Friends,
As the nation, the world, and Arlington continue to adjust and respond to the Coronavirus, below is the latest.
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Arlington’s response to COVID-19 has and will evolve based on the recommendations from our Director of Public Health, Dr. Reuben Varghese, who is closely coordinating with our regional partners, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The County Manager is leading operational response and decision making in consultation Dr. Varghese and in full consultation with the County Board as appropriate.
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The CDC has also put forward the above set of facts about the Coronavirus that are worth reviewing. As the days and weeks move forward, it is important that we focus on the following symptons and err on the side of caution if we do need feel well:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
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And the following actions are how to prevent the spread of the virus
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve (not hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people as much as possible.
- Avoid non-essential travel
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Governor Northam issued a declaration of emergency with statements on travel, public gatherings, and ongoing response as far as meetings and other.
Here in Arlington today and this week, our County Manager, Mark Schwartz, is holding daily meetings to coordinate Arlington's response in consultation with Dr. Varghese, along with Acting Superintendent Cintia Johnson and our emergency management director Aaron Millier, with the consultation of the County Board on a daily and often hourly basis.
Thus far, infections in Arlington and the Region have been traced to international travel and isolated transmission, but we are preparing in the likely event that cases become more prevalent and 'community spread'--transmission between infected individuals here--occurs.
- Arlington County Government is planning for continuity of operations (COOP) in the event that community spread materializes and the availability of our workforce is compromised.
- Arlington County Public Schools is assessing its ability to deliver remote instruction in the event there is a public health need to close a school or schools. The Public Health Director Dr. Varghese is in full coordination the APS Superintendent and the School Board as they consider how best to keep students safe.
- The full health consequences of closing the schools for the community and the 8,300 students on free and reduced lunch are being considered by the School Board and Acting Superintendent in addition to the health consequences of the schools staying open as they make this decision.
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Consistent with our Health Director's recommendation and our emergency response team, Arlington County has and will modify, postpone or cancel non-essential meetings where practicable. .
Such modifications currently do not include cancellation of County Board meetings and some other meetings that are essential under our the policy above. Essential work has and must go on with teleconference and telework already employed in some case and further best practice being fully and quickly pursued. Social distancing will and must be practiced as needed:
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As we continue to respond, the needs of those most vulnerable are top of mind. We can best minimize the impacts of the virus if we listen to the science and protect those most at risk:
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
Thank you for working to get smart, be safe, and keep others stay safe and healthy in this difficult time. Send questions if you have them and I will respond as able.
Matt
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