Herndon Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

HERNDON, VA — The Town of Herndon released guidance to residents Friday on its response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

In an email alert, the Town deferred to the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) and the Virginia Health Department to provide up-to-date information to residents on all matters related to COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to text 888777 to receive text updates from FCHD.

The Herndon Community Center (814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon, VA 20170) is closed through Friday, March 27. The adjacent tennis bubble is also closed and the Community Center preschool is closed until Friday, April 10.

The town parks will remain open for general use, but scheduled league activities or shelter reservations are canceled.

The Fishing Derby, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 28, is canceled, as is the Ice Breaker 5K Race, which was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 29.

The Town is discouraging people from visiting the Herndon Municipal Center to make in-person payments.

Additionally, people are discouraged from making in-person payments at the Herndon Municipal Center. Instead, payments can be paid online, by calling 703-435-6813, or dropping them into the dropbox outside the main doors of HMC on Lynn Street. Non-cash payments can also mailed to: 777 Lynn St., Herndon VA 20170.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Fairfax County Public Schools decided late Thursday to close schools Friday, March 13 after feeling pressure from parents and staff members concerned about the new coronavirus. FCPS announced earlier in the week that Monday, March 16 would be a day for the school system to prepare for the possibility of a school closure related to a new coronavirus outbreak.

Health officials urge residents to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• 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.
• 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 if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

COVID-19 Fast Facts

• Coronavirus refers to a family of different viruses. For instance, the common cold is a coronavirus. So is SARS. COVID-19, however, is a new strain.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread between people and animals.
• Symptoms include a fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
• COVID-19 can spread between people who are about 6 feet apart from each other and through respiratory droplets (produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes), the CDC says.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know