NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
It has now been three weeks since Governor Northam issued a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). The instances of COVID-19 continue to rise, and Virginia has more than 1,700 cases. Governor Northam notes that models show Virginia may reach our peak number of cases between late April and late May.
I want to, once again, share my deep appreciation for everyone in our community working hard to protect our public health. Whether you are a frontline worker or doing your part to stay at home and practice social distancing, thank you. Together, our sacrifices during this time will help us overcome the pandemic.
In a few days, I hope you join me and Delegates Mark Sickles, Vivian Watts, and Paul Krizek for our Tele-Town Hall to answer questions we have received regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 legislative session. Use the following information to access the call: Dial-in: (605) 472-5239 | Access Code: 811044 | Submit questions here.
Below are updates from our state agencies, information regarding federal economic relief, and how we can help each other during this pandemic. As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
Federal Updates
Federal Information Web Sites
The website www.USA.gov is cataloguing all U.S. government activities related to COVID-19. See federal actions and guidance here.
The U.S. Department of Treasury’s website for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is here.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has posted guidance on the recently passed economic stimulus here.
State Agency Updates
COVID-19 Cases in Virginia
As of 9am on April 2, there are 1,706 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health is continuing to provide daily updates at 9am on their website here.
Department of Elections
For the upcoming May and June elections in Virginia, the Department of Elections is strongly encouraging individuals to request an absentee ballot using the reason #2A “My disability or illness” in order to receive a ballot that can be returned by mail. This will help protect the public health of our community. To check your voter registration and obtain an absentee ballot, click here.
Department of Medical Assistance Services
The Department of Medical Assistance Services have COVID-19 informational pages in English and Spanish on its CoverVirginia websites.
Lending a Helping Hand
Over the last few weeks, many of you have reached out to ask what can be done to help out during this pandemic. Below are some organizations that serve our neighbors in the 42nd District and beyond. For these and other volunteer opportunities, please make sure you practice social distancing and take care to maintain your health and safety.
The Lorton Community Action Center helps many in our community by providing basic needs, including operating a food pantry. You can find their updated list of donation needs and more information here.
Ecumenical Community Helping Others, also known as ECHO, is an important resource for many of our neighbors that also operates a food pantry. You can find their updated list of donation needs and drop-off times here.
The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), one of our Commonwealth’s seven regional food banks, serves the 42nd District. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Volunteer Fairfax provides information on volunteer opportunities with different non-profits and agencies in our County. Find opportunities to assist during the pandemic here.
The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (VMRC) is actively seeking volunteers with and without medical training to assist with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more about applying for the VMRC here.
Finally, there is a shortage of blood donations in Virginia. If you are able to, please consider donating blood. To find opportunities through the Virginia Red Cross, click here, and to find opportunities to donate through INOVA, click here.
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19 and related resources,