Dear Arlingtonians,
The County is continuing to take steps to address COVID 19 as we work to minimize infections and slow the spread of this disease. Numerous actions below and the Governor is now holding a daily press conference. The key still is for each of us to stay home or away from groups of people via 6 feet in distance. Following that rule is the best way we can save lives.
As far as steps within the last 24 hours, this morning, Arlington County and the Virginia Hospital Center stood up a drive through site across from W-L:
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We also took steps today to prevent evictions, as many of you have asked about, for those at risk of not being able to pay rent. First, you should know that the Supreme Court of Virginia has stayed all court proceedings until April 6th and enforcement of pending evictions will not occur during that time. We are taking additional steps via a letter to multi-family landlords. There is more to do in this area, but here is our action over the last 24 hours.
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For additional Arlington updates on COVID 19, please go here: https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/
The Governor also provided a status update this morning in his daily press conference.
- There were 77 COVID-19 cases in Virginia this morning; 14 in Arlington.
- The Virginia Dept. of Social Services is communicating with childcare providers to ensure they are following the 10 person per area rule.
- They also request that childcare providers ensure children are fed, and to stagger recesses to limit the amount of children in the same area.
- If parents have the ability to stay home, that they keep their kids at home as well so that there is space in childcare providers for the children of those working in essential areas such as healthcare.
- The Governor also issued an Executive Order on bars and restaurants that helps and Arlington establishments are following it. Email if you have questions on this.
- If you'd like to see the Governor's press conference go even though I've summarized the highlights, go here: https://www.facebook.com/GovernorVA/videos/635407303907451/.
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Many of you have asked about volunteering. The short, main answer is we don't encourage it for those over 60 or with medical conditions outside the home. Younger individuals who are healthy and volunteering from home ARE encouraged.
Why the age distinction? If not for yourself, think of the importance of social distancing for others, whatever age you are. Click on the button above to learn how to volunteer. See this article to learn more of why we need you to be safe and responsible: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/coronavirus-obituaries-bergamo-italy/2020/03/16/6c342f02-66c7-11ea-b199-3a9799c54512_story.html
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Because blood drives are cancelled, blood supplies are low. The Governor encourages those who are able to give blood to go to the Red Cross website to schedule an appointment if you are healthy and under the age of 60.
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Other questions on unemployment insurance have come up. Please go here to file for unemployment insurance or share this link if you know someone who needs it: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed
Many of you have raised questions about how children are being fed by APS. To learn more about that, go here: https://www.apsva.us/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/free-lunch-breakfasts-and-other-resources/ In addition, there is guidance for closure that is worth reviewing on children and https://www.apsva.us/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/ APS staff is on this, so please trust a little and email me if you have specific questions.
You may also want to watch this three minute video from APS Acting Superintendent Cintia Johnson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=y6gjSZmjevU&feature=emb_logo
Last, I want to share with you a story about some good news. One is just a story: 78 year old in Barcroft emailed her neighbors to say thank you for so many people checking on her and her husband. And this story exemplifies what can be done, as long as via phone.
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Thank you if you are still reading at this point. If you want context on what we are facing and why we must come together as Arlingtonians and Americans, the New York Times yesterday: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/opinion/war-crononavirus-trump-production.html
Thank you for staying home and helping slow the spread. Email ideas or questions if you have them.
Matt
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