All Fairfax County parks closing, trails to remain open

Families enjoy a sunny day at Green Spring Gardens March 22.

Updated 6:30 p.m.: The Fairfax County Park Authority is closing all parks, as of midnight, March 24, in order to comply with Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order on closing recreational facilities to slow the spread of coronavirus by requiring social distancing.

Park Authority closures include 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.

Trails will remain open for individual use, but not group use, the Park Authority states. RECenters and park buildings had already been closed. The closure of parks will remain in effect until further notice.

In other coronavirus news: 

Not just the elderly – Of the 46 coronavirus cases in Fairfax County as of March 24, nearly half (21 cases) affect people ages 18-49. There are 12 cases in the 50-64 age group and 13 among those age 65 and over. No one age 17 or under has tested positive for COVID-19.

Stay the course – When asked about President Trump’s desire to ease restrictions in a couple of weeks, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said, “we have to be realistic.” Speaking at his daily coronavirus briefing March 24, Northam said, it will be another two or three months, or longer, before the curve starts to flatten, and the restrictions need to be in place until that happens. That’s the recommendation of health experts, based on data and science, he said.

“We’re fighting a health crisis and an economic crisis. The sooner we get the health crisis under control, the sooner we’ll get our economy back,” Northam said.

Deadlines extended – The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a one-month extension for filing vehicle and business personal property taxes and paying the first installment of real estate taxes.

Instead of a May 1 deadline, residents now have until June 1 to report any changes in vehicle ownership and location. Businesses still have a 60-day deadline to register newly acquired vehicles with the county.

The first real estate tax payment deadline has been extended from July 28 to Aug. 28. The deadline for businesses to file personal property – including vehicles, furniture, fixtures, machinery, and computer equipment – has been pushed back to June 1.

Related story: Northam executive order lists businesses that must close

Medical supplies – Northam said on March 24 that manufacturers across the state are being asked to retool their operations to produce badly needed medical supplies. For example, distillers are using their equipment to make hand sanitizer. Also, he said, some state prisons are having inmates make face masks. Meanwhile, the state has gotten a large supply of masks, gowns, and gloves from the national stockpile and will get another shipment next week.

Clinics close – The Fairfax Health District has consolidated services across its five district offices to two locations. The Joseph Willard Health Center in the City of Fairfax and the Herndon Reston District Office will remain open for essential services offered by appointment only, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Both sites will offer limited services including immunizations, pregnancy tests, tests for sexually transmitted infections, TB testing, and yellow fever immunizations.

Senior shopping – Harris Teeter has designated Monday and Thursday mornings, 6-7 a.m., for shoppers age 60 and over. Giant has reserved 6-7 a.m. daily for senior shopping.