NEWSLETTER
MARCH 30, 2020
Neighbors in the 42nd District,
Today, Governor Northam issued a new Executive Order directing Virginians to stay at home, effective immediately, and mandating additional changes to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19).
Social distancing and staying at home remain the most effective methods by which we can limit the spread of COVID-19. We have surpassed 1,000 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, and our public health experts expect that number to continue rising. I know so many of us are making sacrifices during this time. Together, our collective efforts will help protect our public health.
I will have another Tele-Town Hall on Monday, April 6 at 7pm. Please join me and Delegates Mark Sickles, Vivian Watts, and Paul Krizek as we answer your questions regarding our state’s response to the pandemic and providing updates from 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 Governor Northam, State Agencies, Fairfax County, and Community Partners. Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.
Best, Kathy
https://www.kathyfordelegate.com/coronavirus-resources
Governor Northam and State Agency Updates
Executive Order (EO) 55
Below is more information about EO 55, which takes effect today, March 30, through June 10 unless amended or rescinded by another EO. Violations of EO 55 will be considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and are enforceable by local governments and law enforcement. You can read the full text here.
Temporary stay at home order
Virginians are ordered to remain in their residences except for the following essential purposes:
Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in EO 53 (You can read EO 53 here)
Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services
Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member
Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care
Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements
Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work
Traveling to and from an educational institution
Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services
Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency
Gatherings of 10 or more people
Public and private gatherings of more than 10 people continue to be prohibited. EO 55 amends EO 53 to clarify this prohibition applies to parties, celebrations, religious, other social events, whether they take place indoors or outside. Also, it clarifies that this ban does not apply to gatherings of family members living in the same residence.
No additional closure of businesses
Those businesses that are able to remain open under EO 53 can continue to stay open and operate only if they are able to follow social distancing guidelines and allow for teleworking to the extent practicable.
Institutions of Higher Education
Virginia institutions of higher education shall cease all in-person classes and gatherings of more than 10 people. These institutions may continue to operate in order to facilitate remote learning, perform critical research, or perform essential functions.
Private campgrounds
Effective April 1, 2020 at 11:59pm, short-term stays of less than 14 nights at all privately-owned campgrounds are prohibited.
Public beaches
All public beaches in Virginia are closed to all activities except for exercising and fishing.
Housing security
Virginia state agencies are also directed to continue working with all housing partners to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Virginians experiencing homelessness and to assist people in avoiding evictions or foreclosures.
Department of Military Affairs - National Guard
Governor Northam announced that Virginia has been approved for federal funding, under Title 32 of the United States Code, to cover Virginia National Guard costs related to responding to COVID-19. Since the Governor declared a state of emergency, the Virginia National Guard has provided logistical support to our state agencies.
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
VDACS has received a USDA waiver to allow seniors over 60 participating in the USDA Commodity Food Program to receive their monthly food without having to sign for the food they receive. Additionally, participants are able to receive 2 boxes every other month rather than one box monthly. This will minimize the number of distributions without limiting the amount of food.
Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force
I have become aware of scams regarding testing availability and wanted to give a gentle reminder about the establishment of the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force. The Task Force is charged with identifying, investigating, and prosecuting fraud related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To report fraudulent activity, please contact the Virginia Fusion Center 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 wesbite.
Fairfax County Updates
Public Works and Environmental Services
The I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex have announced the following changes effective March 30 until further notice; the full announcement is here:
Both facilities will be open to the general public from 8am-4pm but their administrative buildings will be closed
Household hazardous waste and e-waste stations are closed at the I-95 Landfill Complex but will remain open at the I-66 Transfer Station
For Sundays, only receipts from residential customers will be accepted, not commercial cash
Donation stations at both locations are closed
Health Department
Fairfax County Health Department’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center has changed its hours to 9am-7pm on weekdays and 9:30am-5pm on weekends. Fairfax County residents can reach the call center at 703.267.3511. The update is here.
Libraries
Starting March 31, all Fairfax County libraries will offer exterior wireless internet access in the parking lots from 6am - 10pm, seven days a week.
Community Partnerships
Mental Health Services
This is a very stressful and uncertain time for many of us. If you or someone you know would like to access mental health services, you can contact the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board by calling 703-559-3000, emailing wwwcsb@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visiting their website.
If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, please know that the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is also a resource.
Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence or concerned family members and friends is still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call (800) 838-8238, text (804) 739-9999, or chat online at www.vadata.org//chat.
For my previous updates about how Virginia is addressing COVID-19 and related resources,