Tysons’ 1st Stage Theatre is suspending its upcoming productions due to concerns about spreading the coronavirus.
“In response to new recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and local and state governments, 1st Stage is pausing all productions and closing the theatre to the public effective immediately,” the theater said in an announcement today.
“The safety and well-being of our community is our highest priority,” Artistic Director Alex Levy said in the statement.
Plans for the theater’s upcoming production of “A New Brain,” which was set to run March 26-April 19, are uncertain at this point.
“At this point, it is our hope to open ‘A New Brain’ and continue our season once the health crisis has passed. Given the current situation, we are unsure when that will happen,” the statement said.
The statement said that the theater will compensate the production personnel “most impacted by this sudden closure” and that the performers, designers and technicians for the show will be paid their full contract salary.
The theater is encouraging people who bought tickets or are season subscribers to exchange their tickets for a performance at a later date or to turn them into donations.
(Updated at 5:40 p.m.) Caffe Amouri wants to reduce close contact between the people coming to the Vienna coffeehouse, as concerns spread about the coronavirus outbreak.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people stay six feet away from each other to lower the risk of spreading the virus.
“Helping everyone ‘Keep their distance,'” the cafe tweeted along with a video showing large “X”s made of masking tape on the ground leading up the cafe.
In another video, owner Michael Amouri shared that the “X”s, which are six feet apart, lead to a window counter — formerly the front door — where people can place their orders and pay. The orders will be filled inside and then brought outside to the customers.
At the window service, one cashier wearing gloves places the order, while another person goes to get the coffee, Amouri told Tysons Reporter. Each drink is brought out on its own pedestal so that customers won’t touch the tray, he said.
Amouri said that he ordered 10 stylus pens that will be sanitized after every use so “no customer will be touching a pen that a previous customer touched.”
Tuesday evening, the coffeehouse announced on Instagram that it won’t accept cash while the coronavirus concerns are growing.
On Facebook, the coffeehouse announced on March 13 that all of its events are temporarily canceled. In other videos, Amouri said that other recent changes include:
- in-house cups won’t be used
- cups that people bring won’t be used
- all drinks will be served in paper to-go cups
Amouri said that people who don’t want to come to the shop can order beans online — “We’re getting hit by a ton of those” — and buy gift cards for future visits.
Amouri said that the cafe’s staff keeps stepping up its coronavirus-related efforts. At first, the employees were sanitizing the shop shift by shift and the hour by hour.
As more and more people started to telework, Amouri noticed that the shop was getting more crowded, which prompted him to switch to the outdoor counter last Saturday — an idea from one of his employees.
“The danger shifted from their workplace to our shop,” he said. “I’m really concerned about our staff.”
Amouri said that he has given his employees two weeks paid vacation so that they can stay home if they feel sick.
“I just want to keep my staff working. That’s really important to me,” he said. “Even if we don’t break even, which we probably won’t, if I can minimize the loss and keep them around, then that’s my goal.”
No matter what, he plans to keep the coffeehouse open, he said.
“We’re open,” he said in one of the videos, urging people to support their local businesses. “We’re going to get through this everybody.”
Helping everyone "Keep their distance"#SocialDistancing @TownofViennaVA @VisitFairfax @TysonsReporter @sungazettenews @washingtonian @WTOP @nbcwashington @ABC7News @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/z0Uh2sVNCM
— Caffe Amouri (@caffeamouri) March 17, 2020
Image via Caffe Amouri/Twitter
Updated 3:35 p.m. — The theater announced today (Tuesday) that it will close and postpone shows due to concerns about spreading the coronavirus.
Theater-goers now know what will be on the stage later this year and early 2021 at 1st Stage Theatre.
The theater announced its 2020-2021 season on Sunday (March 15).
The new season will kick off with “Mlima’s Tale” on Sept. 10.
Written by Lynn Nottage and directed by José Carrasquillo, the play follows the journey of ivory tusks poached from an elderly elephant in a protected reserve in Kenya. The play will run through Oct. 11.
From Dec. 3 to Jan. 3, 2021, “The Rainmaker” will tell the story of a spinster, whose father and brothers find a suitor — a con man — for her. Written by N. Richard Nash, the show will be directed by Deidra LaWan Starnes.
In February, people can see the sci-fi play “The Phlebotomist” — written by Ella Road and directed by Alex Levy, the theater’s artistic director.
Then in April, theatergoers can watch a musical and comedy about a gay burlesque performer. “The Nance” is written by Douglas Carter Beane and will be directed by Nick Olcott.
Alex Levy will also direct “The Last Match,” an Anna Ziegler play about a tension-filled tennis match. The show will run from May to June.
The season will end with the fifth annual Logan Festival, which will feature solo performers for two weeks.
More and more states are ordering eateries and entertainment venues to close or switch to delivery and take-out only to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
When the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local emergency earlier this morning, several supervisors mentioned how the county has limited authority to plan restrictions on eating establishments.
“We don’t have as much authority as people think we do,” Vice-Chair Penny Gross said. “We’re also at the mercy of the governor.”
A few days ago, D.C.’s mayor imposed new restrictions on restaurants and bars, prohibiting table seating and allowing them to offer delivery or take-out options. The restrictions also force nightclubs, theaters and health clubs to close for at least two weeks.
Municipalities have limited authority to take action because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, Arlington Magazine reported, adding that Gov. Ralph Northam could issue a statewide declaration similar to Maryland’s.
Northam said this morning that the state will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to prevent gatherings of 10 or more people, but that he does not plan to place restrictions on restaurants, WHSV reported.
“Northam is “asking them to abide by the ‘rule of 10’ and… encouraging them to focus on delivery and takeout options, instead of in-house dining,” according to WHSV.
Northam says he doesn't anticipate shutting restaurants down in the future, saying 45% of Virginians get meals from restaurants.
"I think we've got to be very careful, very prudent. We want to keep Virginia healthy. But we also know that they need to eat."
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) March 17, 2020
“At least 20 states have ordered that their restaurants and bars close to in-person diners amid the coronavirus pandemic,” The Hill reported earlier today.
The limited authority didn’t stop neighboring Arlington County to plead with restaurants and bars to “take responsible action and switch from dine-in service to only offering carryout and delivery.”
While the statement noted that Arlington County does not have the legal authority to force the changes, it said that COVID-19 cases could overwhelm Arlington if restaurants don’t limit community contact.
As of Monday, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 10 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Fairfax County — a number that officials say is expected to grow.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Here are the latest stories about the Tysons area that the Tysons Reporter team has been reading:
New Grab-and-Go Food Sites for Students — “We are expanding the grab and go food distribution sites to a total of 29 locations. The food distribution is set up outside the schools. Breakfast will be served from 8-10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Cafe Closes in Tysons — “Cafe Deluxe restaurants in Tysons, Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland, have closed, early victims of the COVID-19 outbreak. Both leases were set to expire in April, with no plans to renew.” [WTOP]
Coronavirus Prompts Metro to Shifts Hours — “Starting March 16, trains on all lines will operate every 12 minutes on weekdays. That’s comparable to train frequencies on Saturdays, which will stay at that frequency. Sunday schedules will also remain unchanged, with trains every 15 minutes.” [WAMU]
Falls Church Eateries Alter Service — “Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken and Taco Bamba, both in Pimmit Hills, and Liberty Barbecue in the City all announced Monday they will shift to delivery and takeout service only. Spacebar, Northside Social and Dominion Wine and Beer have gone takeout only and Starbucks, with three City locations, said Sunday it was instituting a to-go model for all of its stores nationwide.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Falls Church Shelter Shuts Down for Two Weeks — “The Falls Church Homeless Shelter announced its decision to close the hypothermia shelter on March 16 in response to the growing spread of the coronavirus.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Updated 3/17/2020 — Adds information from Federal Realty Investment Trust.
Tysons Cakes is no longer open along Leesburg Pike in the Tysons Station shopping center.
While Yelp says that the bakery is set to reopen on April 24, Emily Gagliardi with Federal Realty Investment Trust told Tysons Reporter that the bakery will not reopen.
Gagliardi said that the bakery’s closure at 7500 Leesburg Pike a few months ago was unrelated to the coronavirus.
“Orange Theory Fitness will be using this space for their pre-sales area, as they are under construction across the street, and we have a permanent deal pending on this space following that,” she said.
The bakery used to make colorful cakes and still has photos from last year of cakes with unicorns, “Sesame Street” characters and even a wedding cake with Pikachus on its Facebook page.
Image via Google Maps
Editor’s note: This list will be regularly updated with the newest information on closures.
In efforts to lower the risk of spreading the coronavirus, Fairfax County, the City of Falls Church and the Town of Vienna are canceling meetings and closing places.
All three local governments have updates on their websites with coronavirus information — Fairfax County rolled out its new coronavirus webpage today (March 16).
As of Sunday, March 15, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 10 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Fairfax County — a number that officials say is expected to grow.
All Fairfax County public schools are currently closed.
“If FCPS schools cannot reopen as scheduled on April 14, our plan is to begin distance learning either online, or by learning packets at that time,” according to a message from Superintendent Scott Brabrand. “Over the next two weeks, we will begin distance learning training for teachers and give teachers the opportunity to plan and prepare for distance instruction and reconnect with their students.”
Food distribution to students will continue throughout the closures.
Other closures and changes around the county include:
- indoor parks, community facilities and libraries: closed for two weeks starting Monday, March 16;
- senior and adult day health care centers: closed until further notice;
- most Fairfax County courts’ hearings and trials: canceled
- all Fairfax County Park Authority playgrounds, skate parks and restrooms: closed
- Town Hall and other offices/facilities will be open by appointment only through April 12
- Vienna General District Court: closed Monday, March 16
- The Freeman Store and Museum: closed through April 14
- the Bowman House: closed
- all Town of Vienna special events canceled from Monday, March 16, through April 12
https://twitter.com/TownofViennaVA/status/1241052641225998338?s=20
#coronavirus updates 2/2: Register for parks and rec activities online. Email or call staff for help.
Rather than coming to Town Hall during this crisis, the Town strongly encourages residents and others to conduct business with the Town online whenever possible.
— Town of Vienna, VA (@TownofViennaVA) March 17, 2020
“Town of Vienna board and commission meetings have been canceled until April 13,” according to the town’s website. “The April 14 On Deck with Mercury event also has been canceled and Mayor’s Volunteer Reception moved to June 9.”
The town added that picnic shelter reservations will not be accepted right now.
- community center: closed from Monday, March 16, through April 12
- Mary Riley Styles Public Library: closed from Monday, March 16, through April 12
“The Community Center (223 Little Falls Street) and library host a large number of visitors every day, and closing the buildings could help reduce opportunities for public gatherings,” the city said in a press release.
People can drop off books at the library’s temporary location near the Thomas Jefferson Elementary School at 601 S. Oak Street.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Falls Church is suspending the weekly Farmers Market for this Saturday, March 21,” the city announced. “The city is awaiting further guidance from the Commonwealth regarding mass gatherings and food sources.”
Other Closures
All Virginia DMV customer service centers are closed from March 18-April 2 and driver and vehicle credentials have been extended 60 days.
McLean Community Center, which is home to the Alden Theatre, galleries for the McLean Project for the Arts, the Susan B. DuVal Art Studio and meeting rooms, is closed through April 12. The Old Firehouse Center is also closed.
“All classes, activities and performances are canceled, as are all scheduled facility rentals, community organization uses and the MCC Governing Board meeting and public hearing, which were scheduled for Wednesday, March 25,” according to MCC’s website.
Wolf Trap is postponing all of its performances, classes and events between March 13-31.
“We are working with the artists to reschedule their performances for future dates and will share that information as it becomes available,” according to Wolf Trap’s website. “All current tickets will be honored for the rescheduled performances.”
Photo by Tim Mossholder/Unsplash
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn is encouraging residents to give back to their communities as growing concerns about the coronavirus prompt event cancellations and working remotely.
Alcorn, who represents Vienna and Reston on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, took to social media last week to let local organizations and nonprofits know that his office wants to connect them to volunteers and needed assistance.
“Whenever we have the opportunity to step up and help, we should,” Alcorn told Tysons Reporter. “There’s a lot of concern in the community.”
Alcorn said that local organizations are expecting higher demands for food and assistance, especially from people who work in the service industries who have limited or no sick leave and for seniors, who are at a higher risk of getting more severely ill from the virus.
“The anxiety level, particularly for seniors, is very high,” he said, noting that there is a “sizable” elderly community in the Hunter Mill District.
As of Sunday, March 15, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 10 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Fairfax County — a number that officials say is expected to grow.
“I think we can do a lot as we get through this public health challenge by reaching out to our more vulnerable communities and our neighbors and let them know that we care,” he said.
By Friday (March 13), Alcorn’s office had created a “How to Help Your Neighbors” list on the Hunter Mill District page on the Fairfax County website.
“Locally, specifically in Hunter Mill, we’re focusing on giving folks something to do,” he said.
Several organizations in the Vienna area are asking for financial help instead of volunteers, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
Second Story, which assists young people struggling with homelessness, poverty or domestic issues in the Vienna area, is asking for gift cards.
“Gift cards help meet our immediate needs and can also be used for online ordering, for example, if young mothers need diapers but don’t want to risk going in public with their babies,” Christine Bartell, Second Story’s resource management director, told Tysons Reporter.
Bartell noted that Visa gift cards are the best option, but Second Story will also accept grocery store and Amazon gift cards via mail to “Attn: Christine Bartell, PO Box 694, Dunn Loring, VA 22027.”
“Since we’re limiting contact between youth and volunteers, gift cards for food will be especially important,” Bartell said.
Meanwhile, the Committee for Helping Others is urging people to donate online, send a check to “CHO, P.O. Box 233, Vienna, VA 22183” or to select “CHO Inc.” as the charity to support while shopping on Amazon Smile.
Alcorn added that he is frequently discussing the coronavirus with Town of Vienna officials and communicating with them about the needs of organizations in the town.
Alcorn emphasized “one overall need that also we want to make sure gets out there” — blood donations.
“A lot of folks donate blood to Inova,” he said. “We don’t want to get into a situation where [there’s] a low blood supply.”
People interested in the local organizations’ opportunities focused on the coronavirus can also check out Alcorn’s email newsletter and social media accounts.
“You can contact any of the organizations or call [my] office,” he said. “We’re going to continue expanding the list of needs.”
Additionally, Alcorn is urging people to take “normal precautions,” like practicing good hygiene and frequent hand washing.
“My hope and expectation are that our community will rise to the occasion,” he said.
Vienna police are investigating a series of vehicle break-ins and thefts around the town last week.
Four incidents occurred on Wednesday (March 11), according to the police reports.
One person at the Wolftrap Hotel (430 Maple Avenue W.) reported to the police that someone smashed the rear window of her vehicle and stole her purse between 5 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Another woman reported that the front passenger window of her vehicle was smashed between 7 a.m.-2:40 p.m. in the 100 block of East Street SE. One the same block and in the same time period, a man said that someone smashed the front passenger window of his vehicle and stole a black backpack, police said.
Lastly, a woman told police that someone smashed the front passenger window of her vehicle and stole her purse in the 500 block of Beulah Road NE between 3:30-4:20 p.m.
As of Friday, it was too soon to tell if the cases are related or not, Juan Vazquez, a spokesperson for the Vienna Police Department, told Tysons Reporter.
Photo via Facebook
(Updated 3/19/2020) Fairfax County announced today (Sunday) more closures to prevent the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Starting Monday (March 16), indoor parks, community facilities and libraries will be closed for two weeks.
“The impacted facilities include recreation, nature, community, resource and teen centers, as well as golf courses, historic sites and (permitted use of) athletic fields and picnic shelters,” the county said.
Some of the closures will allow the facilities to be used as meal distribution centers, the county said.
Earlier today, the county said it has closed senior and adult day health care centers until further notice.
Image via Fairfax County
