Local Resident to Serve on Statewide Coronavirus Taskforce — Warren Thompson, president and founder of Reston-based Thompson Hospitality, will serve on Gov. Ralph Northam’s recovery task force for businesses. The task force will advise Northam on how to ease restrictions on individuals and businesses. [Patch]

Two Men Rob Pedestrian — Police believe two men implied they had a weapon and attempted to steal the victim’s backpack on April 25 at around 9 p.m. The incident happened at the intersection of Springer Drive and Enright Place. [Fairfax County Police Department]

FCPS Distance Learning on Kojo Nnamdi — The Kojo Nnamdi Show will feature the Fairfax County Public School System’s distance learning woes during a show today at noon. [Kojo Nnamdi]

Photo by Marjorie Copson

Over the weekend, Fairfax County unveiled a new COVID-19 dashboard, providing more insight into the geographic and racial data.

In addition to previously available data on total case numbers, deaths, hospitalizations and age distribution, the new dashboard now offers data on:

• cases by locality
• case rates by combined zip codes grouped by the first three digits
• cases by racial and ethnic groups
• trajectory of cases to show increases or decreases
• epidemic curve “shows the number of new cases that occur by week of onset”

Fairfax County Health Director Gloria Addo-Ayensu cautioned that the data underestimate the outbreak and highlights areas where there may be disparities in the Fairfax Health District.

“Since many people with mild to moderate symptoms are not being diagnosed or tested, the data primarily represents people with more severe illness and should be interpreted with caution and not used to determine individual risk,” Addo-Ayensu said.

Rates in Northern Virginia are higher than elsewhere in the state. Although the Fairfax Health District has the most cases statewide, it does not have the highest prevalence of the disease when measured by cases per 100,000 residents.

Case rates are combined by grouping the first three digits of zip code. Reston and Herndon — which overlap over two zip code groups — have a case count of around 485. The county is presenting case counts per 100,000 residents in order to account for differences in population sizes across zip code groups.

The data are presented with several caveats. Onset dates could be inaccurate and tests may take several days to process.

As of today (Monday), Fairfax County has 3,002 cases and 100 deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The cities of Fairfax and Falls Church both have just over two dozen cases and two deaths.

The Fairfax Health District, which includes the county and its towns and cities, continues to lead the state in the number of cases and deaths.

Of the 199 outbreaks in Virginia, 34 are in the Fairfax Health District with 31 at long term care facilities and one each at a healthcare setting, correctional facility and educational setting.

Statewide, there are at least 13,535 cases, 2,066 hospitalizations and 458 deaths. More than 80,000 people have been tested for the virus.

Fatimah Waseem and Catherine Douglas Moran reported this story 

Image via Fairfax County

Gov. Ralph Northam Outlines Blueprint for Reopening — “The lifting of restrictions will include a phased approach based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Beyond a steady decline in new cases, the state will also have to increase testing and contact tracing, while ensuring hospitals have the necessary capacity, Northam said.” [Inside NOVA]

Meat Company Offers Free Delivery — D’Artagnan, a purveyor of “sustainably raised” meat, is offering free delivery for Reston residents via its refrigerated trucks. More information on the program is available online. [D’Artagnan]

Rumor Control: Don’t Swallow Cleaning Products — “Drinking bleach and other cleaning product will not kill the virus inside your body, but it could result in serious illness or injury.” [Fairfax County Government]

Photo by Beth Allgaier

Fairfax County has had a recent jump in COVID-19 deaths as the number of cases continues to rise in the county and statewide.

As of today (Friday), Fairfax County had 85 deaths due to the respiratory illness, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The cities of Fairfax and Falls Church have both reported two deaths.

In total, the Fairfax Health District, which includes the county and its towns and cities, reported 89 deaths — up from 80 deaths reported yesterday (Thursday).

Yesterday, Fairfax County reported the first coronavirus case claiming the life of someone under the age of 50. Most of the people who died from the illness in the Fairfax Health District were above the age of 65.

More data on the Fairfax Health District:

• 2,584 cases
• 460 hospitalizations
• 10,887 tests
• 26 outbreaks: 24 at long term care facilities and one each at a correctional facility and healthcare setting

Statewide, there are 11,594 confirmed cases and 410 deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The state has had 176 outbreaks with half at long term care facilities.

Data via Virginia Department of Health

Metro is taking advantage of low ridership and traffic-free highways to speed up work on the Silver Line.

A summer shutdown for the Silver Line will begin on Saturday, May 23 and continue through the fall. Metro is working on connecting the new stations in phase two of the Silver Line extension project, which is being built by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

“This is about two things: working smarter and working safer,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld. “Closing the stations to get the work done while ridership is historically low allows us to limit the exposure of our frontline staff and contractors, mitigate delays to our capital program, and minimize inconvenience to the public.”

All trains will begin and end service in Ballston and Orange Line service will run from Ballston to New Carrollton.

Free express and local shuttle bus service will be available for essential workers only. Shuttles will run every day and operate during the same hours as Metro (5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends).

Ridership has dipped to roughly 1,200 customers per weekday at stations west of Ballston due to the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Jay Westcott

Local Muslims are gearing up for a drastically different Ramadan this year as stay-at-home orders put an end to communal prayers only done during the month of fasting and other mosque-based customs.

The Reston Islamic Center, a small mosque that opened last year in office space near Reston Town Center (11701 Bowman Green Drive), is hoping to keep the Ramadan spirit and community spirituality alive.

The first day of fasting begins tomorrow. Muslims refrain from food and drink every day from sunrise to sunset. Every night, mosques across the country host a communal prayer called taraweeh that is only conducted during Ramadan.

Although RIC will not offer congregational prayers, the mosque is turning to virtual platforms to keep local Muslims engaged. The center is offering two classes a week and updates via its Facebook page.

“Of course, it is a drawback that we do not get to see each other and build on that community cohesion, but the silver lining is working on ourselves and our spirituality with our creator, which is the main purpose of this beautiful month,” Hewad Aziz of RIC told Reston Now.

The mosque is encouraging families to lead prayers in their homes and use quarantine time for personal introspection.

Social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders came amidst a critical time for the mosque, which recently launched phase two of its expansion project. The organization hopes to expand to two floors in the building it currently leases. The second floor would be dedicated specifically to women and families.

The mosque was banking on fundraising during Ramadan to reach funding targets. But with mosque doors closed, organizers are still hopeful they can keep the expansion project going. A crowdfunding campaign has raised $1,621 of its $45,000 target.

“We have great hope that the community will band together and we will meet our goals,” Aziz said.

Photo via Reston Islamic Center

A coronavirus outbreak at a long-term care facility in Herndon has been linked to 11 deaths.

The Associated Press reports that the deaths occurred at the Dulles Health and Rehab Center in Herndon since the first test on March 28. Since then, 63 patients have tested positive for the respiratory illness.

Jeannie Adams, the director of legal services for Commonwealth Care of Roanoke, which provides management services for the center, also noted that 19 members have tested positive.

State officials reported 91 outbreaks at long-term care facilities in the state, resulting in 78 deaths.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has created a task force devoted to handling outbreaks at long-term care facilities. The task force is aimed at ensuring facilities have resources to fight COVID-19, strengthen staffing and infection control measures, and ensure information about the pandemic is readily available.

Photo via Dulles Health and Rehab Center

Two Men Rob Victim in Parking Lot — Police believe that two men assaulted and robbed a man at gunpoint on the 1600 block of Reston Parkway on April 21. The victim was not injured. The suspects were described as black men in their 20s or 30s. [Fairfax County Police Department]

FCPS Assistant Superintendent Resigns — The fallout of the school system’s distance learning debacle continues. Maribeth Luftglass, who oversaw the school system’s department of information technology, is stepping down from the role she has held for 21 years. [Twitter]

Delays in Daily COVID Count — The process that compiles daily case counts overnights underwent an error. Case information is unavailable this morning. Staff is working to resolve the issue. [Virginia Department of Health]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

To adapt to changing demands brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic, an eatery in Reston is adapting to offer a selection of grocery items.

Founding Farmers Reston (1904 Reston Metro Plaza) now delivers groceries and allows customers to sign up for a curbside pickup time slot, according to its website. Called Founding Farmers Market and Grocery, the service will offer booze to go, meals typically made through the eatery’s kitchen and groceries.

Market products include bread, snacks, milk, eggs, meats, pre-sliced deli items, fresh produce, desserts like cookie dough and household items such as paper towels, hand soap, laundry detergent and trash bags.

The grocery market program began on April 17, according to the eatery’s Facebook page and continues to expand its menu.

Customers can choose delivery or curbside pickup time from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., according to the website.

With each grocery order, a $6.99 surcharge will apply to the total, the website said, regardless of the total cost.

Those interested in testing out this service can fill out a virtual cart through Founding Farmer’s online portal and choose a time for pickup or delivery.

As a way to support people struggling during this time, Founding Farmers is offering 50% off for first responders, those in the medical field and employees, the website said.

Photo via Founding Farmers Reston/Facebook

A security guard at Lake Anne Fellowship House, a 240-unit development for seniors in need of affordable housing, has tested positive for coronavirus.

Fellowship Square Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable housing and support services for low-income seniors, is working with the security company to identify if the guard came into contact with staff or residents, according to Christy Zeitz, the foundation’s CEO.

A cleaning crew is also conducting deep cleaning and sanitizing of all areas where the guard was in and around, including common areas, doorknobs, elevators, the front desk, and handrails.

In a notice to tenants and families yesterday (April 21), Zeitz said the foundation is working with the Virginia Department of Health and the security company to contain the spread of the virus.

“The health and safety of all residents and staff is our foremost priority,” Zeitz wrote. “We are working closely with the company and state health officials to ensure all necessary steps are taken, including the identification of staff who recently came into contact with the vendor.”

All residents have been instructed to stay in their apartments. Service coordinators will contact residents and their families over the phone or email to ensure residents have food and other necessities.

Older adults and people with several underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing more serious complications from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All potentially affected staff are at home in quarantine and there is no personal contact between staff and residents.

The Fellowship House is seeking donation of food and groceries for residents so that they don’t need to leave the premises for supplies, as well as protective masks. Although the organization is awaiting an order of 1,700 masks for its residents, it’s unclear when the shipment will arrive.

File photo

Scrawl Books, a locally-owned shop in Reston, though strained by the lack of foot traffic in the shop, seems to be doing well thanks to community support.

The shop’s owner, Rachel Wood told Reston Now that the store is staying afloat because of the local bibliophiles who are taking the campaigns encouraging people to support local businesses to heart.

In the past few weeks, the shop has shifted its business model to include curbside pickup and home delivery –which is free for people in Reston, Herndon and parts of Vienna.

“We are really happy to be able to be here for the community and get books to people so they can stay home longer and have a better time while they are there,” Wood said.

All of the free community engagement events that used to be held in-person, like the bookclubs and speakers, were simply moved onto digital platforms.  Many of the events hosted by Scrawl still have a significant number of participants, according to Wood, who added that people are looking for activities to combat the boredom of self-isolation. Anyone interested in Scrawl’s events can check out the location’s Facebook page for links and details.

In terms of staff favorites, Wood said she is currently enjoying a book called “Barn 8: A Novel” which tells the story of two auditors in the US egg industry who try and pull off a heist, according to the book’s publisher. The book retails at the shop for $16 in paperback.

Those who wish to order books for delivery or pickup from Scrawl (11911 Freedom Drive) may do so or by calling 703-966-2111 from noon. until 6 p.m. daily or ordering online.

For anyone who wants to help young kids who no longer have access to books through the public library system, Scrawl is collecting donations for teachers planning to send books to their students so the kids can continue to boost their literacy skills.

Unfortunately, though, other stores in the area such as Reston’s Used Book Shop have closed indefinitely, according to its website. There is no word from owners when the shop will reopen.

Photo via Scrawl Books/Facebook

Two months ago, Local VA, a gourmet dive bar, opened its doors at Lake Anna Plaza. The opening of the small business at 1633 Washington Plaza was marred by delays, but welcomed by customers and the Lake Anne community for its trendy aesthetic and varied menu.

But after a state order directed restaurants and other businesses to limit customers and shift to takeout and delivery, the recently-opened business is struggling to remain afloat. The owners say they’re in it for the long haul, despite financial setbacks.

When the nearly $350 billion stimulus package for small businesses launched, the owners said they immediately applied. One week later, the Small Business Administration assured them that a $10,000 forgivable loan would be on the way within three days of the receipt of a second application. The owners applied but heard nothing in return, despite multiple emails to the administration and their bank.

With federal funds exhausted for small business, Local VA is still optimistic about its future.

“Even when the pandemic forced us to switch to carry-out, your support kept us positive, enthusiastic and moving forward,” the owners wrote in a statement. “And now, we shall conquer this mountain, too. This is our room and its a livelihood for several good, caring and dedicated people.”

Local VA struggled to secure federal assistance is emblematic of other small businesses. The forgivable small business loan program quickly depleted in just under two weeks. It is possible that Congress will add additional money to the program, which was launched on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The business continues to take takeout orders.

“Be strong, be safe and let’s conquer this new world together,” the owners wrote.

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

The number of coronavirus deaths has more than doubled in Fairfax County since this weekend as the number of cases statewide continues to soar.

Since Monday morning, at least 30 Fairfax County residents had died from the respiratory illness. But by Monday evening, that number jumped to more than 50 deaths, according to the county.

As of this morning (Tuesday), there have been 64 deaths in the county, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Statewide, there are 324 reported deaths. Roughly a quarter of the deaths (80) have happened in long term care facilities.

As of this morning, Fairfax County has 2,077 cases and 379 hospitalization, according to the state health data.

More than 9,300 people have been tested in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and towns and cities in the county.

Out of the 148 outbreaks in Virginia, 26 have happened in the Fairfax Health District with 26 at long term care facilities and one each at a correction facility and healthcare setting.

Data via Virginia Department of Health

FCPS Ditches Blackboard Learn 24-7 — The school system is moving away from Blackboard Learn 24-7 as a tool for face-to-face instruction due to ongoing issues with the system. Superintendent Scott Brabrand also created a technology advisory council to resolve ongoing distance learning challenges. An outside review of distance learning rollout will be conducted by law firm Hunton Andrew Kurth LLP. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

More County COVID-19 Deaths — According to the latest state data, 59 Fairfax County residents have died from the novel coronavirus. Yesterday, 150 new cases were reported, bringing the county’s total to 1,970 confirmed cases. [Fairfax County Government]

Lake Anne Dock Project Continues — Reston Today offers an update on progress at the Lake Anne project, which includes dreading and renovations to the wooden dock in the plaza. The dock and canal pathways are expected to open on May 1. [Reston Association]

Inside the County’s Call Center — Since the county’s COVID-10 call center opened in the beginning of March, the team has fielded calls from hundreds of local residents, health care providers, and businesses. [Fairfax County Government]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

The rollout of the second week of distance learning by Fairfax County Public Schools continues to be wrought by challenges.

Earlier this morning, FCPS noted that many people are still having problems logging on the Blackboard Learn, the online system used for distance learning. School officials say that updates made by Blackboard over the weekend have not corrected delays with the system.

“We are aware that some students were able to access the 24-7 system early, however as the volume increased, we received word that access was intermittent or slow, in some cases requiring multiple log-on attempts. Once inside the system, Blackboard Collaborate worked well and that resource is continuing to be used by some teachers,” FCPS wrote in a statement.

The Fairfax County School Board is expected to receive an update on the rollout of distance learning on Thursday (April 23). The virtual meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Last week, FCPS canceled distance learning because of major failures with the system. Students and teachers were unable to log on and teachers felt they were unprepared to log in.

The school system’s top leadership officials conceded that the rollout of the plan was a failure and apologized for missteps. They also noted that the school system did not implement seven recommended upgrades to the software over the last two years.

A recent Washington Post story shed light on major security problems that occurred last week. Students appeared on-screen naked and flashed weapons while other chats were hijacked by racist, homophobic and inappropriate language, according to the story.

The story also flagged delays in the rollout of distance learning, which took roughly four weeks, including spring break:

In staff meetings held in late March, teachers suggested using programs such as Zoom to facilitate face time with students, according to educators, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid retribution. But those ideas were shot down by higher-ups, who cited concerns about security.

That anxiety was well-founded: Schools across the country have fallen prey to “Zoom bombing,” a phenomenon in which anonymous users disrupt online classes with hateful rhetoric or sexually explicit images. Nonetheless, Zoom and popular platforms like it had helped school districts, businesses and even families get connected quickly during a time of upheaval.

Fairfax settled on a solution many were less excited about: online learning tools offered by Blackboard. Caldwell said the division has a contract with Blackboard for $2.6 million in 2020, which includes an extra $150,000 per month that the division agreed to pay the firm during the shutdown.

In interviews, teachers described Blackboard as a lumbering program that they found more difficult than other technologies and more likely to malfunction. The school district was planning to switch to another online platform, Schoology, in 2021, Caldwell said.

A community petition to hold FCPS “accountable for educating our kids during [a] pandemic” has received 937 of the 1,000 needed signatures. The petition calls for an independent audit of decision making and events prior to the rollout of distance learning.

FCPS plans to continue its distance learning plan tomorrow.

Photo via FCPS