Arlington Residents and Friends,

Yesterday, the Governor issued a stay-at-home order and the Arlington County Board met electronically to continue to work to respond to the Coronavirus.

And, yesterday morning, from a safe distance and before the Governor's Order, I took this picture of just a few of the many heroes in our community in this difficult time. These are leaders from Drew Elementary School helping handing out lunches to families in need of food while practicing social distancing.
I also want to share with you the Governor's Order itself so you can see what is in it and what the County is doing.
[link removed]
The Governor's Remarks begin at 4 minutes and 45 seconds in that can be accessed by clicking anywhere on this picture.

The Governor's message: stay home unless you must go out for food, medicine, or a necessity. And, very importantly, exercise is an exception, but only if not in groups and the admonition to strictly practice social distancing is in effect.

The reason: the threat we face now and in the coming days and weeks in stopping the spread of this virus. This past weekend groups of people congregated on Virginia's beaches. And, unfortunately, some parks here in Arlington on Sunday were problems. (We have already addressed in part and will continue to, but need you to help by asking folks nicely to stay apart.) To read the order, click on this button:
Read the 2 and 1/2 page Stay at Home Order ([link removed]…/EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at… I will also say that I have received emails from a few Arlingtonians worried about some not practicing this. Most all of us are complying. We need 100%, though. We must all stay inside and strictly avoid others when outside.)
On the County side, the Board met yesterday, electronically, to respond. We received an update from our Public Health Director, Dr. Varghese, County Manager Mark Schwartz, and our Deputy County Manager Jim Schwartz on COVID 19 response. That update will be up electronically over the coming days, and I can share it with you if you email me. In the meantime, know that we accepted a grant for payment of ART funding to help with the economic costs of the virus and that we are set to meet again electronically tomorrow and Friday to work to respond to the virus.
Regional Coordination to Respond ([link removed])
We are also working to respond regionally, as shown by the statement below signed by Chair Garvey and our emergency management staff working with their counterparts in the region on a continual basis.
Hopeful article: Social Distancing Appears to be Working ([link removed])
The above article offers a hope, indicating that if we are diligent and disciplined about staying home and social distancing when we are outside, we can make a difference, by the numbers of people who get infected. It is worth reading.

So, always follow these rules: [link removed] and, if you wish to volunteer, see this opportunity the County is providing: [link removed]
How do I know we can do this and save lives? Our spirit is strong and is captured by the APS teacher, Florence, above. She said she spoke Monday to a student who started to cry; Florence stayed on the phone until she cheered her up.

That's perseverance. That's what we must have this week and over the coming weeks to bend the curve and save lives.

Let's do that,

Matt

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Matt for Arlington . 2001 15th St N Apt 506 . Arlington, VA 22201-2693 . USA