NEWSLETTER

JUNE 2, 2020

Neighbors, 

Like many of you, I have watched with incredulity, worry, anger, and heartache at the scenes from Virginia and around the country of law enforcement using excessive force against peaceful protesters. I share the concerns of constituents who have reached out to me about the urgent need to improve our criminal justice system so that black Virginians and other communities of color in Virginia are not unfairly targeted.

Further, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to devastating light how ongoing inequalities in our healthcare system, labor force, and housing system have put black and brown Virginians particularly at risk.

In my own family, we have talked about George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Christian Cooper, and we are reflecting on how we can each rise to this moment and do better - from confronting our own unconscious biases, to being better allies to friends and others who are vulnerable, to deepening our work to advance justice.

There are also opportunities to take meaningful action to make structural and cultural changes to end systemic racism in Virginia. During the 2020 legislative session, for example, we took important steps to remove racist laws from the Virginia code that was left over since the Jim Crow era, to end housing discrimination, and to reform our criminal justice system by increasing the felony larceny threshold and decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana.

There remains more work to be done to address the institutional racism that is deeply rooted in our state and nation’s history. I have heard from constituents with ideas about reforming our criminal justice system as well as increasing access to health care, stable housing, and workforce safety, 

While we are not currently in legislative session, I am eager to hear your thoughts about the changes we need going forward. I will also continue to work alongside my colleagues in the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus and the Virginia General Assembly so that we can make progress on these important issues during the next legislative session.

As always, I welcome your feedback on this and other issues facing our community. You can contact me by emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov or calling my office at 804-698-1042. 

Another Tele-Town Hall Next Week!

My next Tele-Town Hall will be Thursday, June 11 at 6:30pm. Join Delegates Mark Sickles, Paul Krizek, Vivian Watts, and me for legislative updates and information regarding our state’s response to COVID-19.

You can participate in the conversation with the following information: Dial-in (605) 472-5239 | Access Code 811044 | Submit questions here. 

Updates

Below are COVID-19 and other updates from Governor Northam, state agencies, and Fairfax County

Best, Kathy

Updates from Governor Northam and state agencies

Status of Re-Opening Northern Virginia 

  • Governor Northam has determined that Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond will remain in Phase I of re-opening our economy in order to continue assessing the COVID-19 data for these regions.

Frequently Asked Questions for Phase I and Face Covering Requirements

  • The Virginia Department of Health has published Frequently Asked Questions about the statewide face covering requirement and the current guidelines for Phase I. Please see the following Frequently Asked Questions page.

Phase II of Re-Opening Virginia’s Economy

  • The Governor announced that on June 5, most of Virginia, with the exception of Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond, will begin Phase II of easing restrictions under his new Executive Order (EO) 65 and Order of Public Health Emergency (OPHE) 6. 

  • You can find detailed information about Phase II requirements of EO 65/OPHE 6 here, as well as a list of guidelines for all business sectors here. Below is a summary for your information. 

  • Continues the recommendations of physical distancing and teleworking, as well as requirement of individuals to wear face coverings in certain public settings. 

  • Bans public and private gatherings of more than 50 people. 

  • EO 65/OPHE 6 and the Business Guidelines provide more information about recommended best practices for all businesses that may continue or begin easing restrictions under Phase II. All businesses are expected to practice physical distancing between coworkers and customers, frequently disinfect high contact areas, and to follow enhanced workplace safety guidelines. 

  • There are specific requirements and suggested best practices for the following sectors: 

  • Restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, cideries, mobile units (food trucks), distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms.

  • Farmers markets.

  • Non-essential brick and mortar retail establishments. 

  • Fitness and Exercise Facilities.

  • Indoor and outdoor swimming pools. 

  • Indoor and outdoor recreational sports activities. 

  • Personal care and personal grooming services.

  • Private campgrounds and overnight summer camps. 

  • Entertainment and public amusement. 

  • Religious services. 

  • I strongly advise that you review EO 65/OPHE 6 and the Business Guidelines. This will inform you about safety precautions that employers should have in place. Similarly, please review these requirements if you patron these businesses, so you are aware of what is expected to protect yours and workers’ health and safety. 

Public Comment on Utility Termination Ruling 

  • The State Corporation Commission is currently accepting public comment regarding potentially extending its order that suspends utility service disconnections for non-payment of bills as a result of the current pandemic. Comments must be submitted by June 5, and I encourage you to have your voice heard. You can submit your comments online here, just scroll down to case number PUR-2020-00048.

Updates from Fairfax County

Fairfax County Public Libraries

  • Yesterday, June 1, Fairfax County Public Libraries (FCPL) began curbside pickup, which will be available Monday through Friday from 10am-4pm at all FCPL branches. You can read more about this  curbside pickup and book return process here.

Fairfax County Park Authority

On Friday, May 29, the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) has made additional updates:

  • Anyone visiting a FCPA golf course clubhouse or other indoor space must wear a mask;

  • The campgrounds at Burke Lake Park and Lake Fairfax Park are open;

  • Batting cages at Braddock Park in Clifton are open;

  • Non-permitted use of athletic fields have now resumed;

Permitted use of picnic shelters are now available

You can read the announcement here.

View my summary of the 2020 legislative session here.

View my previous e-newsletters here.

View my new COVID-19 resource page to see a summary of state actions, guidance, and resources here.