Dear Constituents,
Just now, Chair Phyllis Randall led a press conference to update the County on steps being taken to ensure the safety of residents as we deal with this situation. If you missed the press conference you can find it on the county’s website at loudoun.gov/webcast and on the Loudoun County Government’s page on Facebook.
Many of you may have heard that the County Health Department announced that a third resident of Loudoun County has tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This individual is a male in his 30s who lives in Loudoun County. The Health Department is currently investigating the potential source of this person’s infection. The individual is being treated at a hospital in Loudoun County.
The County’s response to this situation is multi-pronged. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all activities and programs at Loudoun County senior centers, except for the congregate meals program, the most critical need for our older adult community, will be suspended. The Senior Centers will only be open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to accommodate the meals.
The county will be using social distancing measures for high risk populations as well as standard infection prevention steps, such as disinfecting high-touch surfaces. The county will provide meal delivery for older adults who wish to obtain meals, but are not comfortable coming to the centers.
There will be no change to programs or services for Adult Day Centers, at this time. Adult Day Centers serve a vulnerable population. These centers have regular measures in place to assess visitors before they enter a facility. Visitors who exhibit symptoms of illness are not admitted.
Programs held at Recreation Centers and Community Centers will be limited to only those that enable social distancing measures to be implemented. Any programs specifically for older adults are canceled. Scheduled cleaning and disinfection at these facilities have been increased.
All library programs at all Loudoun County Public Library branches are suspended from Monday, March 16 through Sunday, March 29, 2020. Libraries will remain open during their normal business hours. Social distancing measures are to be implemented.
The county’s Preschool and daycare programs that are operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services will be closed while Loudoun County Public Schools are closed. With the closure of Loudoun County Public Schools, all after-school programs, including CASA programs, are canceled while the Loudoun County Public Schools are closed.
Guidance on social distancing measures similar to those provided to first responders will be provided to staff and contractors operating the paratransit bus service.
Guidance on social distancing measures similar to those provided to first responders will be provided to Human Services Agencies staff and contractors providing both mental health and social services to clients in the field.
Event organizers should follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Virginia Department of Health guidance. Additional information will be provided to organizers of private events through the Loudoun County Special Events Coordinator.
For Loudoun Residents in need for meals, Mobile Hope In partnership with LCPS and the community is working to ensure that neighborhoods are covered for food and hygiene items, as schools are now closed until (at least) March 27th. Please share this information with anyone who made need food assistance.
Mobile Hope: Listen for the Honk Bus Schedule
For County employees, County Department Directors are developing and implementing an emergency staffing plan to limit the number of employees required to report to their physical work location. They are working to identify the most frequently asked questions and develop written guidance to the workforce that will be released via email to all County employees. Employees should consult with their department leadership to determine the mutually agreeable solution.
Please read and share the following information to help keep yourself, family, loved-ones, and community safe. My office will continue to update you through our newsletter and Facebook postings, as we have more information.
Sincerely,
Juli E. Briskman, Algonkian District Supervisor
What is Happening in the State and Region
LOUDOUN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Governor Ralph Northam has ordered all K-12 schools in Virginia to close for a minimum of two weeks in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The closure period will be from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum. LCPS has published an update which addresses multiple topics, including referencing the hotline they are establishing.
INOVA
Inova Health System President & CEO Dr. Stephen Jones had a national broadcast interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box with host Becky Quick. You may access the four and a half minute segment using this link.
STATE
Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The full text of the Governor’s emergency declaration is available here.
Public Affairs has issued guidance to the faith-based community based upon CDC and VDH guidance.
COVID-19 Resources on Loudoun.gov
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Stay home when you are sick
Avoid contact with sick people
Avoid non-essential travel.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available. Residents may learn more and sign up for updates about COVID-19 from the Loudoun County government at loudoun.gov/coronavirus. Residents may also text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19, call the Loudoun County Health Department public information line at 703-737-8300, or email the health department at health@loudoun.gov.
Contact Us
Email the Health Department at health@loudoun.gov or call the information line at 703-737-8300
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.