NEWSLETTER

MAY 16, 2020

Neighbors, 

As we conclude National Skilled Nurses Week, I share my appreciation for all of our skilled nurses. Thank you for your work everyday, and particularly during this pandemic when you are providing essential care, saving lives, and giving important emotional support since so many residents are not able to meet their families in-person. Thank you for all you do!

Tele-Town Hall

On Thursday, May 28, I will be hosting a Tele-Town Hall with Senator Scott Surovell to answer questions about the 2020 legislative session and our state’s response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (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 and state agencies, Fairfax County, Fairfax County Public Schools, and community partners. As always, please let me know if you have any questions by calling (804) 698-1042 or emailing DelKTran@house.virginia.gov. 

Best, Kathy

Updates from the Governor Northam and state agencies

Healthcare Updates

Testing Data

  • You may have seen recent reports regarding the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) practice of including antibody tests as part of the state’s overall testing numbers. I am concerned about this practice as it may provide an inaccurate picture of the state’s COVID-19 testing capacity. We must have accurate, reliable, and transparent data, and as such I am glad that, moving forward, VDH will separately report antibody tests and diagnostic tests. You can find VDH’s press release regarding this decision here. 

Testing Capabilities

  • Virginia is making progress to increase public testing sites across the state. On April 21, Virginia had 58 testing sites and, as of May 14, we have 215 testing sites. These testing sites include hospitals, federally qualified health centers, university hospital systems, health departments, pharmacies, and more. 

  • Governor Northam has directed $121 million of federal funds that Virginia received from the CARES Act to the Virginia Department of Emergency Management for purchasing personal protective equipment and $42.3 million to continue expanding our state’s testing capacity. 

Economic Updates

Re-opening our Economy

  • As I previously shared, most of Virginia began Phase I of re-opening our economy on May 15. The Governor has approved requests from local elected officials in Northern Virginia, City of Richmond, and Accomack County to delay de-opening these regional economies.

Impact on Revenue

  • Secretary of Finance Aubrey Lane reports Virginia had about a 26% decrease, or $700 million, in revenues in April. Over the next few months, the Governor’s team will be assessing the data of the economic impact caused by COVID-19. This will allow them to update our revenue forecast, which the General Assembly will use to finalize our biennial budget for fiscal years 2021 and 2022. 

Workplace Safety

  • As more individuals are beginning to be called back to work, I want to remind everyone that you can file complaints regarding workplace safety concerns with the Virginia Department of Labor and industry here.

Updates from Fairfax County

Fairfax County Department of Transportation 

  • Starting, May 18, the County is requiring face coverings or masks to be used by passengers when traveling on Fairfax Connector buses. There will be a week-long grace period through May 25. Learn more here.

Fairfax County General District Court Re-Opening

  • The Fairfax County General District Court (FCGDC) will begin a phased re-opening starting May 18, following guidelines set by the Supreme Court of Virginia. These include limiting the amount of people in the courthouse and prioritizing emergency matters as defined by the Supreme Court of Virginia. The FCGDC has also established a Transition team that includes judges, members of the Sheriff’s Department, Court Services, and the General District Court Clerk’s Office to work on additional details for how the re-opening will proceed. 

Updates from Fairfax County Public Schools

Updated Summer 2020 Plans and Upcoming Academic School Year

  • Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has announced it will continue distance learning for the summer, though some summer programs have been cancelled. Additionally, the FCPS School Board has begun to plan for the 2020-2021 school year and will be seeking input from various stakeholders, including parents. You can see more information about FCPS’s updated summer plans and the preliminary report presented to the FCPS School Board regarding the 2020-2021 school year here. 

Updates from Community Partners

Metro

  • Starting May 18, Metro will require all passengers to wear face coverings when using the Metro system. Previously, face coverings were strongly suggested. This new policy is a recommendation from Metro’s Pandemic Task Force and was approved by General Manager Paul Wiedefeld on May 14. You can see the announcement here. 

View my summary of the 2020 legislative session here.

View my e-newsletters here.

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