NEWSLETTER

January 7, 2021

Neighbors,

Many of us are deeply concerned and saddened by the images we saw yesterday of a mob attack on the United States Capitol. This was nothing less than an attempted coup to undermine our democracy and overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election. 

Across our country this year, a historic number of Americans participated in free and fair elections. While we may disagree on policies and support different candidates, we have always, in this nation, abided by the will of the people. Yesterday, Congress did just that when it certified the Electoral College results.

Our history of peaceful transfers of power has been an example to the world since John Adams assumed the presidency from George Washington in 1797. It is important that we continue this tradition when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris assume office on January 20, 2021. 

Please stay safe and continue to look out for one another. 

Below are updates about Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccination plan and reminders of upcoming town halls. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.

Best, Kathy

Delegate, 42nd District 

UPCOMING TOWN HALLS

Fairfax Delegation Public Forum

Saturday, January 9 from 9am-Noon

I will be joining members of the Fairfax County Delegation to the Virginia General Assembly at our annual public forum. As I shared previously, we will be holding the forum virtually this year. 

While the speaking queue is full, you can view the forum live on Fairfax County Television (Channel 1016 in HD on Cox; Channel 16 on Verizon or Comcast), and online through the Channel 16 stream.

Virtual Transportation Town Hall 

Saturday, January 16 at 10am 

Join me for a virtual town hall with the Virginia Department of Transportation. We will discuss winter weather preparation, the upcoming 2021 repaving schedule, and infrastructure projects in the 42nd District and our region. Please register to receive the participation link at : https://forms.gle/k7KokHyr6WPEXEx78 

COVID-19 UPDATES

I’ve heard from many of you worried about the pace at which Virginia is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines. I share your concerns and had officials from the Virginia Department Health and Fairfax County Department of Health join my tele-town hall this week to provide an update. Below are additional details that Governor Northam gave yesterday. I hope these actions will help increase the rate of vaccinations, and I will continue to stay in close touch with the Governor’s team.

Staying Informed About Virginia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

As I shared earlier, you can see more information about Virginia’s COVID-19 vaccine response at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/. 

The Department of Health has created a dashboard that will be updated regularly with our vaccine distribution data: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-in-virginia/ 

Coordinating Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

Governor Northam has appointed Dr. Danny Avulu to coordinate vaccine distribution among key stakeholders like local health departments, hospitals, and private providers. Dr. Avulu currently leads the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments. 

Virginia’s Vaccination Goals

Virginia’s short term goal is to administer 25,000 vaccination shots per day with an ultimate goal of 50,000 shots per day. While we are not yet at this level, the Governor noted that we are ramping up administration of COVID-19 vaccine shots. 

Governor Northam is implementing a “Use It Or Lose It” policy to healthcare providers that are not administering COVID-19 vaccines they receive at a fast enough pace. 

Engaging the Virginia National Guard

Several constituents have asked whether the Virginia National Guard will be engaged in the vaccination rollout. Our National Guard was a key partner in providing logistical support and administering COVID-19 tests throughout the pandemic. Governor Northam will mobilize our National Guard to help with vaccine administration as well. 

Vaccine Priorities

Virginia is following CDC recommendations for prioritizing individuals to receive the vaccine throughout the various phases of rollout. 

Virginia is currently in Phase 1a. During this phase, frontline healthcare workers and long term care facility residents are eligible for the vaccine. You can learn more about Phase 1a at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/191/2021/01/Phase-1a-In-Depth.pdf. 

Yesterday, Governor Northam announced the priorities for Phases 1b and 1c. At this time, there is not a definite date for when we will enter Phase 1b, and there is a possibility that we will experience some overlap between the Phases. 

The state, local health districts, healthcare providers, and employers will coordinate to make vaccination opportunities available in these Phases. 

Below is a breakdown of Phases 1b and 1c:

Phase 1b

The CDC recommends that Phase 1b include essential frontline workers and individuals ages 75 and older. In Virginia, this means the following individuals will be eligible in Phase 1b:

People ages 75 and older

Police, fire, and hazmat workers

Childcare/K-12 teachers and staff

Corrections and homeless shelter workers

Food and agriculture workers

Manufacturing workers

Grocery store workers

Public transit workers

Mail carriers (USPS and private)

People living in correctional facilities

People in homeless shelter and migrant labor camps

More information about Phase 1b is available at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/191/2021/01/Phase-1b-In-Depth.pdf. 

Phase 1c

The CDC recommends that individuals ages 65-74; individuals ages 16-64 with a high risk medical condition; and essential frontline workers not included in earlier phases to be included in this phase. In Virginia, the following individuals will be eligible in Phase 1c:

People ages 65 to 74 

People ages 16 to 64 with a high risk medical condition or disability that increases their risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Workers in the following industries:

Energy

Water and wastewater

Housing construction

Food services

Transportation and logistics

Institutions of higher education

Finance

Information technology and communication

Media

Legal services

Public safety engineering

Other public health workers

Officials needed to maintain continuity of government

More information about Phase 1c is available at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/191/2021/01/Phase-1c-In-Depth.pdf. 

Other Information

I have received many questions about how someone would learn if they are eligible to get a vaccination and where they can go and get it. 

During my Tele-Town Hall, Virginia Department of Health and Fairfax County Health officials noted that they will be engaging in a far reaching communications strategy, working with healthcare providers, pharmacies, community-based organizations and others to spread the word about vaccination opportunities.

At this point, you may want to let your healthcare provider know of your interest. As we get closer to Phase 1b, I expect we will have additional details from the Department of Health.

You can view the Department of Health’s Frequently Asked Questions at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-faq/.