NEWSLETTER
APRIL 3, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
I look forward to answering the questions you have sent over regarding our state’s response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and the 2020 legislative session in my upcoming Tele-Town Hall with Delegates Mark Sickles, Vivian Watts, and Paul Krizek. You can join the Tele-Town Hall using the following information: Dial-in: (605) 472-5239 | Access Code: 811044.
Below are updates from Governor Northam, state agencies, and Fairfax County Public Schools.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
Updates from Governor Northam and State Agencies
Guidance for Religious Services
As we approach the observance of many religious holidays, Governor Northam reminds all Virginians to continue to adhere to social distancing in order to protect our public health and limit the spread of COVID-19. Please see Frequently Asked Questions about Executive Order 55 regarding state guidance on religious services here.
Federal Assistance for Virginia’s COVID-19 Response
Governor Northam announced Virginia has received a Major Disaster Declaration designation, which will provide additional federal public assistance for our response to COVID-19. The announcement is here.
Healthcare Access
As previously shared, Governor Northam has been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to select alternative care sites to bolster our hospital bed capacity. Three sites have been selected: Dulles Expo Center for Northern Virginia, the Richmond Convention Center for Central Virginia, and the Hampton Roads Convention Center for the Tidewater region. These are the regions experiencing the most COVID-19 cases in our state. The administration’s goal is to have the facilities ready in about 6 weeks, which corresponds with Virginia’s projected peak of COVID-19 cases in mid/late May.
Support for Workers
Over 114,000 Virgnians filed for unemployment benefits in the last week. Governor Northam announced the Virginia Employment Commission has upgraded its website, expanded its server capacity, and is increasing its call center staffing by 20% to help respond to the need for assistance. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions for more information here.
Emergency Shelter for Homeless Virginians
Governor Northam announced an initial $2.5 million to provide emergency shelter for homeless Virginians. The state is working with the private sector to identify potential hotel space for fellow Virginians. You can find the full announcement here.
Transportation
WMATA announced, starting April 6, it will have the following new rail and bus schedules; see announcement here:
Metrorail will close at 9 p.m. every day:
Mon-Fri: Open 5AM Close 9PM
Sat-Sun: Open 8AM Close 9PM
Metrobus Service will end at 11pm daily. Buses that enter service at or before 11 p.m. will continue to the end of the route before going out of service.
Updates from Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax County Public Schools announced it will continue its meal distribution program during Spring Break (April 6-April 10). As a reminder, the following schools in the 42nd District are sites for the meal distribution program; you can find the announcement here:
Ft. Belvoir Upper ES, 5980 Meeres Rd, Ft. Belvoir
Irving MS, 8100 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield
South County HS, 8700 Laurel Crest Drive, Lorton
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19 and related resources,