Fairfax County Health Department announces first COVID-19 death

The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting its first death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. The patient was a male in his 60s who acquired the disease through contact with a previously reported case. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.

This is the third death attributed to COVID-19 in Virginia. The other two deaths, in the Peninsula Health District, were reported earlier this week by the Virginia Department of Health.

There were six new coronavirus cases in the Fairfax County Health District on March 21, for a total of 22. The Fairfax County Health District includes the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax and other towns within the county.

In other coronavirus news:

Bus routes cut – WMATA has reduced Metrobus service to only 20 routes across the D.C. region on March 21 and 22. Buses on the 20 highest-ridership corridors – including the 16C bus on Columbia Pike and the 28A bus on Leesburg Pike – will operate every 30 minutes. All other routes will not run.

Metrorail is running every 30 minutes this weekend. Fairfax County Connector buses are running on the regular schedule

Healthcare worker quits – A Fairfax County psychiatrist, who had been treating mental health patients at the Merrifield Center, resigned March 21, citing inadequate safeguards against coronavirus, the Washington Post reports.

Jason Williams, an employee of the Community Services Board, said psychiatrists and other workers have been meeting with patients inside small counseling rooms, without masks or other protective gear. In response, Fairfax County told the Post people who enter the Merrifield Center are screened for coronavirus symptoms, employees who can telework are encouraged to do so, and workers have been given hand sanitizer.

Hospital visits banned – Inova Health System is suspending all in-person visits as of Saturday, March 21, at 8 p.m., and encourages video meetings between patients and loved ones. Exceptions are allowed under certain circumstances, such as end-of-life situations, emergency room visits, and child patients.

Business help – Fairfax County has created a webpage for small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic with information on disaster loans, taxes, and other issues.

Pets available – The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is still open for adoptions and is accepting strays and surrendered pets, but has cancelled most other activities.

Family services –  The Fairfax County Department of Family Services has closed financial and medical lobbies at all locations, including Annandale, for to walk-in visitors. The department continues to provide assistance remotely.

Evictions – The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office has the authority to suspend new eviction orders and the execution of any pending evictions through April 6.