As some portions of the state move to reopen today, the COVID-19 case count in Fairfax County continues to climb.

Although the county’s per capita rate is relatively low, the county has. 7,245 confirmed cases and 1,050 hospitalizations due to COVID-19, according to state health data released today (Friday).

Overall, the Fairfax Health District — which also includes the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax — has roughly 2,000 more cases than this time last week.

Statewide, there are 28,672 confirmed cases and 977 deaths.

The disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus is seen primarily on the Hispanic population. Hispanics comprise nearly 17 percent of the population, but account for 61 percent of total cases with racial and ethnic data.

The state is recruiting for 1,300 contractors for several positions, including 1,000 COVID-19 contact tracers and 200 COVID-19 case investigators.

Although some portions of the state begin phase one of reopening efforts today, Northern Virginia will not reopen until at least May 28. Data indicates that new cases and hospitalization rates are much higher in this area compared to the rest of the state:

• A 25 percent test positivity rate has been reported, with the rest of the state experience a positivity rate of 10 percent
• On any given day, 70 percent of the state’s positive cases are attributed to Northern Virginia
• COVID-19 patients make up a significantly larger portion of the region’s hospital bed capacity than the rest of the state.

Herndon Police Department officers say that a man has been charged with multiple counts of indecent liberties against juveniles.

Allen John Williams, 30, of Herndon, was arrested on earlier this month on multiple counts of indecent liberties for exposing himself to juveniles.

The arrest was made on the 1100 block of Burwick Drive, according to the Herndon Police Department.

Williams is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond. 

He was previously arrested and charged with similar counts in 2018. Police believe he exposed himself to a 10-year-old who was playing in the driveway of a home.

Photo via Herndon Police Department

Local Police Investigate Attempting Robbery — A man attempted to take cash from a truck driver while he was sitting in his vehicle on  May 13 at around 3:50 p.m. The incident happened on the 1500 block of Cameron Crescent Drive. The suspect ran away and no injuries were reported. [Fairfax County Police Department]

Reston Woman Creates “Dating While Gray” Podcast — “On Thursday, Laura Stassi of Reston posted the latest episode of “Dating While Gray,” a biweekly podcast focusing on love and relationships in the 50-and-over crowd. The new episode marks the end of the podcast’s first 10-episode season. The 59-year-old writer and editor, who has authored several nonfiction children’s books, never imagined she would get the chance to host her own podcast. It’s not what she had planned.” [Reston Patch]

Reston Association Board Elects Officers — At a meeting earlier this week, the Board of Directors elected four of its officers for the coming year. Julie Bitzer is president, Caren Anton is vice president, John Mooney is secretary and Robert Petrine is treasurer. [Reston Association]

Face Coverings Required on Fairfax Connector — Passengers on Fairfax Connector buses must wear face coverings starting on Monday, May 18. But passengers have a weeklong grace period through Monday, May 24. The county’s transportation department previously only encouraged wearing face coverings. [Fairfax County Government]

Cause of Great Falls House Fire Under Investigation — Authorities are investigating why a house on the 800 block of Walker Road caught fire on Tuesday, May 12. One resident was displaced as a result of the incident. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Virginia has sold off the Center for Innovative Technology office building in Herndon, Gov. Ralph Northam announced today.

The 149,000-square-foot office building that’s located on a 26-acre parcel near the Washington Dulles International Airport and the future Innovation Center Metro Station was sold for $47.4 million to Origami Capital Partners and Timberline Real Estate Partners.

The sale will help fund the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority, a new entity for “innovation ad new technology-based economic development,” according to a release. Funds will be allocated directly to the Virginia Research Investment Fund.

The building housed the nonprofit Center for Innovative Technology, Northern Virginia Technology Council and other private technology firms.

Here’s more from the release:

“This event represents a significant milestone toward the goal of delivering to Northern Virginia a development that will entice and excite major corporate tenants,” said Jeff Young, Managing Partner of Origami. “We know companies will embrace the project and resolve to focus on delivering a development to the residents of Northern Virginia they will celebrate. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the commonwealth, Loudoun and Fairfax counties.”

The General Assembly declared the property surplus in 2016 and directed DGS, which manages Virginia’s real estate portfolio, to dispose of it. DGS and its contracted real estate broker, Divaris Real Estate, marketed the property and received 13 proposals from 12 offerors in its initial solicitation. In October 2019, a Call for Best and Final Offers resulted in 12 proposals from 10 potential purchasers. DGS began discussions with the chosen purchaser in November.

“The sale of this property in an area of Virginia where property development continues at a robust pace provided the Commonwealth an opportunity to receive the most favorable outcome from an open competitive sale process,” said DGS Director Joe Damico. “DGS worked collaboratively with many stakeholders, including the localities where the property resides, the Office of the Attorney General, building tenants, and the new owners to complete the successful surplus property sale that will further the Commonwealth’s economic development goals.”

Photo via Facebook/CIT

A bear — or bears — has been spotted in the Reston area.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn says that he’s received several reports of bear sightings.

It’s not uncommon to spot bears this time of year as they wander into residential areas in search of food.

County officials say that bears may be drawn into populated areas because of the smell of food. Other things that attract bears include garbage, compost piles, fruit trees, beehives and berry-producing shrubs.

Here’s more from the county on how to make your property unattractive to bears:

Secure your garbage in bear-resistant trash cans or store it in a secure building.

If you have trash collection service, put your trash out the morning of the pickup, not the night before.

Do not store household trash, or anything that smells like food, in vehicles, on porches or decks.

Remove bird feeders if a bear is in the area and keep them down for 3-4 weeks. Birdfeeders are a common lure for bears in Fairfax County.

Keep your grill clean. Do not dump drippings in your yard.

Don’t put meat scraps in your compost pile.

Don’t leave pet food outdoors.

Make sure your neighbors are following the same recommendations.

Bear sightings should be reported to Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries through the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at (855) 571-9003, extension 711.

Photo via Walter Alcorn/Twitter

Virginia Reopening Starts Tomorrow — Although Northern Virginia will not reopen or another two weeks, the rest of Virginia will start the first reopening phase on Friday. Gatherings of more than 10 people remain banned and telework is encouraged when feasible. [Reston Patch]

Colvin Run Mill Churns Out New Products — “The 200-year-old Colvin Run Mill is set to begin selling its stone-ground products at the Reston Farmers Market. Fairfax County’s historic mill will be offering bags of cornmeal, white grits and soft, locally grown wheat flour that are produced using the technology of ages past. The mill is currently accepting phone orders for its products Sundays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.” [Fairfax County Government]

Summer Entertainment Series Canceled — The summer series by the Fairfax County Park Authority will be canceled through June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Park Authority and Park Foundation will be reaching out to performers and generous local sponsors as the park system plans for a phased reopening of the park system and evaluates all options to continue this series later this summer,” according to FCPA. [Fairfax County Government]

High Honors for Local Volunteer Serve Award Community Champion — “William “Bill” Farrell has been selected as the 2020 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Award Community Champion representing the Hunter Mill District. Each year, the Board of Supervisors selects an individual to be recognized for their commitment to promoting volunteerism within their community while addressing specific needs. For the past five years, Bill has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shepherd’s Center.” [Volunteer Fairfax]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

A task force chaired by Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn kicked off a review of Reston’s guiding planning and development document Monday night.

The 24-member group, which includes representatives from community organizations, developers, and real estate professionals, reviewed the primary objectives of the task force, which Alcorn assembled earlier this year. Over the next several months, members will develop recommendations on Reston’s Comprehensive Plan, which has been criticized by residents and others for not being up to date with the current and future pace of development.

Since the plan was last updated in 2014, 39 major zoning applications have been approved and 12 major zoning applications are in process, according to Chris Caperton, deputy director of the county’s planning and development department. More than 14 million square feet of commercial development and 13.4 million square feet of residential development have been approved, according to 2019 data.

Alcorn outlined a review of the following focus areas:

• Projected population thresholds
• Land use in Reston’s village centers
• An evaluation of the plan’s language regarding more affordable housing and the preservation and improvement of existing affordable housing
• Planned pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to access Metro stations
• If the plan provides adequate guidance on urban scale mobility and development design in Reston’s Transit Station Areas while protecting neighborhood stability of nearby areas
• Transportation improvements and their alignment with planned development
• How the plan can better enhance Reston’s natural environment and encourage energy efficiency
• How the plan address concerns about the “monopolization” of ownership in Reston, especially pertaining to Boston Properties’ ownership of Reston Town Center
• If the historic practice of promoting privately-owned open space addresses public needs for the next 50 years

Alcorn said the task force’s timetable was “aggressive” to complete its work. The next meeting, which will be held online, is slated for May 26.

He also clarified that discussions around the future ownership of Reston Town Center would center around whether or not there is a longterm vision of the ownership of Reston’s commercial center.

The review will not be restricted to Reston’s Planned Residential Community District. A county proposal to increase that district’s population density — among other proposed changes — drew community rancor and was ultimately deferred last year.

Others encouraged the task force to take a close look at whether or not the plan provides sufficient guidance on managing the pace of infrastructure and development in the area.

Reston Association board member John Mooney said he was concerned that county studies have primarily examined the effect of development in Reston’s Transit Station Area (TSA) on traffic specific in that area.

After a series of meetings, the task force will pitch recommendations to the Fairfax County Planning Commission. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will then vote on any proposed amendments to the plan.

More information about the task force and upcoming meetings is available online.

Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfax County can apply for grants through a new program approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors yesterday (Tuesday).

The Fairfax Relief Initiative to Support Employers (Fairfax RISE) uses $25 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program is intended to provide immediate relief for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and “address gaps that may exist among complementary programs,” according to the county.

“Our hope is that these grants will help small businesses and nonprofits be able to emerge from these difficult times by retaining employees and preparing to grow in the future,” Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay wrote in a statement.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations can begin applying in early June. Funding will be awarded based on the number of employees, with amounts varying from $10,000 to $20,000. Funding can be used for compensation, capital, equipment, inventory, rent and other critical operating expenses. No grant funds can be used to pay debts to start or close a business.

Here’s more from a press release:

Fairfax RISE will offer grants to qualified businesses or nonprofits that will not have to be repaid. It also specifically establishes a minimum allocation of 30% of the program’s total dollars — or $7.5 million — towards awards for minority-, veteran-, and women- owned businesses.

Not only have these kinds of businesses historically faced difficulty obtaining financing, but they also make a major contribution to the county’s economy. Minority-owned companies with employees account for 32% percent of businesses in Fairfax County, and collectively, all minority, women and veteran-owned businesses employ 80,000 people in the county with total annual revenues of $14.4 billion.

The grant application process is expected to begin in early June 2020. To be eligible, applicants must be established and have one or more location(s) in Fairfax County, including the principal place of business. Fairfax County includes businesses and nonprofit organizations located in the Towns of Herndon, Vienna, and Clifton. Additionally, awardees must have less than 50 total employees across all locations, have been in operation over 1 year; and, with the exception of nonprofits, have a valid Business, Professional and Occupational Licenses (BPOL).

The county also created a microloan fund for small businesses using county dollars.

Airbags were stolen from at least a dozen cars in Herndon over two days, according to police.

The incidents happened overnight on May 6 and May 7 at the Ashton at Dulles Corner apartments. A spokesperson for the Fairfax County Police Department told Reston Now the incidents are under investigation.

Residents of the apartment complex reported that only Hondas were targeted during the airbag theft streak.

Airbags, which can sell for hundreds of dollars on the black market, are easily removable and portable, allowing thieves to make a quick buck.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau says that airbags retail at around $1,000 and can be purchased on the black market for between $50 and $200.

The NICB offers the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of airbag fraud:

• Use a reputable automobile collision repair shop that employs ASE-certified mechanics
• Inspect the invoice to ensure the repair shop purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, dealer or recycler
• If possible, inspect the airbag prior to installation. If new, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer
• The trim cover over the steering column should be the same color as the remaining trim interior. If not, it is an indication that the original airbag has been replaced
• When you turn on your vehicle’s ignition, a red SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) indicator should light up and flash in the instrument panel display, indicating the airbag system is activated. No SRS light indicates a problem with the airbag system that could result in no airbag activation

Some national reports indicate that newer models of Hondas might be at higher risk of airbag thefts.

Photo via Megan Marie

Reston Company Emerges from Bankruptcy — Reston-based IT infrastructure company Internal Corp. has emerged from bankruptcy protection with a new CEO and $300 million in liquidity. The company restructured its finances and appointed its former president and chief financial officer, Michael Sicoli, to CEO. [Virginia Business]

Recap of Reston Farmers Market Opening — The Reston Farmers Market opened for the 2020 season over the weekend. Market managers spread out tents to facilitate social distancing and special rules were also in effect. [Reston Connection]

A Drive-by Celebration of Mother’s Day — The Herndon Harbor Adult Day Health Care Center organized a drive-by parade to distribute personalized Mother’s Day gifts and arts supplies. [Fairfax County Government]

Reston Association Board to Meet Today — The board will select new positions, including those for newly elected members. Forms for the organization’s new conflict of interest policy will also be distributed at the meeting. [Reston Association]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Reston Association’s Board of Directors will select new its new officers at an online meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m.

Newly elected members Robert Petrine, Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza and Mike Collins recently won seats on the board, as well as incumbent Caren Anton.

The board will select a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for the coming year.

Here’s more from Reston Association on the process:

The selection process involves board members submitting nominations and then nominees making brief statements about their qualifications to serve as an officer. Then the board will vote. A simple majority of the nine-member board is required for a director to be chosen for an officer’s position.

The board will also select committee assignments for entities like the fiscal committee and the environmental advisory committee.

A virtual meeting is also planned on May 21 at 6:30. p.m. RA’s Design Review Board will hold a virtual meeting on May 27 at 6 p.m.

Details on how to log-in are available online.

Photo via RA/Facebook

The Fairfax County Police Department is asking the public to help find a 75-year-old Reston resident who went missing Sunday night.

Police said Michael Delaney was seen shortly after 9 p.m. in the 1800 block of Town Center Parkway. He is 6’3”, 170 pounds, and has blue eyes and gray hair. ,

He was last seen wearing a yellow hospital gown, jeans, and a black jacket.

Police believe he is endangered due to physical or mental health concerns.

Anyone with more information should call 703-691-2131.

Our Search and Rescue Team is still working to find #missing Michael Delaney. They are in the area of the Reston hospital and neighborhoods around North Shore Dr. Below is a picture of him from last night when he went missing. Please call 703-691-2131 if you see him. #FCPD pic.twitter.com/6xT9rhclNB

— Fairfax County Police (@FairfaxCountyPD) May 12, 2020

Following the lifting of a state order, Reston Hospital Center has resumed elective procedures and surgeries.

Hospital officials say that the introduction is occurring “thoughtfully” and with continuous monitoring of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The hospital notes that scheduled or elective procedures are often not optional and cannot be delayed indefinitely.

“Deferring important medical procedures can result in patients unnecessarily suffering at home, and later seeking care only when their conditions have become more serious,” according to the center.

A statewide ban on elective surgeries was lifted on May 1. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam originally extended the ban by one week.

“My top priority is protecting public health, and that includes ensuring that our frontline medical staff have the equipment they need to stay safe as they treat Virginians who are sick,” said Governor Northam. “We have increased our supply of PPE, but before we allow elective surgeries to resume, we must first be assured that the doctors, nurses, and medical staff who are fighting this virus or conducting emergency surgeries have the necessary supplies. We are working with medical facilities on plans to ensure that we can resume elective surgeries safely and responsibly.”

The hospital continues to limit the number of entrances into the facility. Staff are also questioning anyone who enters the hospital center. Only one visitor — who is screened negative and masked — is allowed to accompany patients.

All COVID-19 patients are also isolated to specific areas.

Parabon NanoLabs Inc., a Reston-based company that’s known for cracking cold cases across the country, is coming to a TV near you.

The DNA technology company is featured in “The Genetic Detective,” a new ABC docuries that will premiere on May 19 at 10 p.m. The show takes a deep dive into the company’s genetic genealogy division, which is led by genetic genealogist CeCe Moore.

Here’s more from ABC on the show:

From ABC News comes “THE GENETIC DETECTIVE” debuting TUESDAY, MAY 19 (10:00 – 11:00 p.m. EDT). The all-new series follows investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore as she uses her unique research skills to transform the face of crime solving. By working with police departments and crime scene DNA, Moore is able to trace the path of a violent criminal’s family tree to reveal their identity and help bring them to justice. “The Genetic Detective” is a co-production with ABC News and XCON Productions. Carrie Cook and Marc Dorian serve as co-executive producers for ABC News. Christine Connor is executive producer and Christopher K. Dillon is co-executive producer for XCon Productions. CeCe Moore is producer.

Moore, who is known for her genealogy work and the PBS series, “Finding Your Roots,” was hired by Steven and Paula Armentrout, the founders of the company, two years ago.

The series takes a look at Moore’s first case, the 1987 double homicide of a young Canadian couple, and the 1988 murder of an eight-year-old in Indiana. The show will air on Tuesdays from 10 to 11 p.m.

File photo