Friends,
Arlington County is continuing to respond to the caronavirus with resources, but I want to be honest with you that we are in the middle of the critical time in determining whether we bend the curve like South Korea and China or risk more infections closer to the trajectory of Italy. We need you to be vigilant in practicing social distancing right now and for the days to come. The critical time in bending the curve is over the coming 2 weeks and we need all of us to do this.
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First, today's new resource: a phone hotline now available for questions on COVID 19 that is open from 7 am to 7 pm.
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Second, today's fact: parts of Northern Virginia are now beginning to see community spread of the virus. We anticipated that this would happen, but it presents a new time in our efforts to defeat this virus. We must be vigilant in staying 6 feet away from others outside our home and take steps not to catch the virus wherever we are, practicing good hygiene by washing our hands and staying home if we are sick.
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Again, this new reality is one we anticipated, but it nevertheless is sobering and marks the beginning of the next phase of our efforts to prevent infections and save lives.
We all must heed the call: practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others, wash your hands in a new space, don't tough your face, cough in your elbow, and if you are sick stay home.
The County is still working flat out, including setting up a site on hunger and food needs: https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/food-financial-and-medical-assistance/ and there is new information out on carryout and takeout locations when you need food: https://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/restaurants-and-shops-offering-takeout-and-delivery/
Tomorrow, I'll share links on how to be careful at the grocery store and ideas for safe ways to walk, run, bike or get outside safely.
Tonight, I close by asking you to be disciplined about hygiene and know that as I send this email we must be socially distant, but we are together as a community, working our way through a tough time, as one.
Matt
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