Coronavirus (COVID - 19) Communications Hub

In light of the challenges posed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, United Community reiterates our commitment to help our neighbors in need -- especially now, when they may need it most. We are determined to serve our community -- however we can, for as long as we can!

We are teaming up with Fairfax County to provide our clients and community members with every resource they need to overcome the challenges of this outbreak. Please see the list below for a comprehensive list of resources available in our community. We will continue to update this list as more information becomes available.
Interested in Regular COVID-19 Updates?
Text "FFXCOVID" to 888777 

COMMUNITY FOOD AND BASIC NEEDS

Emergency Food Supplies for At-Risk Families
  • United Community's Food Pantry at 7511 Fordson Rd is partnering with Fairfax County and the Capital Area Food Bank to provide emergency food supplies for families in need who live in zip codes 22306, 22307, 22308, 22309, and East of Telegraph 22303 and 22310. We ask that all clients seeking food assistance bring a valid photo ID or proof of address with them.
  • Our Food Pantry's Hours are:
    • Monday 9-12
    • Tuesday 1-5:30pm
    • Wednesday 9-12
    • Thursday 1-5:30pm
    • Friday 9-12​
  • We ask that clients be in line at least 15 minutes before the Food Pantry Closes to be served

United Community Mobile Food Distribution
  • United Community is distributing shelf-stable food to families without access to the food pantry at 7511 Fordson Rd. Distribution will take place on Thursdays at the following locations
    • 7930 Audubon Ave -- 10:00am - 10:30am
    • Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School -- 11:00 - 11:30am

Diapers and Formula for At-Risk Families
  • United Community's Food Pantry at 7511 Fordson Rd has partnered with The Greater DC Diaper Bank to provide diapers to families in need who live in zip codes 22306, 22307, 22308, 22309, and East of Telegraph 22303 and 22310. Baby formula will also be distributed for families in need.
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Dairy and Fresh Produce Distribution -- June 4th, 11th, and 18th​
  • United Community is partnering with De Lune Corps and Supervisor Rodney Lusk to distribute dairy, milk, and fresh produce to families in need at the Gerry Hyland Government Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309.
  • Distribution will be contact-free and begins at 1pm. No eligibility is required. Please wear a face covering. Click here for more information

Free Meal Distribution for K-12 Students
  • Fairfax County Public Schools is distributing grab-and-go meals for K-12 Students at 38 locations throughout the County, including Mt. Vernon Woods ES, Hollin Meadows ES, Audubon Apartments, Gum Springs Community Center, Hybla Valley ES and in front of the Sacramento Neighborhood Community Center. Meals are free for K-12 Students and just $2 for adults. Breakfast and Lunch (both meals can be picked up at the same time) are available to be picked up from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Monday through Friday. Click here for a full list of times and locations​​
  • In addition,  School Buses are delivering grab & go meals Monday through Friday to students who live in the Fort Hunt ES, Riverside ES, Washington Mill ES, Woodlawn ES, Woodley Hills ES, Whitman MS, Sandburg MS, Mt. Vernon HS and West Potomac HS areas. Meals are free for K-12 Students and just $2 for adults. Click here to see the bus stop locations and times.
  • ​Food distribution will continue during Spring Break​

Free and Reduced Lunch Application
Free Meal Distribution at Rising Hope United Methodist Church
  • Chef Jose Andres and World Central Kitchen will be distributing meals to families in need for the next three Wednesdays and Thursdays at 3:30pm, beginning on April 16th.
  • Families in need should come to Rising Hope at 8220 Russell Road in Alexandria to pick up meals. Depending on the status of the pandemic, additional weeks may be added.
 
Free Sunday Catfish Dinners at Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church​
  • Local Nonprofit Veterans Fishing Adventure is providing free catfish dinners for anyone in need, Sundays from
    12-5pm at the Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church at 7929 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306.

Food Resources Map
  • In the interest of public health and safety, we strongly encourage those in need to seek out resources closest to them. Fairfax County has created this Food Resources Map with a complete list of meal distribution sites and food pantries near you.
  • You can also text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to 877-877 to learn more about food resources closest to you​

Application for Food Stamp (SNAP) Benefits
Other Basic Needs Concerns
  • Please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) to find basic needs assistance nearest you!
    • ​703-222-0880, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm


Click Here for More Information in Spanish and other languages!

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Free Virtual Financial Counseling
  • For those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, Britepaths' Financial Empowerment Center is offering free financial virtual financial counseling services via video and phone conferencing. Click here for more information!​
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Utilities -- Disconnections Suspended
Fairfax County has reached out to area utility companies to assure that they are working to protect those at risk of utility disconnection. We have received confirmations from:
  • Verizon, Comcast, and Cox, have pledged to keep customers connected for the next 60 days and not terminate services to any residential customer or small business that are unable to pay their bills. Read more.
  • Dominion Energy suspended disconnections. Read more.
  • Washington Gas will be waiving late fees and suspending disconnections. Read more.

Internet Providers Providing Relief During COVID-10
  • AT&T is offering free Wi-fi at their Public Wi-Fi Hotspots through May 13th. They are also providing a waiver request for customers to waive late fees.
  • CenturyLink is waiving all late fees and will not terminate service to residents or businesses for the next 60 days. Data usage limits are suspended.
  • Comcast/Xfinity is opening free Wi-Fi Network hotspots at businesses and outdoor locations, and is offering free unlimited data and no disconnect or late fees for customers. Low-income and new customers in Comcast's service area are eligible for a 60-day complimentary Internet Essentials Package.
  • Cox is offering their Connect2Compete program, free through July 15 and just $9.95/month after. They also offer discounted, refurbished equipment through their PC's for People Program.
  • Verizon has waived all service terminations, late fees and overage charges for customers. They also offer affordable options for low-income households and an additional 15 GB of high-speed data to existing customers, as well as no data caps for Fios and DSL broadband customers.

All Court Proceedings and Eviction Cases are Postponed Fairfax County Government Buildings Closed to Public
  • Beginning Friday, March 27th at 5pm, all Fairfax County Government Buildings and Facilities will be closed to the public until further notice.
  • The County Government remains open for business online and by phone and mail.​​

Free Legal Services
  • Legal Services of Northern Virginia are offering free legal counsel to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Services include unemployment claims, evictions and foreclosures, tax questions and public benefits. Appointments are offered via phone Monday - Thursday, 9:30am-12:30pm & 1:30 - 3:30pm and online. Click here for more details.

Parental Support Resources
  • Do you feel stressed about being a parent during COVID-19? The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is hosting Virtual Parent Cafes every Monday from 7:45 - 9:15pm. The "Parenting Education Program" will discuss self-care, how to establish discipline and family rules and how to create a healthy routine for your child.
  • Interested parents can email buildingstrongerfamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-7720 for more information.
  • You can also call the parental support line (703-324-7720) Monday through Friday from 8am - 4:30pm to receive one-on-one support or ask any parenting questions you may have.

Domestic & Sexual Violence Resources
  • We recognize that quarantine poses many challenges; most especially for those who live in environments where domestic and sexual violence are common. If you or your child feel unsafe at home, call the Fairfax County 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Hotline -- 703-360-7273
  • You can also chat with a representative online at www.thehotline.org.
  • If you're specifically concerned about your child's safety, your can call Fairfax County Child Protective Services 24/7 to receive advice or to make a report -- 703-324-7400

Mental Health Resources
  • If you are concerned about the mental health or substance use for yourself or a loved one, you can call the Fairfax - Falls Church Community Services Board.
    • For emergency services, call (24/7) 703-573-5679
    • For entry and referral, call 703-383-8500 (Mon-Fri, 8am - 4:30pm)
    • You can also call or text the National Suicide Hotline -- 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text "Connect" to 855-11

COMMUNITY EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES

Applying for Unemployment Benefits
  • Individuals who have been laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits from the state. You can file a claim online at www.vec.virginia.gov or by calling 1-866-832-2363.
  • Those filing a claim for the first time will receive three important documents
    • Benefits Rights document -- explains eligibility requirements and what you need to do to claim your benefits each week
    • Monetary Determination document -- shows how much money you may be eligible to receive
    • A PIN -- Necessary to claim weekly benefits and make inquiries about your claim
  • If you are eligible for payments, a payment should be processed within a week or two of your claim. Click here for more details.

Unemployment Resources Through Virginia Career Works Centers
  • The Virginia Career Works Fairfax Centers are closed, but continue to provide services remotely during regular business hours (Mon - Thurs, 8:30am - 4pm and Fri 10am - 4:30pm). Click Here for more information. You can also contact the centers below
    • Alexandria: 703-704-6286, DFSVCWAlexandria@fairfaxcounty.gov
    • Fairfax: 703-324-7280, DFSVJC@fairfaxcounty.gov
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U.S. Census Bureau Hiring  Employment Opportunities During the COVID-19 Crisis

COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES

COVIDCheck Self-Screening Tool​​
  • The Virginia Department of Health has launched a new online risk-assessment tool for Virginians to check for COVID-19 symptoms and connect with health care resources and nearby testing sites. Click here for more information!

Respiratory Illness Clinics and COVID-19 Testing
  • Starting Wednesday, March 25, Inova Urgent Care locations at Dulles South, North Arlington, and Tysons will staff Respiratory Illness Clinics to evaluate all patients with respiratory illness symptoms. The three clinics will also be able to collect COVID-19 vehicle-side samples that have been requested by their physician.
  • Upon arrival at the clinic, a clinician will greet the patient at their vehicle to escort the patient into the respiratory clinic for evaluation or to collect samples for testing. Patients who are tested can expect results within 4-7 days.
  • Before visiting any Inova Respiratory Illness Clinic, contact your regular primary care physician for evaluation to determine if testing is necessary. For assistance with recommendations, to arrange for a physician appointment, or if you do not have a primary care physician, call 1-855-IMG-DOCS.
  • Clinic will be open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm (unless otherwise indicated) and are located at:
    • ​Inova Urgent Care -- Dulles South, 24801 Pinebrook Rd, #110, Chantilly, VA 20152 -- 703-722-3080 (Not Open on Weekends)
    • Inova Urgent Care -- North Arlington, 4600 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA 22207 -- 571-492-3080 (Not Open on Weekends)
    • Inova Urgent Care -- Tysons, 8357 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182 - 571-665-6440
    • Inova Primary Care -- Old Town Alexandria, 325 S Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314 -- 703-683-7220 -- (Open from 1pm - 4:30pm, Call to Schedule Appointment)

COVID-19 Testing Available at Neighborhood Health Clinics 
  • Neighborhood Health is offering COVID-19 testing for patients once they've completed a telehealth consultation with one of their medical providers. At this time they can only test patients that display COVID-19 symptoms. Patients should call 703-535-5568 to get a telehealth evaluation prior to testing. Neighborhood Health also provides discounts to reduce copays and deductibles for those who do not have health insurance or medicaid. Please call for more information.
  • The Neighborhood Health Clinic is located at ​6677 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306

COVID-19 Testing Available at CVS MinuteClinics
Healthcare Options for the Uninsured
  • Fairfax County has posted a list of health care providers that offer primary care, dental care, behavioral health and pharmacies. These clinics and centers serve people who have no insurance or have Medicaid.
  • If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please call ahead to these clinics before you go, so they can put proper infection control measures in place. Be sure to see the website as providers have various protocol in place for COVID-19, including telemedicine. 

If You Are Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms, Please Refer to the "Health Guidelines Section" Below
Do you have additional COVID-19 related Questions or Concerns?
We want to hear from you! Email covid19@unitedcommunity.org!

IMPORTANT COMMUNITY UPDATES

COMMUNITY EDUCATION & RECREATION UPDATES

Northern Virginia Enters Phase I of COVID-19 Recovery 
  • On May 28th, Northern Virginia entered Phase I of the Forward Virginia Plan. Elements of that plan include:
    • Restaurants are permitted to serve dine-in customers at 50% of their indoor capacity, provided that tables are spaced 6 feet apart and tables are limited to 10 customers.
    • Gyms, recreation centers, sports centers and pools may open for outdoor activities only. All participants must stay 10 feet apart from each other. Ourdoor swimming pools may be open for lap swimming only. Outdoor basketball and racquetball courts remain closed. Indoor pools, hot tubs, and spas remain closed.
    • Beauty salons, barbers, spas, massage centers, tanning salons, and tattoo shops are limited to 50% their normal capacity. Customers must make appointments to come in. Customers and employees are required to wear face coverings. Businesses must keep a record of all clients served, including name, contact information, date, and time of service.
    • Other retail businesses may reopen at 50% capacity and employees must wear face coverings 
    • Houses of ​Worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc), may hold services at 50% of their normal capacity. Congregants must sit six feet apart --- except for families -- and should strongly consider face coverings. Items should not be passed around during a religious service. Wine, beverages, and food must be served in individual, disposable containers. Social gatherings remain limited to no more than 10 people. Click here for additional guidelines
  • All gatherings of 10 people or more or prohibited.
  • All residents must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other persons, with the exception of family or household members or caretakers.
  • Residents may leave their homes as needed to obtain food or basic needs, seek medical attention, obtain social services, travel to and from work or engage in outdoor activities, volunteer with charitable or social services, or engage in outdoor activities (while complying with social distancing requirements). For specifics, please refer to the Governor's Executive Order.

​Face Coverings Required In Public Places in the State of Virginia
  • On May 26th, the Governor of Virginia issued an executive order mandating that all residents over the age of 10 use face coverings when inside public places or areas where people congregate.
  • Face coverings are not required while eating, drinking, exercising, participating in religious rituals, getting medical treatment, or communicating with those with hearing impairments. Exceptions also apply to children under the age of 2 and those with health conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering.
  • The face covering mandate will not be enforced criminally by the police. That responsibility will be given to the Virginia Department of Health. For more information, read the Governor's Executive Order here.

​Fairfax County Public School Buildings Closed Through End of the School Year; Online Learning Starts April 14th
Adjustments to Student Exam Schedules
  • The May 2020 International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams are cancelled.
  • Traditional face-to-face Advanced Placement (AP) exams will not take place. Instead, AP exams will be The full exam schedule will be published by the College Board on April 3rd
  • SOL tests are expected to be canceled this year.
  • ACT Exams have been re-scheduled from April 4th to June 13th
  • SAT Exams have been re-scheduled. Click here for more information

Tuition-Free Online Classes through Northern Virginia Community College​
  • NOVA is offering tuition-free online classes for approximately 70,000 Northern Virginia High School students this summer. Classes are for rising or graduating seniors and will run from June 1 to July 15. Click here to learn more.

Fairfax County Park Facilities, Libraries, and Community Facilities Closed
  • Fairfax County parks (indoor) and community facilities are closed.
  • Public parks are open. Campgrounds at Lake Fairfax Park and Burke Lake Park are open. Permitted use of picnic shelters is available. Golf courses are open but players are required to use a mask when inside the clubhouse or any indoor space. 
  • While libraries are closed, curbside pickup is available at all branches, Monday - Friday from 10am - 4pm. Click here for more
  • Athletic fields are open for "walk-on"/un-permitted use, provided that all groups are fewer than 10 individuals and that all individuals follow social distancing or wear a face covering if physical distancing is difficult.
  • Health officials recommend refraining from playing on all playground equipment at this time, including community/neighborhood playgrounds. All trails remain open.​​

Fairfax County Summer Camps, REC-Pac and SACC Programs Cancelled for Summer 2020
  • On May 20th, Fairfax County Park Authority and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) announced that all 2020 summer camp programs are cancelled. This includes all FCPA sponsored summer camp programs, REC-Pac programs held at local schools and summer camp programs sponsored by NCS and SACC programs. Click here for more information​

Fourth of July Events; Summer Concerts Cancelled
  • The Fairfax County Park Authority's Summer Entertainment Series has been cancelled through July due to public safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Fourth of July Events have been canceled.

Tax Filing Day Delayed to July 15th
  • The Secretary of Treasury Announced that the Federal Income Tax Filing Due Date would be moved from April 15th to July 15th.
  • For Virginia, State Income Tax Filing Deadlines remain the same (May 1, 2020). Any State Income Tax Payments are due June 1, 2020.​
  • For Fairfax County, the deadline for individuals and businesses to file vehicle changes and property tax returns has been extended to from May 1st to June 1st, 2020.
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Additional Sources of Information

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

Per the Governor's Stay-At-Home Executive Order, all Residents are encouraged to Stay-at-Home as much as possible. However, for those who must leave for work or other necessities, please see the following public transportation adjustments:

Metro
  • Masks are required on all Metro trains and buses
  • Metro is reducing service:
  • METRORAIL service:
  • Monday-Friday: Trains will operate every 20 minutes on each line throughout the day. The rail system will operate 5am - 9pm
  • Saturday/Sunday: Trains will operate every 30 minutes on each line, with service from 8 am until 9pm ​
  • Starting Thursday, March 26th, Metro will temporarily close 17 stations, including Van Dorn St and Eisenhower Ave. Click here for a complete list of closures.
  • METROBUS service:
  • On weekdays, bus service will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule.
  • Weekend bus schedules are unchanged.
  • WMATA also asks that customers do not use Metro to go to healthcare appointments if you are showing signs of illness. Please do not use Metro unless it is absolutely essential!​

Fairfax Connector Bus
  • Beginning Monday, May 18th masks are required on all Fairfax Connector Buses
  • Beginning Tuesday, March 24, all Fairfax Connector customers are required to enter and exit the bus using the rear doors. This does not apply to customers who need to use a wheelchair ramp.
  • Fare collection on buses is temporarily suspended due to the locaton of fareboxes and SmartTrip equipment at the front entrance of the buses.
  • As of April 15th, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation asks that all Fairfax Connector Passengers use non-medical face coverings or cloth masks to slow the spread of COVID-19. While the use of masks is strongly encouraged, no one without a face covered will be denied entry to Fairfax Connector buses.
  • Increased vehicle cleaning cycles are occuring with a special focus on bus interiors and critical touchpoints. These cleanings incorporate disinfection procedures indicated to be effective against COVID-19.​

​Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices are Closed
  • Virginia 75 DMV Offices are closed to the public.
  • Online services will remain available and anyone needing to renew a license or vehicle registration is encouraged to do so online.
  • DMV will grant a 60-day extension for those who cannot renew online or whose license or registration expires before May 15.​

HEALTH GUIDELINES

Click here to see this video in Spanish
Click here to see this video in Spanish
COVID-19 TESTING
  • Fairfax County is currently advising anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 or who are concerned they have been exposed to call their doctor or health care provider. See the Fairfax County Health Department for more details.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick  
Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 
Wear a facemask if you are sick
  • If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
 
Clean and disinfect
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:
  • Diluting your household bleach.
    To make a bleach solution, mix:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
      OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
  • Alcohol solutions
       Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants.
    Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens     claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Complete Disinfection Guide: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html 

More Handwashing Tips:
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/ 

COVID-19 Information for Non-English Speakers
  • Fairfax County Government has developed a COVID-19 Language Portal where residents can download COVID-19 related health materials in their native language. Information is available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, and ASL.

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