Representing Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax

Newsletter - March 11, 2020

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Chair, Public Safety
Subcommittee

Committee Assignments:
Courts of Justice
Privileges & Elections
Public Safety
Health, Welfare, & Institutions

A QUICK LINK TO
ALL OF MARK'S BILLS

CONTACT MARK

On the website,
 via email,
 on Facebook,
 or on Twitter.

Or by mail and phone:

Richmond Office:
Pocahontas Building
900 East Main Street, Suite E208
Richmond, VA 23219
804.698.1045

Alexandria Office:
301 King St
Alexandria, VA 22314
571.234.8481

We are almost done! I'm back in Alexandria for some short rest and relaxation and then we return to Richmond tomorrow to finish the budget and appoint some judges. I expect we will adjourn tomorrow sine die.

So very soon, you will get my newsletter featuring the great many successes of our progressive caucus and details on the fate of all my bills. It may take more than one newsletter to tell you everything. Here's a quick preview!

But before diving into my summary of the past week in Richmond, I want to be sure you know where to find important and accurate information about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?

Coronavirus is a very contagious virus named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to lung lesions and pneumonia.

OVERVIEW - COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, which was first identified during an outbreak investigation in the city of Wuhan in China’s Hubei province. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure.
 
VIRGINIA'S PLAN - Virginia’s public health and safety experts established an Incident Management Team in January, shortly after scientists first identified the virus in Asia. The team of experts from across state government is leading the Commonwealth’s planning and response. This team is in regular and close communication with government and private sector partners.
 
WHO IS MOST AT RISK? - Older adults and those with compromised immune systems.
 
PRECAUTIONS - Virginians can take precautions to prevent the potential spread of this disease:
  • If you are at higher risk, stay home and avoid crowds as much as possible. Stock up on supplies.
  • Stay home when you're sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects people frequently touch.
  • Use elbow or back of your hand to touch elevator buttons.
  • After washing, use a paper towel to open bathroom doors and turn off sinks after washing.
  • Get your annual flu shot if you haven't already. You don't want to be vulnerable to getting sick with both flu and COVID-19 (To find a nearby location to get your flu shot, visit the CDC Flu-Finder website.)

Click here for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Frequently Asked Questions page. 

The Virginia Department of Health's website has valuable information about safety precautions, emergency contact information, and the status of the virus in Virginia.

Risk to the community remains low for now, but it is increasing rapidly. Two days ago, there were three presumptive positive cases in Virginia all related to international travel: one in Fort Belvoir, one in Fairfax City, and one in Crystal City. Now there are nine, five of which are in Northern Virginia.

New York Times -- “How Worried Should You Be About the Coronavirus?”
CNN -- Coronavirus: How to Avoid Germs

Alexandria Public Schools March 12 COVID-19
Virtual Information Session

March 12, from 8 to 9 p.m.

The City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Health Department, Inova Health System, and the Alexandria City Public Schools will hold an online virtual information session tomorrow, Thursday, March 12, from 8 to 9 p.m., to provide information and answer questions about the COVID-19 coronavirus.

I'll be there too (but you won't see me since it's online!)

Panelists will include:

Dr. Stephen A. Haering, director of the Alexandria Health Department
Dr. Rina Bansal, president of Inova Alexandria Hospital
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings Jr., superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools 
Mark B. Jinks, city manager. 

The panelists will take questions about the COVID-19 coronavirus; how individuals can protect themselves and those around them; how government and the health care sector are preparing for additional impacts from the virus; and how businesses and nonprofit organizations can help. 

LINK: FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEO STREAM
(AVAILABLE MARCH 12, 8-9 P.M.)
LINK: SUBMIT QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE
FOR THE PANELISTS

You can also ask questions or leave comments in real time during the Facebook events. Submit questions via text at 703-850-5372 or by calling 703-746-3300. A recording of the session will be available online after the session ends.

I encourage you to do your research and be vigilant! Please remember to wash your hands!

I will continue to monitor the situation. If you have any questions, concerns, or news on the coronavirus in Northern Virginia or the DMV, please don't hesitate to let me know.

I'll be back soon with another newsletter, featuring much happier news, such as all the tremendous progress we made this session!

Thank you again for the honor and privilege to serve you.

Delegate Mark Levine
Serving Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax in Virginia's 45th District