Quick Summary
- COVID-19 response continues to be a primary priority.
- County Executive discusses voting and Halloween, among other topics.
On the October episode of the “Connect with County Leaders” Podcast, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill provides an update on the ongoing Coronavirus response, the county’s Supporting the Return to School (SRS) program, language access, Halloween and voting in this year’s election.
“To keep the number of new COVID cases low, we must all do our part to stop the spread. This includes finding new and socially distant ways to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday,” Hill said.
Fairfax County cannot cancel trick-or-treating, but we do recommend wearing a mask that matches your costume, social distance and have small Halloween activities outside.
“I wish it [COVID-19] would end. Take care of your families, ensure that you wash your hands, social distance…But we’ve been doing a very good job here in Fairfax County, our positivity rate is very low compared to the rest of the state. And I think that is kudos to our residents and our messaging, as well as our public health officials.”
Hill also spent some time talking about the upcoming elections on Nov. 3, as well as the support of the Board of Supervisors.
“Our board has made sure that everybody is continuously working. Our board has made sure that the RISE grants have gone out to help the economics [of our] community. Our board has made sure that our residents are taken care of first and foremost. So I just want to say thank you to the employees of Fairfax County and thank you to the Board of Supervisors.”
Listen to the full interview here:
A few excerpts from the podcast:
ELECTION DAY HOLIDAY FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES
“The right to vote is a very important, very important part of our American process. The Board of Supervisors on the FYI 22 calendar added election day as a day off, so it made most sense on a presidential election cycle to also add it. So once they added it on the on … the calendar year 22, I spoke to the supervisors and asked them if they would like it also to be on November 3, 2020. So it was just a part of making sure that we aligned ourselves with our calendar year.”
THE CONTINUING CORONAVIRUS SITUATION
“Every day we’re getting closer to a medical fix. You know, I have to say thank you and kudos to our public health officials. Many of them have been saying the same thing since March. I guess it’s starting to resonate around the country now. But you know, phase two or, or the second wave of the virus is forthcoming. I’ve taken my flu shot. … continuously wash your hands, socially distance and wear your face covering.”
COUNTY GOVERNMENT ADAPTING TO COVID-19
“We go day by day, we change hour by hour. That’s what I love about the Fairfax County government employee, we’re becoming spryer, we’re becoming more motivated to make changes. And we pivot quickly. The residents should not be unhappy with our ability to change. Right now, COVID is changing us and some of it’s for the better. But again, it’s been a little bit difficult to change so quickly, but you know, those are the things we have to do as government employees, as leaders. We have to change quickly during COVID.”
Listen to past episodes of “ Connect with County Leaders .” For other Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts , and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio .
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific Fairfax County programs and services.
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