For Immediate Release
Sept. 17, 2020

Fairfax County is partnering with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and other local jurisdictions in asking commuters who normally drive alone to go car free on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020. Fairfax County residents who take the Car Free Pledge are eligible for special raffle prizes. The annual Car Free Day is organized in more than 2,000 cities in 46 countries around the world, with the common goal of reducing the number of cars on the roads to alleviate traffic congestion and improve air quality. During Car Free Day, people are encouraged to take transit, rideshare, bike or walk instead of driving alone. For those who can work from home, telework also counts.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Fairfax County Commuter Services, a program of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), encourages all commuters to consider the following safety guidelines while traveling:

• Public Transit - When taking public transit, please follow the guidelines established by the transit agency you are using. Practice social distancing, wear a face covering, wash your hands, and stay off public transit when you feel sick are key to keeping everyone safe and healthy. In Fairfax County, Fairfax Connector has returned to full service and remains free of charge for passengers. Passengers are required to wear a face covering and board using the rear doors. To see how Fairfax Connector operations is working to make your travel safe watch this video. For more information about Fairfax Connector visit www.fairfaxconnector.com.
   
• Ridesharing - If you choose to carpool or vanpool, wear a face covering, limit the number of people in the vehicle, sit diagonally from each other, and wash your hands after your trip. For assistance finding a carpool or a vanpool, email Fairfax County Commuter Services or call 703-877-5900, TTY 711.
   
• Biking and Walking - When using active transportation modes, stay six feet away from others, wear a breathable face covering and avoid touching crosswalk signals. If using Capital Bikeshare, carry hand sanitizer to wipe down all points of contact before riding. The sanitizer should sit for one minute before use to allow appropriate time to kill off germs. The Fairfax County Bicycle Program, Bike Fairfax, has a new bike map that features trails, paths and resources for bicyclists of all levels. Print copies are available by contacting FCDOT.
   

The most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to follow these recommendations from public health officials:

• Wear a face covering and practice social distancing (keep six feet apart when possible).
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.

For more information and to stay up to date on Fairfax County COVID-19 information and public health guidelines:

• Call the Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 with Coronavirus questions Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
• Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account is staffed Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m.
• Visit the county’s coronavirus web portal for information; it serves as a one-stop online resource for information.
• Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page.
• Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty) and Health Department Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth).
• Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.  

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