To the Fairfax County Community,

It's been a year since our first COVID case in Fairfax County and a year since COVID shut us down, shut Virginia down, and shut the world down. A lot has changed since then. Over 1,000 Fairfax County residents have passed from COVID. I'm sure many of you have lost family and loved ones outside of the County as well. Aside from that, the stress and isolation that has come with this disease has been incredibly difficult. This anniversary is truly a solemn one.

The path forward isn't simple. We still see about 140 new cases a day and I urge you to continue to wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands. What's next won't be easy, but there is a way forward.

Vaccine supply is beginning to increase and about 16% of our County population is now vaccinated. Just this week our Health Department received 31,000 doses of vaccine, up from 13,500 doses just a few weeks ago. I was reminded when I visited one of our vaccine sites recently how sophisticated our operation is. Please, if you are eligible and haven't already, register to be vaccinated here.

There is also federal help on the way. The American Rescue Plan, that was signed into law by President Biden yesterday will provide over $200 million to Fairfax County so we can continue our efforts to lift up those in need. I was proud to be able to advocate for this bill on the County's behalf.

Despite the hardship of the last year, our County came together. I'm proud of our County staff who have worked hard to support the community and, despite the risk for many, continued to show up to work every day. Whether that was on the frontlines of the pandemic, responding to our hundreds of calls for food and rental assistance each day, or coordinating projects like our RISE grant program for small businesses, their work is crucial.

I want to thank you, too, for stepping up. Whether that was getting groceries for a neighbor, sewing masks for our most vulnerable populations, or volunteering through a County program, your commitment is a constant inspiration for me as I serve the residents of Fairfax County.

So while things still feel difficult, we are in a much better place than one year ago. Better days are ahead.

For COVID-19 resources mentioned in past newsletters, visit my website. If you have a friend who would like to sign up for this newsletter, they can do so here.