Superintendent Scott Brabrand said during a Facebook Live event today (Friday) that he is not aware of any new coronavirus cases with Fairfax County Public School employees.

FCPS announced on Saturday (March 14) that a teacher at Lynbrook Elementary School tested presumptive positive for coronavirus.

“We received no additional information about any of our employees receiving such a diagnosis,” he said.

Lynbrook Elementary School has been “thoroughly cleaned,” Brabrand said.

Fairfax County Public Schools closed last Friday (March 13). “It is our plan to return to school on April 14,” Brabrand said today. “This situation continues to evolve from day to day.”

Brabrand said that grade books are not closed and that students will have opportunities to complete assignments from the closure.

Brabrand said that he is trying to delay decisions on canceling proms and find ways for students to participate in graduations, which run from late May to June.

Brabrand said that a decision will be made next week about the laptop distribution that was supposed to happen on Monday (March 16).

More updates from Brabrand:

• April 13 is still planned as a Teacher Work Day
• FCPS is “committed to pay employees during the closure”
• will share decisions on pay for substitute teachers next week
• working on an access plan to schools for an emergency or critical school supplies
• parents should wait for schools to reopen before registering their kids
• teachers will get distance learning training in a distance learning environment

“This is not an optimal situation for any of us here in Fairfax County Public Schools,” he said.

Image via FCPS/Facebook

State Gov. Ralph Northam recently ordered restaurants, bars, and gym to enforce a 10-person limit in their establishments.

Unlike DC and Maryland where restaurants were ordered to close earlier this week, many local restaurants are continuing operations. Some are open with reduced hours and while others are shifting entirely to carry out and delivery.

Small businesses are reporting financial distress as COVID-19 continues to spread. So far, the county’s health district has 16 confirmed cases — a number that’s expected to rise as more people receive tests.

Here’s a list of spots to check out for takeout and delivery options. Please note that restaurants are updating hours and policies on a daily basis.

Carryout and Delivery

• Amphora: Reduced bakery hours on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead for curbside delivery
• Ariake: To-go orders only between 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Bobby’s Bagel Cafe: Carryout and delivery offered
• CAVA: Some locations have closed, but the Reston location is open for pick up orders
• CarPool Herndon: Carryout offered; 10-guest limit for dine-in
• Charred: Customers can grab a $10 cheeseburger with chips and drinks all week.
• Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant: Foodservice discontinued, but the tasting room remains open
• Elden Street Tea Shop: Customers can place an order online
• Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern: Delivery and pick-up only via Doordash. Free delivery is offered within a 10-mile radius. The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
• Lake Anne Brew House: A new “taproom to go” site was launched yesterday (Thursday)
• Lucia’s Italian Ristorante: The restaurant is also open for dine-in
• Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls — The owner tells us the Reston Town Center location is open from noon to 7 p.m. Carryout, curbside pickup and free delivery in RTC are available
• Mission BBQ: Open for take-out and delivery only. Free delivery for all orders of $25 or more through March 31
• Founding Farmers: Delivery and takeout offered, with first respondents. Current and formers employees get 50 percent off for curbside pick up orders.
• Finn Thai: Open for dine-in, delivery and carryout
• Glory Days (North Point and Fox Mill Locations) — Carryout, online ordering and delivery
• Gregorio’s Trattoria: Open and also offering delivery and carryout
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern: Free delivery and takeout
• Mezeh Mediterranean Grill: Pickup and delivery available. Buy one bowl, get one free.
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: Takeout offered from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Half off of select wines with purchase of food.
• Nando’s Peri-Peri: Delivery and carryout
• Nordic Knot: Orders can also be placed online
• North Italia: Delivery and carryout offered only
• Silver Diner (11951 Killingsworth Avenue): Carryout, curbside, and delivery online available
• Ted’s Bulletin: Dine-in is open “with strict sanitation and health checks,” according to the company
• The Counter: Online orders open
• The Melting Pot: Reduced hours from Sunday through Thursday, with an early closing time of 9 p.m.
• The Counter: Online orders open
• Virginia Kitchen: Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Curbside service highly encouraged
• Weird Brothers Coffee: The Worldgate Metro Plaza location is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The roasting factory is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coffee shop is also offering takeout, curbside delivery and local delivery

Temporary Closures

• Big Bowl
• Bombay Velvet
• Crafthouse: Gifts cards available for purchase online
• Mon Ami Gabi
• Not Your Average Joe’s
• PassionFish
• Uncle Julio’s

Help us update this list by commenting below with the name of the business and a link with details

Photo via Lake Anne Brew House/Facebook

FCPS Update from Superintendent — In an email sent to parents last night, Superintendent Scott Braband said that the school system will pivot to distance learning if schools are not open by April 14. Over the next two weeks, distance learning training for teachers will begin. [Fairfax County Public Schools]

Federal Disaster Loans Available for Small Businesses —  Businesses and nonprofit organizations in Virginia can now only for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million. [Small Business Administration]

Support Local Businesses — Owners of several local businesses urged customers to continue supporting them by purchasing food and other items via curbside pickup, delivery, carryout, or online services. [YouTube]

Trouble with Reston Association Login— If members have trouble logging into their WebTrac account, they should email [email protected] with their name, property address or account number. [WebTrac]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

COVID-19 has prompted a lot of closures, but there are still certain recreational activities in the Reston area to help people stay healthy while social distancing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people take care of their bodies through tactics like deep breathing, stretching and meditation during the recent outbreak.

Reston Now compiled a list of resources from around the area and websites offering fitness opportunities that support social-isolation.

Parks and Outdoor Activities 

The NOVA Parks website said that most parks will remain open for the time being, but with specific changes made to staffing.

Visitors should note that things like the visitor center are closed, but people are free to come and go, according to the website.

While Fairfax County has closed its indoor park facilities and recreation, nature and community centers through March 29, people can still use the county’s outdoor parks and trails.

Lake Fairfax Park in Reston (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., according to google.

Though the Walker Nature Center (11450 Glade Drive) is closed, according to its Facebook page, its trails are still open for public use.

The Town of Herndon also created a map of area parks for visitors.

Apps and Fitness Resources 

Though it isn’t necessarily a new trend, fitness classes are going digital so that people can still exercise at home.

Core Power Yoga closed its studios but offers digital classes so people can take guided classes on-demand from the comfort of their own home, its website said.

FitOn offers a large variety of fitness classes for clients and there is even a free version that people can take advantage of.

Digital Fitness Assessment on major app stores is yet another option for home fitness. It lets people record their goals and helps keep them on track, according to the app description.

Mental Wellbeing

For people feeling isolated, experts also suggest touching base with friends and family using digital tools such as Zoom, Skype and Google Hangouts. All these software allow people to video chat and see each other without coming into close proximity.

For mental health issues, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Series Administration has a hotline where people can reach out if they are becoming concerned. People can chat with someone for free at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

The CDC also directly suggests avoiding substances like alcohol and drugs while in self-isolation.

Updated at 4:55 p.m. — “Kaiser has set up five different sites across the region for members with a doctor’s prescription for testing,” WTOP reported. “The health maintenance organization has testing sites in Baltimore, Largo, Gaithersburg, Tysons Corner and Woodbridge.”

Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites are starting to pop up around the U.S. to screen patients for the virus.

Fairfax County doesn’t have any plans at the moment to open a drive-through testing site, Ali Althen, a spokesperson for Fairfax County, told Tysons Reporter yesterday.

“The decision to open sites would likely be made by the medical community and not the county government,” Althen said.

Earlier this week, Arlington County and Virginia Hospital teamed up for a drive-thru testing site to cut down on the number of people trying to get tested at hospitals and doctor’s offices.

“Arlington residents, county and school system employees and Virginia Hospital Center patients, who are experiencing symptoms consistent with coronavirus and have a written order from a healthcare provider, will be eligible for testing,” ARLnow reported.

As of Thursday morning, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 77 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in the commonwealth, with 14 in Fairfax County.

If the county does decide to open drive-thru sites, it would let people know “across our channels to help members of the public find and make use of those sites as necessary and appropriate,” Althen said.

On Thursday afternoon, Fairfax County released more information about testing sites:

Up until recently, COVID-19 testing was only available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state laboratories, with local health departments like ours helping to coordinate and facilitate those tests based on very specific testing criteria. Now that we have commercial laboratories testing capability, physicians have wider latitude to order testing.

Still, several challenges have limited testing for Fairfax County residents:

1. With shortages of personal protective equipment across the nation, health care providers who lack recommended protective equipment may not test because of the risk to their health and ability to continue providing care in the community.
2. The materials needed for specimen collection before being sent to the lab are in limited supply nationwide.

The Health Department does not evaluate patients or collect specimens for commercial testing because these functions are best performed by primary care providers, urgent care centers or Emergency Departments where a complete medical evaluation, radiology, and other types of laboratory testing are available.

Let us know what you think of the coronavirus drive-thru sites in the poll below.

Fairfax County Public Schools is expanding the number of grab-and-go sites and adding several pop-up options throughout the county.

Students can pick up breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at one of the 39 sites in the county. The service is intended for students that rely on free and reduced price school meals and is also open to county children under 18. Adults can also purchase meals for $2.

On Wednesday (March 18), the county announced that its food truck will travel to nine pop-up sites in the county. The truck is expected to swing by South Lakes High School between 11-11:30 a.m.

Beginning today (Thursday), school buses will also deliver meals along some bus routes by stopping at designated intersections. The schedule is available online.

Local grab-and-go sites are below:

• Herndon Elementary School (630 Dranesville Road)
• Dogwood Elementary School (12300 Glade Drive)
• Hutchison Elementary School (13209 Parcher Avenue)
• Forest Edge Elementary School (1501 Becontree Lane)
• Coates Elementary School (2460 River Burch Road)

The complete list is available online. An online map created by the county also allows users to search all food distribution sites in the area.

Photo via FCPS

As concerns grow about the coronavirus, state and county officials, along with Dominion Energy, want residents to beware scams related to the virus.

“As the coronavirus public health emergency continues, scam artists are taking advantage [of] the situation,” one of the many alerts from Fairfax County said.

Coronavirus Scam Prevention

Due to Virginia’s declared state of emergency, the county noted that it is unlawful of suppliers to sell, lease or license any necessary goods and services “at an unconscionable price.”

As of yesterday (Tuesday), spokespeople for Fairfax County and FCPD haven’t received any reports about scams related to the coronavirus.

Earlier in March, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring urged residents to be wary of coronavirus scams, which could include products for sale claiming to prevent the virus, misinformation or fake solicitations for coronavirus victims, according to a press release.

“Unfortunately, scammers oftentimes take advantage of natural disasters or public health fears like the coronavirus to make a buck,” Herring said in the press release.

The press release offered tips for people to combat scams:

• Look out for emails that claim to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying that they have information about the coronavirus. For the most updated information you can visit the CDC and the World Health Organization websites.
• Do not click on any links from unknown sources. This could lead to downloading a virus on your computer or phone.
• Ignore any offers, online or otherwise, for a coronavirus vaccine. If you see any advertisements for prevention, treatment or cures ask the question: if there had been a cure for the disease would you be hearing about that through an advertisement or sales pitch?
• Thoroughly research any organizations or charities purporting to be raising funds for victims of the coronavirus.
• Look out for “investment opportunities” surrounding the coronavirus. According to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission there are online promotions claiming the products or services of certain publicly-traded companies can prevent, detect, or cure the disease and that the stock of these companies will dramatically increase because of that.

“It is so important that Virginians stay vigilant and do their research before giving their money to anyone purporting to sell preventative medications or raising funds for victims,” Herring said.

Scams Often Target Seniors

Dominion Energy is working with police to get the scammers’ phone numbers shut down, according to Peggy Fox, a Dominion Energy spokesperson.

“Dominion Energy will never make threatening phone calls, demand you pay over the phone or ask you to pay with prepaid cards,” Fox said.

Often, the scammers — claiming to be from Dominion Energy — will call people and threaten to cut off service if payments aren’t made immediately, Fox said.

“They direct their victims to another number and when you call it (which I have) you may hear our Dominion Energy voice recording — which they’ve stolen,” Fox said, adding that they will also tell people to buy pre-paid cards for payment.

Tips from Dominion Energy on how to spot scams:

• While robocall scams can be relatively easy to spot, effective scammers continue to make personal phone calls. Some scammers may employ scare tactics, while others will try to gain your trust by sounding friendly and sympathetic.
• Many utility scammers try to instill fear and a sense of urgency by threatening immediate service disconnection if you don’t provide payment information over the phone or agree to pay your energy bill with a prepaid debit or gift card.
• Dominion Energy does not make calls requesting immediate payment or require customers to pay with prepaid cards of any kind.
• Some utility impostors may falsify their caller ID to appear they are using a local number or even Dominion Energy’s customer service number. When in doubt, hang up and call the number located on your energy bill.
• Don’t let anyone into your home unless you have a previously scheduled appointment or have called about an issue. Always check for proper identification before letting personnel in. Additionally, utility workers won’t ask you to pay an energy bill in person.
• Hang up. Customers can always verify their account balance and payment due date by signing into their dominionenergy.com account or calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

“These scams are widespread in each of the 18 states we serve. They’re relentless in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, where we provide electrical service,” Fox said, adding that they often target seniors.

Additionally, Dominion Energy is waiving reconnection and late fees, along with donating $1 million to relief organizations to help people impacted by the coronavirus.

Suspect It’s a Scammer?

So what happens if a scammer calls? Hang up and call these places.

People who have questions or concerns about scams can contact the attorney general’s Consumer Protection Section at 800-552-9963 or the county’s Consumer Affairs Branch at 703-222‐8435, TTY 711.

People who think they’ve received a scam call regarding Dominion Energy should hang up and report the calls to Dominion Energy and the police.

Photo by Jonah Pettrich on Unsplash

“We have consulted with DOI public health officials and leadership on appropriate actions,” the email states. “We are aware of the areas these individuals visited and are cleaning these areas following CDC guidelines.”

A USGS employee told Reston Now that many employees are concerned about the spread of the respiratory disease in the building, especially since visitors continue to come in and out of the building.

Although the building is open, employees can opt to work remotely, according to USGS spokeswoman Karen Armstrong.

“We have determined that the risk of exposure to employees who did not have direct contact with the affected individuals is low,” she said. 

Ashley Hopko contributed reporting to this story.

Photo by Don Becker

LA Fitness announced nationwide closures on Monday (March 16) amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

The closures leave the opening date of the Herndon location, which has been delayed by several months, increasingly uncertain.

The manager of the future Herndon location says that the preview center will reopen on April 1. But the situation is entirely fluid. He hopes to have an estimate soon on when the grand opening will take place.

That could becoming increasingly unlikely. Yesterday (Tuesday), Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered a 10-person cap at restaurants, fitness center, and theaters. Although the order comes short of closing all gyms, restaurants and theaters, the respective industries are expected to take a hit.

“I hope that everyone will have the common sense to stay home tonight and in the days ahead,” said Governor Northam. “This order will ensure that state and local officials have the tools they need to keep people safe.

Gold’s Gym locations, including the one in Plaza America, also closed nationwide through March.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott

The Herndon Police Department is scaling back some services in order to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Although all officers will continue to respond to emergencies, the police department plans to take some police reports over the phone. Officers may take reports and conduct follow-ups over the phone for non-emergency situations.

“It is HPD’s hope that by adopting these practices, we can do our part to slow the spread of this virus and protect the health of our officers and our community,” HPD wrote in a statement on Tuesday (March 17).

Here’s more from the statement:

At the Herndon Police Department, the safety of our community is our top priority. Part of preserving the public safety of our community means promoting public health. But like everyone else, we are faced with making adjustments to the manner in which we carry out our duties due to the onset of COVID-19.

Following the recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, and Fairfax County Health Department, HPD is working to slow the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, while still providing a proper level of service to the community.

For non-emergency services, residents can call 703-435-6846.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Fairfax Health District has 12 presumptive cases of the respiratory disease. The Fairfax County General District Court that’s held in the town on Wednesdays is also closed. It’s expected to open on April 22.

Like other gun stores around the country, a local gun store owner says that there’s an uptick in firearm sales.

An owner of Herndon Arms said that shortly after opening this morning, the store was busier than normal.

He added that there isn’t a specific type of firearm or weapon that has been selling more than the rest and that he wasn’t able to give any statistics or data.

Around the country, Time reported that people are fearful of the public panic that comes with rumors of empty grocery stores but public officials are reassuring everyone that there is not a food shortage around the United States.

Several cities in the U.S. announced that — despite concerns — they will not suspend the sales of firearms, according to the Chicago Tribune.

In Virginia, people must be above 18 or 21 years of age to purchase weapons, depending on the type of firearm, and take courses before they can apply for a license.

People seeking more information can check out the Virginia State Police’s website, which has a list of frequently asked questions and contact information.

Photo via Jeremy Alford/Unsplash

More and more states are ordering eateries and entertainment venues to close or switch to delivery and take-out only to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

When the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local emergency earlier this morning, several supervisors mentioned how the county has limited authority to plan restrictions on eating establishments.

“We don’t have as much authority as people think we do,” Vice-Chair Penny Gross said. “We’re also at the mercy of the governor.”

A few days ago, D.C.’s mayor imposed new restrictions on restaurants and bars, prohibiting table seating and allowing them to offer delivery or take-out options. The restrictions also force nightclubs, theaters and health clubs to close for at least two weeks.

Municipalities have limited authority to take action because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, Arlington Magazine reported, adding that Gov. Ralph Northam could issue a statewide declaration similar to Maryland’s.

Northam said this morning that the state will follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendation to prevent gatherings of 10 or more people, but that he does not plan to place restrictions on restaurants, WHSV reported.

Northam is “asking them to abide by the ‘rule of 10’ and… encouraging them to focus on delivery and takeout options, instead of in-house dining,” according to WHSV.

Northam says he doesn't anticipate shutting restaurants down in the future, saying 45% of Virginians get meals from restaurants.

"I think we've got to be very careful, very prudent. We want to keep Virginia healthy. But we also know that they need to eat."

— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) March 17, 2020

“At least 20 states have ordered that their restaurants and bars close to in-person diners amid the coronavirus pandemic,” The Hill reported earlier today.

The limited authority didn’t stop neighboring Arlington County to plead with restaurants and bars to “take responsible action and switch from dine-in service to only offering carryout and delivery.”

While the statement noted that Arlington County does not have the legal authority to force the changes, it said that COVID-19 cases could overwhelm Arlington if restaurants don’t limit community contact.

As of Monday, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 10 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Fairfax County — a number that officials say is expected to grow.

Photo via Bombay Velvet

Sitting several feet apart, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted today (Tuesday) to declare a local state of emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The declaration activates the county’s emergency plan and allows the county to expeditiously mobilize its resources. A number of local jurisdictions have adopted similar declarations, including Arlington County.

At the emergency meeting, board members sat roughly six feet apart in order to practice safe social distancing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Board chairman Jeff McKay noted that the spread of coronavirus poses a “public health threat,” but that the county is well-positioned to manage concerns.

“This is not something this is going to be resolved tomorrow,” McKay said, giving a nod to county staff that is working their “tails off” in this “unprecedented” public health crisis.

The declaration allows the county to pursue “coordinated local government to prevent or alleviate damage, loss hardship, or suffering” caused by the respiratory disease, according to the declaration.  Like similar declarations for snow emergency response, the motion also allows the county to apply for federal and state disaster planning funds and increased flexibility in operations.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency last Thursday. So far, the Fairfax Health District has 10 presumptive cases of coronavirus.

Photo via Fairfax County Government

Many businesses in Reston Town Center have closed in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Northern Virginia and beyond.

Readers have described the town center as a ghost town as an increasing number of businesses put up signs announcing temporary closures on their storefronts.

BowTie Cinemas closed yesterday (Monday), noting that it’s concerned for the “health and safety of our customers, staff members and the greater movie-going community.”

Few tenants indicate when they plan to reopen. But the Apple store says it will remain closed until March 27. J. Crew, Kendra Scott, and the Crafthouse are also temporarily shuttering.

Paddywax Candle Bar, which offers guests a chance to make candles in a workshop-style setting, is also closed for all workshops until March 30.

Reston Town Center tenants are encouraging customers and guests to find resources online.

While most retail tenants are closed, many restaurants and bars remain open for now.

Ted’s Bulletin is still open for dine-in, but with adjusted hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sweetgreen is also open.

Morton’s The Steakhouse is also open, but is closely monitoring the situation.

Jackson’s is open and is offering more carryout options.

We will update this list as we confirm additional closures.

Photo by Heidi Clark