COVID-19 in Virginia

Submitted by Tess Bettller on March 25, 2020

This page was last updated on March 25 at 5pm. If you need immediate assistance or have questions on any content from this page, please contact us directly at DelKDelaney@house.virginia.gov.

As you know, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a pandemic and families across Virginia are grappling with the effects it is having on their communities. This page is meant to provide updates and connect you with possible resources to use in this difficult time. I hope that they are helpful to you and your neighbors, and if you know of any further information that should be added to this page, please email my office at DelKDelaney@house.virginia.gov. I know that times are uncertain, but I also know that the fabric of our Commonwealth is strong, and that we will come out of this stronger than ever before.

I stay in communication with my constituents on Facebook, Twitter, and via my e-newsletter. Below is a conglomeration of news and resources at the federal, state, and local level that may be of use to you.

Everyday measures we can take to stay safe and help our neighbors:

Personal Hygiene and Safety Measures:

If you are part of a high-risk population (immuno-compromised or elderly), the federal government is now strongly urging you to self-isolate.
Do not congregate in groups of ten or more. Gatherings of this size are now banned in Virginia.
Stay home when you're sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid non-essential travel.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects people frequently touch.
Use elbow or back of your hand to touch elevator buttons.
After washing, use a paper towel to open bathroom doors and turn off sinks after washing.

Giving Blood:

At this time, blood supplies in Virginia are critically low. If you are healthy, I encourage you to consider giving blood. You can make an appointment and read more about safety precautions related to blood donation here.
INOVA Blood Services has several blood drives open across Northern Virginia. You can find the closest one to you here.

Helping our Neighbors:

First, in all interactions, follow proper social distancing protocols.
Find out (and document) if anyone has specialized equipment or expertise that might help.
Decide who will check/call elderly or disabled neighbors and their needs.
Emergency response is one of the most important responsibilities of local government, but government alone can’t prepare/respond. Families, neighborhoods, businesses, houses of worship and many others in our large, diverse community should prepare, too.
Our Community Emergency Response Guide features quick documents to help you and your neighbors prepare. Click on the links below to download a printable copy in multiple languages:
- English (PDF)
- Spanish (PDF)
- Korean (PDF)
- Arabic (PDF)
- Mandarin (PDF)
- Vietnamese (PDF)
Resources for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Fairfax County's Meals on Wheels program is now delivering flash-frozen meals once a week. Please call 703-222-0880 to apply.
Ways to volunteer in and around Fairfax County during COVID-19 pandemic.
How to support our local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Health Resources:

Mental Health Resources:

At this trying time, it is important that we continue to care for our mental health. Here are some resources if you are struggling and need help:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Fairfax/Falls Church Community Services Board hotline: 703-527-4077
Loudoun County Mental Health Emergency Services...703.777.0320
Loudoun Suicide Prevention...703.777.0176
PRS CrisisLink: 703-527-4077 or text “Connect” to 85511
SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (800-662-4357)
Children's Regional Crisis Response: 844-NCrisis (844-627-4747) in English and Spanish
Hopeline: Chat at http://www.hopeline.com or call 800-784-2433

Domestic Violence Resources:

If you or someone you know is struggling in a domestic violence situation, here are some helpful resources that can help:

Fairfax County Hotline: 703-360-7273
Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter hotline: 703-777-6552
National Domestic Violence hotline: 800-779-SAFE (7233)
Domestic Violence Action Center hotline: 703-246-4573
The Artemis Center is accepting new residents. Call: 703-435-4960

State Government Actions and Announcements:

On March 25, Gov. Northam directed the postponement of all elective surgeries to preserve beds and personal protective equipment for the COVID-19 response.
On March 23, Gov. Northam announced that K-12 schools in Virginia would be closed through the end of the year. Additionally, he announced the closures of many non-essential businesses. The Virginia Department of Education has set up a communications center with information for parents and students about continuing education during this crisis.
Governor Northam and our Incident Management Team provide updates on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 2pm on the COVID-19 status in the Commonwealth. Those can be streamed and re-watched on Gov. Northam's Facebook page.
On March 17, Governor Northam recommended Virginians with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older should self-quarantine. Additionally, Virginians should avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, per federal guidelines. This does not include locations such as airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, grocery stores, or pharmacies. Lastly, all restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters ae mandated to reduce their capacity to 10 patrons, or to close their location. It will be a Class 1 misdemeanor if this guidance is not followed. Restaurants are encouraged to continue carry-out and takeaway options.
On March 15, Governor Northam announced a temporary ban on all public events of more than 100 people.
On March 13, Governor Northam announced all schools to be closed for a minimum of two weeks.
On March 12, Gov. Northam declared a state of emergency in Virginia.

Local Government Actions and Announcements:

Fairfax County:

For updates from Fairfax County Government, you can text FFXCOVID19 to 888777.
Starting on March 27 at 5pm, all Fairfax County Government buildings and facilities will be closed to the public until further notice.
On March 19, Fairfax County announced that there was evidence of community transmission of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia. They are encouraging residents to practice vigilant social distancing to stop the spread.
The County has set up a special hotline (703-267-3511) and email address (ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov) for questions regarding COVID-19 in Fairfax County.
On March 17, the Board of Supervisors voted to enact a state of emergency in order to access emergency funds to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19.
On March 16, Fairfax County parks, libraries, senior centers, adult day healthcare facilities, and community centers were closed.

Loudoun County:

For updates from the Loudoun County Government, you can text LCCOVID to 888777.
On March 19, Chair Phyllis Randall updated the community in a video message.
You can also contact their hotline at 703-737-8300 and get up-to-date info on their website.
On March 16, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency in order to access emergency funds.
Loudoun County has a detailed Pandemic Response Plan readily available for residents' review.

Schools:

Fairfax County:

As of March 23, all schools in Virginia are closed for the rest of the academic year. You can read the superintendent's message to parents here.
As of March 15, all schools in FCPS are closed until further notice.
The laptop distribution originally scheduled for March 16 has been postponed.
FCPS is providing meals to students in need. You can find pick-up sites here.
You can keep up-to-date on all new announcements here.

Loudoun County:

You can read the LCPS superintendent's message to parents and students following the announcement of school closures for the remainder of the academic year here.
As of March 12, LCPS schools are closed until at least April 10. That day may be postponed.
LCPS is providing meals to students in need. You can find pick-up sites here.
You can keep up-to-date with all announcements from LCPS here.

Courts/Judicial Concerns:

On March 20, Gov. Northam announced that the Department of Corrections would be providing inmates with 2 free phone calls per week from March 19 to April 15.
On March 19, Gov. Northam announced that all correctional facilities would be closed to visitors.
On March 16, the Supreme Court of Virginia declared a state of emergency and suspended all non-essential court proceedings until April 6.

Utilities:

On March 16, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) announced that state-regulated utilities such as Dominion Energy and Washington Gas will suspend service disconnections due to nonpayment by families affected by this crisis for the next 60 days. However, please note that Fairfax Water is not regulated by the SCC, so this ruling does not apply to water services. If you are facing financial difficulties and are unable to pay your water bill, please contact their customer service department at 703-698-5800.
Verizon is waiving late fees and keeping customers connected to their cell service and internet during the crisis.
Cox Communications is waiving late fees and keeping customers connected to their services and expanding low-cost services to students and families in need during the pandemic.

Transportation:

On March 24, WMATA announced it would be closing 17 more stations and entrances in response to COVID-19 and low ridership.
Starting on March 24, Fairfax Connector buses will be suspending fare collection and require rear door boarding.
On March 20, the Virginia Department of Transportation announced that it would close its offices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Safety rest areas and ferries remain open.
On March 19, the Northam Administration announced that Virginia State Police would halt enforcement of vehicle safety inspections.
On March 17, the DMV announced it would be closing all locations until at least April 2. Many services can be carried out online. A 60-day extension has been granted on expiring drivers' licenses and vehicle registrations. This grace period applies to all IDs and registrations set to expire between March 15 and May 15.
On March 17, WMATA announced a reduction of Metro service to protect riders and employees.
On March 15, VRE announced reductions in service on their Fredericksburg and Manassas lines.

Healthcare:

Medicaid Recipients:

On March 19, Gov. Northam announced several new measures to expand access to healthcare for Medicaid recipients. This includes: waiving co-pays for all medical care, ensuring Medicaid recipients don't lose coverage due lapses in paperwork or change in circumstances, permitting members to obtain a 90-day supply of prescriptions, waiving pre-approval requirements for many essential medical services, and expanding access to telehealth services.
To check your eligibility and apply for Medicaid, visit the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) website.

Hospitals:

On March 21, Gov. Northam signed Executive Order 52, which allows hospitals to increase bed capacity above their originally licensed amounts.
The INOVA Health System has a website dedicated to questions residents may have about COVID-19 and impacts on regular medical services.
The Centers for Medical and Medicaid Services has released new protocols on elective surgeries during the pandemic.

Workers and Employers:

Workers:

On March 17, the Virginia Employment Commission announced that they would be waiving the traditional 7 day waiting period to ensure workers can receive unemployment insurance payments in a timely manner. Eligibility criteria for unemployment have also been expanded. An FAQ and additional information are available.

Businesses:

Here are some resources and information from Fairfax County for business owners.
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can also request to defer the payment of state sales tax due tomorrow, March 20, 2020, for 30 days. When granted, businesses will be able to file no later than April 20, 2020 with a waiver of any penalties.
The Governor has requested that the Department of Taxation to extend the due date of payment of Virginia individuals and corporate income taxes. While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1, 2020. Please note that interest will still accrue, so taxpayers who are able to pay by the original deadlines should do so.
On March 19, Gov. Northam announced that the application submitted for an Economic Injury Disaster loan had been approved by the federal government. Apply for a loan here.
On March 18, Gov. Northam applied for an Economic Injury Disaster loan program grant, which is administrated by the Small Business Administration. Once approved, small businesses across Virginia will be able to apply for assistance. More updates to come here.
On March 17, Gov. Northam announced the deployment of regional workforce teams to support employers who have been hit hard by the pandemic. Virginia is also tapping into funding available via the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to help employers who are eligible to remain open during this time.

Government Contractors:

Senators Warner and Kaine wrote a letter on March 13 to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to provide guidance to federal workers and contractors, but they have not received a response. The OPM guidelines for COVID-19 can be found here.