Community Corner
Northern Virginia Remains In 'Phase Zero'
Northern Virginia is reporting a 25 percent test positivity rate, in comparison to the rest of Virginia.
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Governor Ralph Northam has responded to the requests by leaders and health district directors in five Northern Virginia health districts — Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun — by implementing "Phase Zero," excluding these jurisdictions from easing certain temporary restrictions implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, expected to continue through May 28.
However, Governor Northam, reiterated, "we are really emphasizing and focusing on data, rather than the dates, something we'll continue to do moving forward."
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Among the data that influenced the governor's decision:
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In a single 24-hour period [May 10 through May 11], 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.
On May 8, Governor 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. Phase 1 is scheduled to begin in other health districts in the Commonwealth no earlier than Friday, May 15.
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 13, 2020 press conference
This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
