Beginning Friday, May 29, 2020, anyone who is entering, exiting, traveling through, and spending time in a Loudoun County government facility will be required to wear a face covering to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Earlier this week, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order Sixty-Three, which requires Virginians to wear face coverings in public indoor settings, including local government buildings, as described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Loudoun County requests that anyone visiting a county facility or riding Loudoun County Transit buses voluntarily comply with the governor’s order. Disposable face coverings will be available to the public if one is needed.

Loudoun County—along with the rest of Northern Virginia—will enter Phase 1 of the Forward Virginia plan on May 29. This milestone will have a minimal impact on current county operation. At this time public access to many Loudoun County government buildings is restricted as part of the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and service delivery has been adjusted accordingly. The county’s website includes information about the operational status of county government departments as well as information about accessing county services from a distance.

Phase 1 of the plan is expected to last approximately two weeks. Any changes to county services in Phase 2 of Virginia’s reopening plan will be announced. For additional information about the impact of Phase 1 on the greater community, visit loudoun.gov/reopening.

Health officials say cloth face coverings help to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help people who may have the virus and don’t know it from transmitting it to others. The use of face coverings does not replace the need to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others in public places, along with other precautions such as frequent handwashing and staying home if sick. Learn more about the use of face coverings.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.
  • Text LCCOVIDESP to 88877 to receive text messages in Spanish from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

Loudoun County’s Office of Mapping and Geographic Information has updated its COVID-19 page in the county’s GeoHub to include interactive dashboards that illustrate key metrics important for decision-making regarding the region’s reopening.

These dashboards include the “gating criteria” that are important in determining reopening timelines regionally and in the Commonwealth and also include other key measures. Data is updated daily from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to provide information on testing totals, cases, hospitalizations and deaths in Loudoun County.

“By providing this additional data, we are assisting policymakers and keeping the public informed during the COVID-19 emergency,” said Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department.

The county’s data dashboard includes a map of Loudoun COVID-19 cases by ZIP Code. At the direction of Governor Ralph Northam, and in coordination with VDH, case rates are now presented by 5-digit ZIP codes. The recent data release is a change from VDH’s long-standing policy not to disclose data at the ZIP code level, which is particularly important to protect patient privacy when there are relatively few cases of a disease.

“Cases represent a place of residence and not necessarily where transmission may have occurred. This information should not be used to measure individual risk,” noted Goodfriend.

The data dashboard also links to key demographic data on COVID-19 cases in Loudoun and the Commonwealth, including hospitalizations and deaths by age, race, ethnicity and sex. “A link to the updated GeoHub information can be found under “Testing and Data” at loudoun.gov/coronavirus.

The governor’s guidelines for reopening Virginia follow a three-phase plan. Phase 1, “Safer at Home,” may be implemented in Northern Virginia as early as May 29, 2020. The timeline for Phase 1 and subsequent phases will be determined by monitoring gating criteria to determine when it is safe to progress to the next phase. These criteria include the number of cases, the number of positive tests, and percent positive; trends in the percentage of cases hospitalized; hospital bed and ICU capacity; and the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The hospital bed capacity and PPE availability for Loudoun and Northern Virginia are not represented on the county’s dashboard.

The Health Department continues to urge everyone to vigilantly practice the actions proven to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These include staying home as much as possible and especially when sick; frequent hand washing; covering coughs and sneezes; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly; staying at least 6 feet apart from other people when outside the home; and wearing a cloth face covering over the nose and mouth when it is essential to be in public and social distancing practices are difficult to maintain.

Every household in Loudoun County, including those in the incorporated towns, will be receiving important COVID-19 information by mail in the next few days. The county encourages residents to look for a postcard from Loudoun County in the mail, read it, and keep it as a reference guide.

“It is only through responding to COVID-19 as a community that we can continue to slow the spread of this disease,” said Dr. David Goodfriend, director of the Loudoun County Health Department. “It’s particularly important that you take actions to protect seniors and those with underlying medical conditions, both in your home and the community.”

• View what you should be looking for in the mail.

The postcard includes important information to help protect yourself and your family, including reminding all residents to take the following actions:

• Social distance – stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
• Wear a cloth face covering in public.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home to the greatest extent possible.
• Self-isolate if you are sick.
• Let your close contacts know if you are sick so they can self-quarantine.

The information in the postcard is also available online at [https://www,loudoun.gov/coronavirus]loudoun.gov/coronavirus and in other languages (Spanish, Arabic, Korean, and Vietnamese). Other informational flyers about COVID-19 also are online here.

The Health Department is also asking ill individuals to proactively reach out to their close contacts and let them know they are sick.

“It’s important for our whole community to stay involved in slowing the spread,” said Goodfriend. “With sick individuals reaching out to their close contacts right away, people will be alerted even more quickly, which helps our work in slowing the spread.”

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit [https://www,loudoun.gov/coronavirus]loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVIDESP to 888777 to receive text messages in Spanish from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

Loudoun County is allocating $150,000 for emergency food assistance programs in response to the increased need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Supervisors approved the funding to help local food assistance providers that serve Loudoun individuals and families.

Local food banks are reporting a significant increase in the numbers of people who are seeking emergency food assistance; in some cases, double or triple the number of people asking for help prior to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

For example:

• Loudoun Hunger Relief reports spending $15,000 more per week above its normal weekly budget since the effects of the pandemic took hold.
• The Dulles South Food Pantry reports serving 114 households a week, up from 86 households.
• The Tree of Life Center reports an increase from an average of 8 families to 42 per week.
• LINK reports an increase from 20 families a week to 83 families a week.

In addition to approving the allocation of funds, the Board established criteria for organizations to be eligible for emergency funding. They must be:

• Located in Loudoun County.
• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a religious institution.
• Provide food assistance on at least a bi-weekly basis to Loudoun residents.
• Follow established federal food safety protocols.

Applicants also will be asked to supply documentation of the costs per client in addition to information about their typical service level prior to the pandemic and their current level of service.

The Board directed the Department of Finance and Budget to develop and oversee the process for qualifying food assistance sites to request funding and to ensure that there is equitable distribution of funding among the organizations.

To apply, food assistance programs should complete and submit the online application.

Members of the public who are seeking assistance for basic needs, such as food, housing and other needs, may find resources posted on the county’s website. Residents who would like to help the community in various ways should visit the county’s website to view options for how you can help.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

The Loudoun County government has established a limited rental assistance program for Loudoun County households economically impacted by COVID-19.

The Board of Supervisors has approved re-allocating $200,000 from the Eastern Loudoun County Home Revitalization Program to create the rental assistance program. The goal is to help ensure housing stability for low-income workers who have been furloughed, lost jobs or had work hours reduced due to the pandemic.

The terms of the program include:

• Income eligibility based on household size for households earning up to 70% of the state median income ($60,332 for a family of 4).
• Direct payments made to landlords or property management companies on behalf of residents who qualify for the program.
• Assistance may be provided for up to three months’ rent.

Residents, who were current in their rent payments as of March 30, 2020, and who now need help paying rent may contact the county’s Information and Referral program at 703-777-0420. Members of the Department of Family Services’ Community Support Services team will verify income eligibility, conduct a case assessment, verify rent need and job impacts related to COVID-19. Applicants will be asked to submit related documents, such as a current lease and paperwork that shows a job loss or reduced income.

The program will continue as long as the local emergency declaration is in effect and funding is available.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

Loudoun County officials are offering advice to residents concerning interactions with animals during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is no evidence that pets or livestock can transmit the virus to people, researchers are investigating whether animals can contract the virus from humans. Basic hygiene and distancing measures are recommended to keep everyone safe:

• Wash your hands before and after handling pets, even your own.
• Avoid sneezing or coughing on your pet.
• Keep your distance from other people’s pets and animals. Don’t allow people outside of your household to pet your animals. Don’t touch animals that are not your own.
• Always avoid interacting with or feeding wild animals.

If you become ill, follow the CDC’s guidance. Consider having a friend, neighbor or family member provide care to your pets while you recover.  If you do not have someone to help with care, practice good hand-washing and avoid sneezing or coughing on your pet.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and cannot leave your home to get pet food, contact the Department of Animal Services for assistance. The department can facilitate the delivery of up to two weeks of pet food to your home. Anyone who has questions about COVID-19 and animals or needs assistance, may call the Department of Animal Services at 703-777-0406, or email animals@loudoun.gov.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

Members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and the mayors of Loudoun County’s seven incorporated towns have joined together to send words of encouragement and support to the community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the community, the officials praise Loudoun residents and businesses for their resilience and caring and also encourage them not to “fall into the trap of negativity.” The elected representatives also pledge to “do everything in our power to help us all get through this together.”

The letter reads:

“To Our Loudoun Community:

As your elected county and town representatives, we wanted to reach out to you during these extraordinary times to reflect on how all of our lives have changed these past few weeks, provide a perspective on where we are now and offer some thoughts about the road ahead.

For all of us in Loudoun County, and indeed throughout the nation, we continue to cope with this unprecedented situation. In so many ways, our worlds have been turned upside down. Every person, every family, every community has been faced with new challenges; when our ordinary activities have become a rarity; when so many stores, restaurants, bars, playgrounds, arenas, churches and thousands of other social venues are closed; when simply leaving our homes is so…unsettling.

While these are new challenges for us all, there is also a different perspective we cannot forget; not on where we were, but on just how far we—all of us—have come.

One simple fact has emerged from this predicament, that Loudoun truly is a resilient, thriving, caring community that has come together as one, determined to conquer this crisis and emerge stronger and better on the other side. In just a few short weeks, we have overcome innumerable challenges, and tapped an inner strength. Every day we see the countless, selfless actions of our citizens and our community, reaching out to help others in need, even if to just offer a word of comfort to those in despair.

We see our medical professionals on continuous shifts placing themselves repeatedly in harm’s way as they battle on the front lines to stem this tide of illness. We see our first responders standing with our medical professionals, first on the scene to give urgently needed care and solace to our communities. We see clergy tending to those in spiritual need in innovative and moving ways. We see teachers working long into the night to find effective ways to teach their children—and that’s how they think of them; their children—to ensure their path to learning remains clear. We see our local community charities and our business owners providing for the needs of others with free meals, farm grown food donations, delivering to those unable to get out, donations of personal protective equipment and even our wine, beer, and spirits industry retooling to produce hand sanitizer.

We embrace our workers, our neighbors who have been laid off and who fear for their family’s future while simultaneously embracing the local business owners who are working and reinventing themselves to survive as well. We see maintenance and custodial industry professionals continuously cleaning and sanitizing our essential workplaces despite the obvious risks. We see families walking outside together on afternoon weekdays as never before, and we see grocery store and service industry workers staffing our essential businesses to ensure our families have what they need to carry on.

Now is not the time to fall into the trap of negativity or despair or gossip or rancor. Instead, let us use these examples of courage and sacrifice to inspire us all. Let us instead see the strength, the love, the compassion, the caring being exhibited every day. In the end, what we are seeing is what makes Loudoun the special place we all call home – our true sense of community.

Winston Churchill, in the dark early days of World War II, said “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Fellow Loudoun County citizens, you are not alone. We have the courage to move forward, every step one step closer to the end of this challenging journey. And we have each other.

Now is the time to challenge ourselves every day to do something good for someone else. Donate, volunteer, make someone laugh, provide encouragement. As you have so far, keep finding that special way you can make a difference.

As your elected representatives, our duty is to serve you every moment of every day. Your Loudoun elected representatives will answer your questions honestly based on the best medical and scientific advice we have available. We pledge to do everything in our power to help us all get through this together. Thank you for all you do to make Loudoun the incredible community it is.

Be well, be safe, be Loudoun Strong!”

The letter is signed by members of the Board of Supervisors and the Coalition of Loudoun Towns:

• Phyllis J. Randall, Board of Supervisors Chair
• Koran T. Saines, Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Sterling District Supervisor
• Juli E. Briskman, Algonkian District Supervisor
• Mike R. Turner, Ashburn District Supervisor
• Tony R. Buffington, Blue Ridge District Supervisor
• Sylvia R. Glass, Broad Run District Supervisor
• Caleb A. Kershner, Catoctin District Supervisor
• Matthew F. Letourneau, Dulles District Supervisor
• Kristen C. Umstattd, Leesburg District Supervisor
• David Simpson, Mayor, Town of Hamilton
• Roger Vance, Mayor, Town of Hillsboro
• Kelly Burk, Mayor, Town of Leesburg
• Nate Fontaine, Mayor, Town of Lovettsville
• Bridge Littleton, Mayor, Town of Middleburg
• Kwasi Fraser, Mayor, Town of Purcellville
• Scott Ramsey, Mayor, Town of Round Hill

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov

Loudoun County has launched an online “hub” of interactive maps and web-based applications that provide relevant content to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic when trips from home are limited to only those that are essential.

One map features restaurants and retail businesses with takeout, curbside or delivery options. “Our goal right now is to support businesses in any way possible, including highlighting those that are still open and using innovative marketing, products, specials and services,” said Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer.  “We encourage all businesses to comply with the details of Gov. Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 53, but continue to find creative ways to conduct business. We also urge Loudoun residents to support local businesses as they weather an unprecedented business interruption.”

“This site also features maps that provide useful information for our older residents, those with health issues, or those experiencing food insecurity,” said Assistant County Administrator Valmarie Turner. “We are partnering with the non-profit community and Loudoun businesses to provide this information, and we encourage individuals in need of essential items to use these maps to find what they need.”

One interactive map, for example, helps residents find grocery stores and pharmacies with designated hours for vulnerable individuals. These shopping hours are designated for older adults, as well as individuals with underlying health issues or compromised immune systems, who are at greater risk of complications from COVID-19. The searchable map also links to the stores’ websites, which include contact information. You can search by a street address and view which stores have modified hours.

Another interactive map on the site helps residents find food assistance sites, including food banks, pantries and prepared meals. The searchable map also includes links to the organizations’ websites.  The hub also includes a link to the Loudoun County Public Schools meal distribution sites.

The maps and data will be updated by the Office of Mapping and Geographic Information as hours, services and conditions change.

See the maps at loudoun.gov/COVIDresourcesmap.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued Stay at Home orders yesterday for their respective jurisdictions. Today, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis J. Randall joins the chief local elected officials of suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia in releasing the following joint statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic:

“As the chief elected officials of local governments in the National Capital Region, we are joining in one voice to implore each of the more than five and a half million individuals in our region to stay home unless you are performing an essential activity as permitted by authorities. This is the most important thing each of us can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the threat to our most vulnerable neighbors, including older individuals and those with chronic health conditions.

Our most fundamental obligation is to protect the health and safety of the communities we serve. Along with our colleagues in elected office and tens of thousands of heroic local government staff on the front lines, we are doing everything we can to respond to this crisis at the local level.

We pledge to continue our region’s long tradition of collaboration through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and private and non-profit sector partners to keep area residents regularly informed about the pandemic; share best practices among our health, public safety, and public information experts; advocate for additional support on testing, personal protective equipment, and economic stabilization; and join forces on response and recovery efforts.

The COVID-19 virus ignores jurisdictional boundaries, political viewpoints, and socioeconomic differences. We must be united as one region while we each do our part to protect ourselves and each other. Staying home, practicing social distancing and avoiding gatherings, washing hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces regularly, and staying away from others when sick are simple but vitally important ways to keep each other safe. Please join us in this most critical fight.”

VIRGINIA

Mayor Justin Wilson, City of Alexandria

County Board Chair Libby Garvey, Arlington County

Mayor David L Meyer, City of Fairfax

County Board Chair Jeffrey C McKay, Fairfax County

Mayor P. David Tarter, City of Falls Church

County Board Chair Phyllis J. Randall, Loudoun County

Mayor Hal Parrish, City of Manassas

Mayor Jeanette Rishell, City of Manassas Park

Board Chair, Ann B. Wheeler, Prince William County

MARYLAND

Mayor Timothy Adams, City of Bowie

Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Charles County

Mayor Patrick Wojahn, City of College Park

Mayor Michael O’Connor, City of Frederick

County Executive Jan H. Gardner, Frederick County

Mayor Jud Ashman, City of Gaithersburg

Mayor Colin Byrd, City of Greenbelt

Mayor Craig A. Moe, City of Laurel

County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County

County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County

Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton, City of Rockville

Mayor Kate Stewart, City of Takoma Park

With warmer weather in the forecast, Loudoun County officials are reminding residents that public school campuses and facilities, and features at Loudoun County parks, such as playgrounds, athletic fields and courts, remain closed.

While Loudoun County parks have remained open for trail and leisure use, playgrounds, athletic courts and fields at both county-operated parks and Loudoun County Public Schools are closed to help residents maintain social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the spread of germs, including those that cause COVID-19.

Signs pertaining to the closures have been posted on Loudoun County Public School campuses and at Loudoun County parks. Residents and businesses are subject to restrictions in compliance with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 53, which is in effect until at least April 23, 2020. More information on the local impacts of the governor’s executive order was published in the county’s March 23 news release.

If Loudoun residents observe a potential violation of the order, they are encouraged to call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) non-emergency number at 703-777-1021.

Violations of the governor’s order (paragraphs 1, 3, 4, and 6) are a misdemeanor, which carry a punishment of up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

LCSO, with authorization from the respective Homeowners Association (HOA), may enforce “No Trespassing” on HOA-owned property, including playgrounds, basketball courts or other athletic facilities where signs are posted that these areas are closed.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

As part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loudoun County is accepting donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) and will distribute the supplies to Loudoun-based health care providers and facilities in need.

Personal protective equipment may include:

• Surgical masks
• N95 respirators
• Disposable gowns
• Face shields
• Coveralls
• Gloves
• Hand sanitizer

Donations

Any donated supplies may be opened, but must be unused. Individuals and organizations with personal protective equipment to donate should submit an online form with details about the available equipment at loudoun.gov/ppe. They will be contacted by a county representative to coordinate the donation.

The county is not able to accept homemade equipment, such as homemade masks.

Requests for Equipment

The county is also fielding requests from Loudoun-based health care providers and facilities in need of personal protective equipment. Requests can be made through a form online at loudoun.gov/ppe.

The county has identified the following entities that are equally in need and will receive the donations collected by the county:

• Critical county and town government health care providers and emergency responders.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers and free clinics that accept referrals of ill patients that need evaluation and Coronavirus specimen collection.
• Assisted living and other senior facilities for whom PPE is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Mass screening clinics.
• Outpatient providers who currently provide specimen collection and testing.
• Home health providers who are recommended to use PPE.

Donations will be distributed by the county to the facilities in need.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email.

The Loudoun County Health Department is reporting its first death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. The patient was a woman in her 70s whose close contacts were previously investigated. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.  No additional information is being provided about this woman.

The Virginia Department of Health provides updated information on the number of cases and deaths related to coronavirus at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.

“We are saddened by the first confirmed death of a Loudoun County resident due to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to her loved ones,” said Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “The health of our residents is our top priority and this represents no additional risk to the community.  We ask that everyone do their part to slow the spread of the virus in our community: practice social distancing, wash your hands, and cover coughs and sneezes.”

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If symptoms develop, please contact your health care provider and describe the situation.

To lower the risk of transmission, the Health Department recommends the following:

• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, especially if you are an individual who is at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions.
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• 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.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or a new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit [https//www.loudoun.gov/coronavirus]loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov .

Note: This fatality was not included in the statewide count earlier today. The count is updated daily with numbers reported by 5:00 p.m. the evening before.

Update 3/25/20:

As availability of testing for coronavirus begins to improve, Loudoun County health officials say it is important that these tests be available to those at highest risk of complications from infection and those essential to maintaining health care delivery and services and public safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the following people outside the hospital setting who have symptoms consistent with coronavirus be prioritized for testing:

• Health care workers.
• Patients in long-term care facilities.
• Patients 65 years of age and older.
• Patients with underlying high risk medical conditions.
• First responders.

It is important to note that individual doctors’ offices and the operators of drive-thru testing services may use varying criteria. Therefore, before visiting any testing site, the health department recommends that patients have a doctor’s order for COVID-19 testing and to contact the service provider prior to visiting the site for instructions.

If you are not in one of the priority groups listed above or in a priority group listed by your doctor’s office or a drive-through testing service, at this time the Loudoun County Health Department recommends that you do not request testing, even if sick, so those at higher risk are able to be screened. “We continue to recommend that ill people contact their doctor if they believe they need to be evaluated, and that they isolate themselves at home and apart from family until better.  Additionally, anyone with significant health issues should seek medical care immediately,” said Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend.

On March 19, 2020, Northern Virginia public health officials announced there was evidence of community transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus in parts of the region. Local governments in Northern Virginia had already taken a number of actions to promote social distancing and protect those at increased risk for severe illness. Additionally, on March 23, 2020, Governor Northam issued an executive order on social distancing.

All individuals are urged to:

• Wash hands frequently;
• Stay home when sick;
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Avoid crowded areas and non-essential travel if you are over age 65 or have a chronic medical condition; and
• Follow local government social distancing guidance. Maintain a distance of at least six feet from others.

Infectious diseases do not respect boundaries. Each individual is a critical part of the community mitigation strategy, in addition to government action at the local, state and federal levels.

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

• Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.
• Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has approved changes to Loudoun County Transit service due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved adjustments to transit service and a waiver of fares during an emergency business meeting Wednesday. The changes, which are effective March 30, 2020, include:

• Commuter Bus Service: Temporarily suspend all commuter bus routes to and from Washington DC, Rosslyn, Crystal City and the Pentagon.
• Metro-Connection: Reduce or suspend service on all routes.
• Metro Connection and Local Fixed Routes: Waive fare collection for up to 60 days with the ability for an extension.
• Metro Connection: Passenger loading through the rear door, where available, to meet social distancing protocols.

There are no service changes recommended for the Local Fixed Route service at this time. Future changes may be recommended as more ridership data is collected and analyzed.

The Metro Connection routes, which provide service to and from Metrorail stations, will continue to operate with the following service changes:

• Reduction in morning and afternoon trips for:
  • Routes 901 and 902, serving Potomac Falls to Ballston Metrorail Station;
  • Routes 923 and 924, serving Goose Creek Village/Broadlands to Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station;
  • Routes 925 and 926, serving Loudoun Station to Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station;
  • Route 88X, serving Dulles South/East Gate to Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station.
• Suspension of service for Routes 921 and 922, serving Harmony/Leesburg to Wiehle-Reston East.

Although Loudoun County Transit continues to be available to serve residents who have no alternate way to travel during this time, passengers are reminded that the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness is to follow the recommendations from public health officials. If you are not feeling well or have symptoms of illness, please stay home and avoid taking public transportation.

Over the coming weeks, Loudoun County Transit will continue to monitor ridership and services for possible additional changes. Stay up to date about any service changes or modified schedules at [https;//www.loudoun.gov/buschanges]loudoun.gov/buschanges.

For information and updates regarding Loudoun County’s COVID-19 response, including guidance from health officials, visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will hold an emergency business meeting Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The items on the Board’s agenda are:

• Passage of an emergency ordinance to identify how the Board of Supervisors will meet remotely.
• Ratification of the County Administrator’s decision to adjust transit service delivery and waiver of fees during the COVID-19 event.
• An update on the county’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

Documents prepared for the emergency meeting will be posted on the county’s website.

Board of Supervisors meetings are held in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in Leesburg. While Board of Supervisors meetings are open to the public, the county strongly encourages residents to observe social distancing protocols as a public health measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and watch or listen to the meetings, which are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40 and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast.

More information about the Board of Supervisors is available at loudoun.gov/bos.

Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for information about the COVID-19 and to sign up for email and text updates.