Northern Virginia To Move More Slowly Into Phase 1

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

May 11, 2020

UPDATED: Click here to read Executive Order 62, Jurisdictions Temporarily Delayed from Entering Phase One in Exeutive Order 61 and Permitted to Remain in Phase Zero Northern Virginia Region.

On May 8, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 61 and announced “Phase 1” easing of certain temporary restrictions in Virginia that were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Phase 1 is scheduled to begin throughout the Commonwealth no earlier than Friday, May 15.

However, after receiving letters from directors of the Northern Virginia health districts, as well as letters from Northern Virginia jurisdiction leaders, Governor Northam has determined that Northern Virginia will have a “slower Phase 1.” A briefing scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, will explain how the slower Phase 1 will work. It is anticipated that the rest of the state will continue with the scheduled Phase 1 that was announced Friday. Click here to read Executive Order 62.

“We all want a responsible, data-driven, health-focused approach,” Governor Northam said, and shared recent data supporting a “slower Phase 1,” including:

• In the past 24 hours, Northern Virginia saw an increase of more than 700 cases, while fewer than 300 were reported in the rest of Virginia
• Northern Virginia is reporting a 25 percent test positivity rate, in comparison to the rest of Virginia, which is experiencing a positivity rate of closer to 10 percent
• In Northern Virginia, COVID-19 patients make up a significantly larger portion of the region’s hospital bed capacity than in the rest of the state

The City of Fairfax is a part of the Fairfax Health District that includes the City, the City of Falls Church, the Town of Herndon, the Town of Vienna, and Fairfax County. The City of Fairfax concurs with the recommendation of the Fairfax District Health Director (Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu) to delay the implementation of Phase 1.

Dr. Addo-Ayensu’s recommendation is consistent with the positions of the Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William, and Loudoun Health District directors. Current health data indicates delaying Phase 1 will protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Northern Virginia and National Capital regions, and ultimately the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The City joins other Northern Virginia jurisdictions as we work with Governor Northam to establish a sensible, data-driven, and responsible Phase 1 implementation that maintains the safety of our community while providing support to the business community during the transition. Additionally, the City urges the Virginia Department of Health to prepare and distribute at a health district level the needed data to accurately and quickly measure the metrics issued on April 24. This data is integral to fully support and facilitate the decision-making process to reopen Northern Virginia.

Information: WeCare@fairfaxva.gov , 703.385.7800.

For more information, visit the City of Fairfax COVID-19 information web pages: fairfaxva.gov/coronavirus

Receive texts and emails:

• City of Fairfax: Text FXCCOVID19 to 888777, or click here to sign up for email notices
• Fairfax County Health Department: Text FFXCOVID19 to 888777, or click here to sign up for email notices

Fairfax City business-related information: fairfaxcityconnected.com/covid19

COVID-19 health and medical information:

• Fairfax County Health Department
• Virginia Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Additional Resources:

• Governor Northam’s May 11, 2020 press conference:

• Executive Order 61
• Click here to read Governor Northam's news release dated May 12, 2020: Governor Northam Delays Phase One for Northern Virginia Localities

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.