Volunteer Opportunities |
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Reston Community Center (RCC) will mark the upcoming 36th Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration with a mix of online and in-person events to honor the Civil Rights leader, including these volunteer opportunities:
Through Jan.18: Collection Drive to Support Local Families RCC is collecting supplies to support local families. Please donate at either RCC location: Hunters Woods: 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston Lake Anne: 1609 Washington Plaza, Reston Needed items include soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and deodorant. Supplies will be provided to Cornerstones for distribution. Gift cards are also welcome. Learn more.
Saturday, Jan.16, 9 a.m. at RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston RCC is partnering with Reston Association, Cornerstones and The Closet for small, socially distanced community service projects. Volunteers will sort items from The Closet and make bag lunches for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Weather permitting, additional volunteers will be outside doing clean up on the paths around RCC Hunters Woods. Please note: The location has changed from a previously announced location of Southgate Community Center, which is not available this year. To register, contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org
Monday, Jan. 18, 12:30 to 2 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston RCC is partnering with Reston Association and Cornerstones for community service projects at Reston Community Center Hunters Woods. Volunteers will make bag lunches for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter, and sort toiletries and cleaning supplies for the Cornerstones Assistance Services and the Pantry programs. Volunteer hours conclude around 1:30 p.m. To volunteer, please contact Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org. |
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Stay Informed and In Touch |
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Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn 703-478-0283, TTY 711 |
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