Board of Supervisors approves declaration of emergency

McKay speaks at an emergency Board of Supervisors meeting March 17.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a “declaration of emergency” March 17 aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19.

The resolution, effective March 17, facilitates applications for federal and state disaster assistance.

 “It gives us more flexibility” said Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay. It empowers the county executive to make some decisions and shows he has the backing of the board.

The declaration, however, doesn’t give the board emergency police powers, authority to order private businesses to close, or impose a quarantine or curfew.

Due to the coronavirus emergency, “we’re in a whole new budget reality,” McKay said, noting that major changes will be made in the advertised budget currently under consideration. The budget that was presented will be quite different from the budget the board will likely adopt.

Related story: FCPS adds 11 schools to free meals program

While county employees are encouraged to telework if possible, the county can’t close down, as many residents depend on county services, he said. “Our goal to keep the government open, but open and safe.”

Some of the issues the board is working on now are how to deal with childcare centers and the homeless.

While the coronavirus pandemic “is causing a strain on a lot of people,” McKay said. “There is no better place to make it through trying times than Fairfax County. … This is a resilient community.”

In other coronavirus news:

A second death in Virginia – The number of coronavirus cases in Virginia climbed to 67 as of March 17, and the Virginia Health Department reported a second death related to COVID-19. The patient was a man in his 70s in the Newport News area, and the cause of death was respiratory failure.

Police officer infected – A Metro Transit Police officer has tested positive for COVID-19, WTOP reported. The officer lives in Prince George’s County, Md., but was based at a police station near the Franconia-Springfield Metro station. The individual is at home in self-isolation. His last patrol was on March 10, he and attended a union meeting on that day. He was exhibiting symptoms by March 14.


Lynbrook teacher speaks out – The teacher at Lynbrook Elementary School in Springfield, Catherine Collett, who had been infected with coronavirus, described her experiences in a Facebook post, which was also published by WUSA9. Collett said she appreciated the dedication of the healthcare workers who treated her, but found the testing process frustrating.

Social distancing – The Fairfax County Health Department has reduced its guidance in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discourage mass gatherings of 50 people or more for eight weeks, then revised that recommendation to 10 people, as requested by the White House.

Related story: Virginia governor declares state of emergency as coronavirus spreads

Fairfax County resources – A new webpage has been set up with information about resources on COVID-19: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19. People can email questions about coronavirus on weekdays, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., to: [email protected] and get updates by texting FFXCOVID to 888777. The Health Department’s new Coronavirus Call Center can be accessed at 703-267-3511 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.

Avoid scams – Fairfax County urges residents to be wary of scam artists who are taking advantage of the coronavirus situation. This includes everything from selling products that supposedly will prevent, treat, or cure the virus to asking for donations to aid people who are sick.

Ignore offers for coronavirus vaccines, prevention, treatment, or cure, and be wary of emails that claim to be from the CDC or the World Health Organization, the department advises. Visit CDC or WHO directly for information, and thoroughly investigate any charities that claim to be raising money for coronavirus victims.

Price gouging – As a result of Virginia’s state of emergency last week, it is unlawful for any supplier to sell any necessary goods and services at an unconscionable price. Customers can file a complaint with the Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office by calling 800-552‐9963 or filling out an online form.

Carryout only – The Washington, D.C., government has ordered all restaurants and bars to close, with only carryout service allowed. Movie theaters, health clubs, spas, and other businesses are also required to close.