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Click here at 12:30 to watch a town hall on COVID 19. I'll be hosting with Katie as we address your questions and what Phase 1 means for Arlington.
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Friends,
This short week marks a significant change in our response to COVID 19: the Board met Tuesday and started preparations to turn up, very slightly, the dial allowing for openings in limited cases. I support this step, but want to be very clear that we all have a responsibility, me as a Board member and all of us as residents, to help do this safely and carefully:
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The link above describes the main Phase 1 changes and things to remember:
- Restaurants can open outdoors at 50% capacity (take out continues);
- Gyms and fitness facilities can offer limited outdoor exercise options;
- Retail and other nonessential businesses can open at a maximum of 50% capacity;
- Beauty and nail salons, barbershops and other personal grooming services can provide services by appointment only and must follow strict guidelines;
- Places of worship can open for drive-in services or services inside at 50 percent capacity; and
- Arlington Parks were opened last Friday and trails have always stayed open, but playgrounds, dog parks (sorry), tennis, and basketball and other areas are still closed. https://parks.arlingtonva.us/2020/04/parks-recreation-working-to-keep-people-healthy-and-safe/
But the above does not mean we are "opening up" fully. I would summarize it by saying we are opening/adjusting slightly:
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1 minute video: Regional Leaders Share Why We must Wear Masks, in specific locations/situations, in the Governor's Order
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The key action the County Board took on Tuesday was to approve a significant amount of work that our staff did over the last week to help prepare our restaurants for outdoor seating in Phase 1. (We have asked for one in Arlington, but they require walk up windows.) This action marked a significant shift from the delay that we supported from May 15th until midnight tonight, to a phased slight opening up. I agree with the decision mainly because of the analysis of our health director: https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2020/05/NOVA-Health-Directors-Assessment-of-Reopening-Criteria-2020-05-24.pdf
The assessment via the above link does not say we are all the way there based on each of the metrics. It does indicate that we have made enough progress that we need to move to Phase 1, particularly because recent data indicates cases in Arlington are trending down, because staying coordinated with our region is critical at this time, and because we are showing we meet 4 of the 6 metrics via the above link.
I would add that future decisions on Phase 2, which the Governor hinted at today, should be based on data when we get into Phase 1. Currently, June 5th feels sudden to me, based on the greater loosening allowed under Phase 2.
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What about full test and trace? We are ramping up testing and I am pushing for more with a specific approach that I hope to share with you over the coming week. On tracing, we are also getting some helpful intelligence and adding tracers. I must also be honest with you, however, that pinpoint testing and tracing is unlikely to be possible. The number of tests and the level of community spread make it very difficult. I realize that is a hard reality to swallow, but I think it important to be that honest with you.
CVS has just announced some testing (not in Arlington) and the County's decision to go to Barcroft was equity-based, but the ability to be precise about testing and tracing with community spread so wide is not yet there. Our duty is to wear masks, be very thoughtful about Phase 1, and focus on social distancing and the public health steps we must and should take on where to test and how to keep our senior serving facilities safe.
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Summary of where we Were/Are on Reopening over the past week: Context in 9 minutes from Chair Libby Garvey and Board Member Christian Dorsey
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I'll close with two resources and an ask:
Last, I want to provide you with an ask: Bridges to Independence serves the Homeless. I spent some time this week and contributed to their 35th anniversary virtual happy hour. Please contribute if you are able: https://bridges2.org/
Yours,
Matt
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