Board of Supervisors - Chairman

CONTACT INFORMATION: Office open weekdays 8:30am - 5pm
703-324-2321 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 530
Fairfax, VA 22035
Jeffrey C. McKay
Chairman

7-21 Update on COVID-19 in Fairfax County

To the Fairfax County Community,

Today, the Fairfax County Public School Superintendent recommended to the School Board that FCPS begin the school year virtually. I know there are differing opinions on this topic among School Board members and I respect the hard choices that have to be made. As a parent of two FCPS students myself, like so many families and teachers, I have also struggled for the right answer.

In light of this, I wanted to discuss our collaboration with FCPS as we prepare for the fall. During this process, I have offered the support of the Board and continue to be in conversation with the School Board Chair and the Superintendent. Our Health Department has also been meeting weekly with FCPS staff since February and has met with the School Board at least three times recently to provide information and help with guidance.

FCPS must use the critical health data we have presented to them as well as many other factors to decide the best way to return to school.

We all want to be as safe as possible. Frankly, as much as I wish the Health Department had all the answers, they do not. In fact this pandemic has proven to be a daily roller coaster that is not easily predictable.

In last Thursday's newsletter, I detailed Fairfax County's data. It is looking positive. Our Health Department is working on all cylinders to expand contact tracing and testing capacity to make sure we are ready for the months ahead. Whatever the decision may be, it does not replace protective behaviors such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask. We must continue to work together to slow this virus. I look forward to continuing to work with FCPS to support their decision once its final and help in all ways possible to support the community as we move forward in this new world.

See below for the full July 21 edition of my newsletter. For the 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.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant