Police Now Accept Donated Face Coverings — Fairfax County police stations are now accepting donated face coverings. Each station has a donation bin to place items. [Fairfax County Government]
Nearby: Police Search for Missing Man — Local police are searching for Sheng You Ho, 80, who was last seen on May 31 leaving the 3100 block fo Colchester Brook Lane. Ho was driving a Mercury Cougar and is endangered due to mental or physical health concerns. [Fairfax County Police Department]
County Board to Receive Health Update Today — The Fairfax County Board of Directors will receive an update from Fairfax County Health Department Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu today at 1:30 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
Job Opportunity; County Hiring Contact Tracers — The county is hiring contact tracers to “each out to all Fairfax County, VA contacts of persons with probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection, counsel them on testing and quarantine, refer them for testing, and connect them to necessary resources throughout their quarantine.” [Fairfax County Government]
Photo by Marjorie Copson
Confusion Over Governor’s Mask Order — “At a briefing this afternoon, Gov. Ralph Northam emphasized that Virginia’s new indoor mask requirements weren’t intended to be criminally enforced. But the text of the order (released ~3 hours later) defines a violation as Class 1 misdemeanor.” [Virginia Mercury]
Police Arrest Naked Man in Parking Lot — Local police have arrested an Ashburn man who was running through a parking lot on the 2400 block of Centreville Road on May 22. Carlos Ashe, 35, was arrested and charged with indecent exposure and drunk in public. [Fairfax County Police Department]
County Staff Conduct Virtual Inspections — The Health Department’s Division of Environmental Health has been conducting virtual inspections for restaurant owners who are applying for permits for newly built or renovated establishments. [Fairfax County Government]
Foundation Pitches Funding to FCPS — “Ferrovial has contributed $67,500 to the Access for All Fund to support students in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Created by the Foundation in response to the pandemic and school closings, the Access for All fund is supporting Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) by assisting local food banks with food distribution to FCPS families, providing grocery gift cards to homeless and unaccompanied youth, delivering school supply kits, and providing technology access for distance learning.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Photo via vantagehill/Flickr
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.
More than 100 people in Fairfax County have died as a result of COVID-19, according to state data.
As of today (Tuesday), 114 people in the county died from the respiratory illness. The number of total cases — 3,278 — continues to rise.
A new dashboard created by the county offers new insights into localized data.
The number of new cases by week for the Fairfax Health District — which includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church — is below:
- Feb. 28: Four cases
- March 1: 27 cases
- March 8: 103 cases
- March 15: 247 cases
- March 22: 305 cases
- March 29: 411 cases
- April 5: 532 cases
- April 12: 553 cases
- April 19: 239 cases
Data for the last three weeks is incomplete due to gaps between the time of exposure and the onset of symptoms, according to the county.
The case incidence per 100,000 persons in Fairfax County is roughly 285.
So far, the pandemic continues to grow exponentially if the number of total confirmed cases is charted against the number of new confirmed cases per week. This means that the rate of new cases is equal to the rate of existing cases.
A slowdown in new cases is detected when the line begins to trend downward.
Images via Fairfax County Health Department
County health officials are cautioning residents about a rabies alert in Reston.
A red fox that was captured on Monday (April 20) tested positive for rabies.
Anyone who may have been touched or bitten by this an adult red fox should call the county’s rabies program at 703-246-2433, extension 711. To report pets that may have come into contact with the animal, residents should call Fairfax County Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131, extension 711.
Precautionary steps to avoid rabies include not allowing pets to roam unattended and ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies annually.
The animal captured near North Shore Drive and Wiehle Avenue.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease that infects the central nervous system. It is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
Photo via Unplash
Fairfax County has now surpassed 300 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
As of today (Thursday), there are now 328 cases in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and towns in the county, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Five people have died due to the novel coronavirus in the county.
The number of cases has continued to climb over the last several days — likely due to expanded testing capacity. In mid-March, local public health officials said they found evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia.
Arlington has the second-most confirmed cases in the state with 128 cases. Statewide, there are 1,706 confirmed cases and 41 deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Three more people in the Fairfax Health District have died due to the novel coronavirus, the Fairfax County Health Department reported today (Wednesday).
All three men were hospitalized as a result of the illness, bringing the total number of deaths in the district, which covers the county and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, to five.
“We are saddened by these additional deaths in our community caused by COVID-19,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu , the health department’s director. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones.
The men were in their 60s, 80s, and 90s.
As of today, there are 288 confirmed cases in the Fairfax Health District, up from 245 cases yesterday (Tuesday). The number has been steadily increasing over the last several days. The highest rates of growth occurred in mid-March, according to county data.
“This is a reminder that we have to be diligent in doing our part to slow the spread of virus in our community. Please remember to wash your hands thoroughly and often, cover your coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, stay home if you are sick, and abide by Governor Ralph Northam’s ‘stay at home’ order,” Addo-Ayensu said.
Photo via CDC/Unplash
A man in his 60s is the second person to die from complications from COVID-19 in the Fairfax County, according to officials.
The Fairfax County Health Department announced Friday evening that the man acquired COVID-19 through travel and later tested positive for the virus.
“This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, the health department’s director, said in the announcement.
On Saturday, the county announced that a man in his 60s, who got sick through contact with a another coronavirus person, was the county’s first COVID-19 death, WJLA reported.
Earlier today (Friday), the number of known COVID-19 cases jumped to 124 in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and towns in the county.
Expanding testing capacity in the state could explain the increase in confirmed cases.
Inova Urgent Care locations in Chantille, Arlington and Tysons recently turned into respiratory illness clinics that offer the test.
“This most recent death, along with the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases we are seeing, is a reminder that we all need to be diligent in doing our part to help slow the spread of virus in the community,” Addo-Ayensu said.
“Please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands and avoid touching your face, and stay home when you are sick,” she said.
Local public health officials have found evidence that COVID-19 is now being spread via community transmission in Northern Virginia, according to a county press release.
As of today (Thursday), there are 16 presumptive cases in the Fairfax Health District, which also covers the City of Fairfax, the City of Falls Church, and towns within the county.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, community transmission refers to when the spread of illness is linked to unknown sources.
Initial cases of the respiratory disease in the county were first linked to local residents who had contact with North Carolina residents with coronavirus. Two cases were linked to the Reston-based headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey, according to a recent Reston Now exclusive.
Local officials continue to urge residents to practice social distancing as much as possible. Social distancing involves increasing the distance between people to avoid spreading the illness. Health officials say that staying at least six feet away from other people lessens the changes of catching COVID-19.
In roughly ten days, the number of presumptive county cases has jumped from two to 16.
The Fairfax County Health Department has identified two additional cases of coronavirus, according to a release.
Both cases are linked to individuals who had contact with someone who contracted the respiratory disease in North Carolina. The health department cautions that both cases are “considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
The Fairfax County residents are in isolation at their homes. Here’s more from the county on the two cases:
The first case is the spouse of a presumptive positive case from North Carolina. The individual, a resident of Fairfax County in his 60s, became ill with respiratory symptoms on March 2, prior to the spouse being identified as a case on March 9. Specimens were collected and sent to the Virginia state laboratory for testing on March 10. The individual is isolated at home.
The second case is a close contact of the presumptive positive case from North Carolina. The individual, a resident of Fairfax County in his 20s, became ill with symptoms on March 6. Following identification of the North Carolina case, specimens were collected and tested by Virginia state laboratory on March 10. The individual is isolated at home.
Today’s diagnoses bring the total number of cases in the Fairfax Health District to four individuals. The other two cases were linked to Fairfax City residents who recently traveled internationally.
“We strongly recommend that all residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against novel coronavirus,” said Fairfax Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu. “Public health will continue working with local, state, federal, and community partners to reduce the risk of community spread.”
State Gov. Ralph Northam also declared a state of emergency beginning today (Thursday).
Photo via Unsplash
State officials are warning residents to avoid using any third-party sites to find vital records.
In a release by the State Health Commissioner, officials urged residents to not pay fees for any vital record application forms, which are free. Searches require payment.
A growing number of fake vital records websites have been reported.
Official information forms are available at any Vital Records office in the state, the Virginia Department of Health’s website, and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
The county also offers four vital records office locations, including one in Reston (1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100).
Photo via Unsplash
Two animals located less than a mile apart have tested positive for rabies, according to the Fairfax County Health Department.
Health officials are urging residents to stay away from wild animals and report animal attacks to the count immediately after a dog and raccoon and a groundhog tested positive for rabies within the last month.
On August 16, the groundhog was killed by a dog on the 2500 block of Brofferton Court. The raccoon was killed by a dog in a yard on the 12800. Block of Pinecrest Road on September 13.
Health officials believe the animals may have had contact with other people or pets.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The virus attacks the central nervous system and causes death if medical treatment is not sought immediately.
Residents who suspect an animal has rabies should call the Fairfax County Animal Protection Police at 703-691-2131.
Map via Google Maps
Update: Police Not Looking at Teen’s Death as Hate Crime — The Fairfax County Police Department says the killing of a 17-year-old Muslim girl from Reston is not being investigated as bias-motivated. We are continuing to follow this story and will provide more information as it becomes available. [Fairfax County Police Department/Twitter]
Connolly Hosting Town Hall Tonight — Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) will host a town-hall meeting at Sunset Hills Montessori School (11180 Ridge Heights Road) from 7-8:30 p.m. tonight. The congressman will provide a congressional update and then take audience questions. [Eventbrite]
County Seeks Volunteers for Attack Prep — The Fairfax County Health Department has robust plans in place to respond to a wide-scale bioterrorism attack. Volunteers are needed to help with a training exercise Saturday, July 29. [Fairfax County Health Department]
County Office for Children Gets Grant — The grant will allow the office to work with high-quality family child care programs in areas of Fairfax County with concentrated poverty to provide preschool services for eligible children. [Gov. Terry McAuliffe]
Herndon Woman Sees Central Asia — Cathy Alifrangis says her special birthday journey to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was filled with culture, history and pleasant surprises. [Washington Post]
Fairfax County Health Department officials are reassuring residents not to worry about the Zika virus if they are bitten by a mosquito here.
County officials held an online chat Monday, where they confirmed that even though 57 cases of the virus have been reported in Virginia, all cases were acquired elsewhere.
“It is understandable to be worried about Zika, but it’s important to note that currently, local transmission of Zika by mosquitoes is limited to a relatively small geographic area in south Florida,” said Andrew Lima of Fairfax County’s Disease Carrying Insects Program.
Lima said the Fairfax County Health Department has a mosquito surveillance program that collects samples of adult mosquitoes for testing at trap sites throughout the county.
“The Asian Tiger mosquito, which has the potential to transmit Zika here in Fairfax County, is not the species that is currently driving most of the transmission around the world,” he added.
There have been more than 1,800 reported cases of Zika in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The virus, spread through mosquitoes and sex, is mostly harmless, but can cause microcephaly in fetuses. Pregnant women are urged not to travel to certain countries where transmission is a risk.
Still, county health official Barbara Downes says anyone traveling to a Zika-affected area (including a section of Miami), can spread the virus through local mosquitoes when they return to Virginia.
“During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in a person’s blood and can pass from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites,” said Downes.
“An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people. Additionally, all travelers returning to the United States from a Zika affected area should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks upon return (even if you do not feel sick).”
See the entire chat transcript on Fairfax County’s website.
Photo: Tiger Mosquito/PROLa Veu del País Valencià via Flickr
Gloria Addo-Ayensu, Director of Health for the Fairfax County Health Department says that the county, particularly in the wake of a scare at Inova Fairfax Hospital earlier this month, is keeping apprised daily with recommendations on controlling the deadly disease.
A woman who vomited on a tour bus near the Pentagon Oct. 17 was sent to Inova Fairfax after Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington refused to treat her. It was later determined the woman did not have Ebola.
Below is the statement from Add0-Ayensu, issued Monday:
Dear Fairfax Area Community,
The constant media coverage of the Ebola cases that were diagnosed in Texas and New York continue to fuel concerns among people in the general population and have highlighted risks in health care settings.
Adding to these concerns is the Ebola scare that occurred in the Fairfax area on Friday, October 17, which involved a suspect Ebola patient who was transported from the Pentagon to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Although it was a false alarm, I’d like use the incident to help increase public understanding about how the public health system works and also provide an update about our Ebola readiness.
One of the critical early decisions that must be made when evaluating a suspect case of any disease is whether the individual meets the case definition and therefore warrants confirmatory testing. For Ebola virus disease (EVD), the decision to test is based on the patient’s travel history, determination of exposure risk, and whether the symptoms are consistent with EVD.
The process for testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if necessary, is facilitated by local health departments. While it took some time to validate travel history of the individual involved in the October 17 incident, fortunately, doctors at Inova gathered enough information to determine that the patient did not have any exposures to Ebola and therefore testing was not required.
