NEWSLETTER
March 24, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
I look forward to hosting my Tele-Town Hall at 7pm today, March 24. I will be answering questions I have received regarding the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and the 2020 legislative session. You can join by using the following conference call information: Dial-in: (605) 472-5239 | Access Code: 811044
Below are updates from our Governor Northam, our federal government, Fairfax County, and community partners.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
Governor Northam and State Agencies
Starting tomorrow, the Governor will hold press briefings regarding Virginia’s response to COVID-19 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
at 2pm, instead of daily. You can view these briefings at http://facebook.com/governorVA.The Governor has a new web site that includes updates on state guidance and actions to address COVID-19. You can see it here.
Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force
The Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force has been formed to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is being led by the Virginia State Police and includes federal partners. If you would like to report fraudulent activity, please contact the Virginia Fusion Center, which is actively monitoring alleged fraudulent activities, by emailing vfc@vfw.vsp.virginia.gov, visiting the FBI’s website at www.ic3.gov, or filing a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General through his website.
Federal Update: Mortgage Relief
I have heard from constituents asking about mortgage relief for those affected by COVID-19. As such, I am sharing this recent announcement from the U.S. Federal Finance Housing Authority.
FFHA has directed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, earlier this month, FFHA announced that Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae would provide payment forbearance to borrowers impacted by the coronavirus. Forbearance allows for a mortgage payment to be suspended for up to 12 months due to hardship caused by the coronavirus. You can find more information on the announcement here. Two web sites that may help you determine if you qualify for this support are: https://www.knowyouroptions.com and https://ww3.freddiemac.com/loanlookup/.
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Park Authority
Effective March 24 at 11:59pm, all Fairfax County parks and amenities will be closed until further notice. This includes “parking lots,
athletic fields, sport courts, restrooms, nature centers, visitor centers, golf courses, historic sites, picnic areas, playgrounds, amusements, boat launches, skate parks, off-leash dog areas, outdoor fitness equipment and any areas for open recreation” that are operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority. All trails will remain open for individual use, but not group use. You can see the
announcement from Fairfax County here.
Fairfax Connector
Beginning March 24, all Fairfax County connected passengers will be required to enter and exit using the rear doors of buses. This requirement does not apply to those who need to use a wheelchair ramp. Additionally, all fare collection will be temporarily suspended. You can find the full announcement here.
Community Partners
For older Virginians who need assistance access food and other support services, below are two resources for you:
Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) help older Virginians connect with food and other emergency resources. You can find your local AAA by visiting www.vaaaa.org.
VirginiaNavigator is a statewide nonprofit organization that has a regularly updated database of local services for older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. You can access this database by visiting www.virginianavigator.org and entering your city, county, or zip code.
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19
and related resources, see https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources.