Metro announced today (Thursday) plans to add Silver Line connection work to its summer construction, which includes platform reconstruction at several Orange Line stations.
Now, all Orange and Silver line stations west of Ballston will be closed starting Saturday, May 23. The nine stations are expected to be closed through the fall.
“This is about two things: working smarter and working safer,” Metro General Manager and CEO Paul Wiedefeld said, adding that the changes will “limit the exposure of our frontline staff and contractors, mitigate delays to our capital program, and minimize inconvenience to the public.”
Metro said that the decision was prompted by “historically low ridership and traffic-free highways” — likely due to Virginia’s stay-at-home order to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to rebuilding four Orange Line station platforms, crews will also work to connect the upcoming Silver Line Phase II stations, which run from Reston to Ashburn.
Riders who normally use the stations will be able to use free express and local shuttle buses.
Metro bus options will include:
- Orange Line Local between Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church and Ballston
- Orange Line Express directly between Vienna and Ballston
- Silver Line Local between Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Tysons Corner and Ballston
While the Fairfax Connector has currently reduced its service, the county bus system said it will offer several routes for riders traveling to the Dunn Loring, Vienna, Tysons Corner and Wiehle Reston-East stations.
Drivers can find free parking at the Vienna and Dunn Loring stations, but won’t be able to park at the East Falls Church station, Metro said.
Local Student Making Masks For Medical Professionals — “Marshall High junior Juliette has made 150 masks to help medical professionals in the fight against COVID-19… Juliette is working with the Million Mask group.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]
Little City Officials Mulling Micro Loans for Businesses —“[The] F.C. City Council will begin to move on a revised budget going forward at its meeting next Monday, and at its work session Monday night learned of aggressive efforts locally to help the most vulnerable citizens and smallest businesses for which even a $2,000 micro grant can make a huge difference for keeping their doors open.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Jammin Java Lobbing Feds for Coronavirus Relief — “More than 450 venues across the U.S. are banding together under the new group called the National Independent Venue Association to present one voice to lawmakers… Jammin Java in Vienna and the Birchmere in Alexandria are also members [of NIVA].” [Washington Business Journal]
Local Schools Make “2020 Best High Schools” List — “Seven Fairfax County schools were in the top 500 nationally [in the U.S. News and World Report’s list], including Langley, McLean, Marshall, Madison, W.T. Woodson, West Springfield, and Chantilly high schools.” [Inside NoVa]
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— Catherine Douglas Moran (@c_douglasmoran) April 21, 2020
One person in the City of Falls Church has died due to COVID-19, according to recently released state health data.
Two dozen coronavirus cases, including two hospitalizations due to the respiratory illness, have been reported in the city, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
The number of coronavirus cases is likely higher, Falls Church officials say.
“VDH’s data reflects what has been reported by healthcare providers and laboratories,” according to the city’s latest update. “This does not include people who were not tested, and since testing is still limited, there are likely many more cases in the city.”
Three senior homes in the Falls Church area — Chesterbrook Residences, The Kensington and Sunrise of Falls Church — have been battling coronavirus outbreaks, Falls Church News-Press reported.
The City of Falls Church is a part of the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and towns and cities in the county.
As of this morning (Tuesday), Fairfax County has 2,077 cases, 379 hospitalizations and 64 deaths. More than 9,300 people have been tested in the Fairfax Health District, according to the state data.
Out of the 148 outbreaks in Virginia, 26 have happened in the Fairfax Health District with 26 at long term care facilities and one each at a correction facility and healthcare setting.
Statewide, there are 9,630 cases of the virus and 324 reported deaths with 80 of the deaths occurring in long term care facilities.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
As we embark on week 6 of stay-at-home orders, you may be looking for something to change things up. Need some new puzzles? What about a science kit to do with your kids? Maybe it’s time to introduce them to Monopoly?
Or maybe you have no idea what they’d like but could use some input. As many small businesses pivot to new business ideas in this pandemic, the local toy stores are doing the same. You can shop over the phone, pay over the phone and they’ll deliver it to your car — contact free. In addition, you’ll also be helping a small business survive:
The store has “Virtual Concierge Shopping” appointments, where they can make recommendations and you can shop the full store. They’ll deliver within 6 miles of the store for orders over $40, or you can do curbside pickup. They do have a mini shop online where you can browse a specific selection of toys.
Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church
The store is offering curbside pickup and you can shop both online and over the phone with one of their sales consultants. I actually sent them a Facebook message asking for puzzle options and they sent back 3 photos of the current inventory. So I was able to pick which ones I wanted, pay over the phone, and then do curbside pickup.
Also offering curbside pickup and Bike Pedalers delivery service, they offer games and books, plus wine, snacks and cards. You can call the store and ask for book suggestions — both adult and kids. If they don’t have it in store, they’re able to order it for you.
Freeman Historic Gift Shop in Vienna
You probably wouldn’t immediately think of the Freeman Store, but they do carry a unique gift store filled with puzzles, toys and other unique Vienna specific items. There’s a great blanket with specific Vienna spots embroidered.
How Much PPP Funding Went to Virginia Businesses? — “D.C., Maryland and Virginia businesses collectively received about 5% of the total loan dollars greenlit by the Small Business Administration through its wildly sought-after Paycheck Protection Program, which ran out of funds in fewer than two weeks after it debuted… Virginia businesses received 40,371 loans totaling $8.72 billion.” [Washington Business Journal]
McLean Man Shares Dyslexia in New Book — “Michael Balzano’s life has been a classic American rags-to-riches tale – even though he’s had to battle dyslexia every step of the way. His recently published book, “Dyslexic: My Journey,” covers that often misdiagnosed reading disability and the problems it causes, but also has a broader mission.” [Inside NoVa]
Local Real Estate Agents Adapt — “Those who are actively looking tend to be serious buyers and who are employed and have an optimistic attitude that the virus will be under control soon. For others, wanting to sell or buy, there may be too much uncertainty now. Heather Embrey of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Premier said she had experienced potential sellers changing their minds to wait out the pandemic.” [Falls Church News-Press]
FCPS Meals for Kids — “The school system’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services as of April 14 had provided more than 357,000 meals, including breakfasts and lunches, at 61 areas locations, said schools spokesman Lucy Caldwell.” [Inside NoVa]
How Local Students Work Interning Virtually — “As Virginia schools remain closed due to the state’s COVID-19 social distancing mandates, BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) 12th graders are undertaking senior internships virtually, adapting to the video and audio tools that allow professional experience training to continue as part of BASIS Independent McLean’s final senior project.” [Patch]
McLean Teacher Turns to Virtual Art Classes — “McLean art teacher and mom of two Pamela Saunders wasn’t too familiar with online technology before the coronavirus outbreak. But when schools closed for the academic year, the teacher children call ‘Miss Pam’ had the motivation to quickly her adjust small business Young at Art.” [Patch]
Meridian Group Buys Two Tysons Buildings — “The Meridian Group has acquired a pair of Class B Tysons office buildings for a combined $58.25 million, tacking nearly 430,000 square feet to its D.C.-area portfolio. Bethesda’s Meridian, developer of The Boro mixed-use project in Tysons, bought 1951 Kidwell Drive for $24 million and 1953 Gallows Road for $34.25 million, according to public records.” [Washington Business Journal]
West Falls Church Station Closed This Weekend — “In addition to the station closure, Orange Line trains will share a single track between West Falls Church and Vienna, with trains every 36 minutes, rather than every 30 minutes… A free shuttle bus will be available between West Falls Church and Dunn Loring stations for any essential rider affected by the closure.” [Metro]
FCPS Speeding Up Work — “Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) officials are forging ahead briskly with an extensive list of construction, maintenance and repair projects during the COVID-19 pandemic… FCPS officials also have accelerated… expansion of the parking lot at Shrevewood Elementary School in the Falls Church area.” [Inside NoVa]
Obituary for Falls Church Resident — “Thomas (Tom) Duggan, 71, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away in his home surrounded by his family on April 8, 2020 after battling a very aggressive cancer.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Praise for Local Middle School Student — “Anna Wisniewski, a seventh-grade student at Cooper Middle School, has been named winner of the 2020 STEM Essay Contest, sponsored by the McLean area branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).” [Inside NoVa]
Outbreaks at Falls Church Senior Homes — “Three Falls Church area senior homes are now confirmed to be fighting outbreaks of the coronavirus, with Chesterbrook Residences telling the News-Press today that a total of 17 of its residents and staff have tested positive for Covid-19.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Drive-Thru Testing Site in Falls Church — “Right by Washington-Liberty High School on Quincy St. is a drive-thru coronavirus testing site. Testing at the site, run by Arlington County and Virginia Hospital Center, is by appointment only.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Vienna Officials Tackle Budget Scenarios — “Because various revenue sources likely will take hits before and during fiscal 2021, which begins July 1, town officials provided the Council with three budget scenarios that calculated revenue losses based upon different dates for when government operations and society at-large return to normal.” [Inside NoVa]
No Reopening Date Yet For Farmers Markets — “Many farmers markets were expected to open within the next few weeks but were indefinitely delayed because of safety concerns over COVID-19, according to Fairfax County’s website.” [Reston Now]
Support Local Journalism! — Our sister site Reston Now now has a Patreon account for $6 or $10/month memberships. If you are able to, please consider supporting to keep the lights on at a local news site. [Patreon]
We recommend people wear face coverings when they are in public settings, especially when it is hard to maintain social distancing, such as in a store. Cloth face coverings should be made of tightly woven fabric and should fully cover the mouth and nose. https://t.co/1XAzn7dOTa
— Jeff McKay (@JeffreyCMcKay) April 14, 2020
Delay Developments? — “Some county residents and organizations are questioning the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor’s decision to proceed with voting on land use cases and other development matters.” [Reston Now]
Falls Church Senior Homes Fighting Virus — “On Monday, the Virginia Department of Health reported 16 of the 53 long term care outbreaks have occurred in the Fairfax Health District alone and, now, the News-Press has learned at least two City of Falls Church senior homes are battling the coronavirus, with one reporting as many as eight positive cases.” [Falls Church News-Press]
From Liquor to Hand Sanitizer — “Falls Church Distillers’ second batch of hand sanitizer was delivered and picked up on Sunday. By the third week of April, the distillery will have produced over 3,000 gallons. The third and fourth batches are planned for the next two weeks and the distillery hopes to produce another 3,000 gallons in early May.” [Falls Church News-Press]
New COVID-19 Peak Projection — “Easing Virginia’s stay-at-home order on June 10 could result in a significant spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in mid-summer, according to projections released today by the University of Virginia’s Biocomplexity Institute.” [Inside NoVa]
Going to Fresh Market? Wear a Mask — “The Fresh Market, an upscale grocery store chain with two Northern Virginia locations, will require customers to wear face coverings due to the new coronavirus outbreak. The requirement is already in effect for workers, and customers will need to wear face coverings starting on Tuesday, April 14.” [Vienna Patch]
In times of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, many expectant mothers are facing unforeseen challenges — especially when dealing with the lives of newborn babies.
“I just feel the research out there is limited. I’m skeptical,” Nicole Sud, a Falls Church resident who gave birth to twins at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington on Wednesday (April 1), told Tysons Reporter.
Before her delivery date, Sud said she began to self-isolate — only leaving the house for doctor appointments — and had neighborhood friends help deliver groceries and essentials.
“The reaction varies — there are a lot of people who are much more nervous than I am,” Sud said while describing her plan for the next few weeks.
It doesn’t help that guidelines haven’t been solidified yet.
When it comes to breastfeeding and other concerns, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said breast milk usually provides protection against infection and has not been shown to transmit COVID-19 in “limited studies.”
Because of the lack of research, doctors are recommending that expectant mothers be sure to practice self-isolation and be sure to take care of themselves not only physically but mentally as well.
Amy Banulis, a certified doctor out of Falls Church, published an article in the Northern Virginia Magazine, suggesting that mothers boost their mood by calling close family and friends, watching funny movies, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods and meditating.
“While there is currently no evidence that you are more likely than anyone else to be infected with COVID-19, you may be at higher risk of developing a severe case,” Banulis wrote. A similar statement can be found online from the CDC.
For everyday care, OBGYN offices are taking extra preventative measures to help patients respect social distancing measures and ensure the health of their patients. Some are offering online resources and flexible appointment dates for women who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Before she delivered, she told Tysons Reporter that her primary care doctor didn’t recommend any additional steps for staying healthy beyond the CDC guidelines.
Lack of Support Systems
Though Sud wasn’t especially nervous about catching COVID-19 and passing it onto her child, she said that she was concerned about lack of support after the pregnancy.
While delivering her baby, the hospital mandated that she only be allowed one person outside of the medical team to accompany her in the delivery room. Though her plan was always to have her husband by her side, she said this was an unexpected measure.
“People in New York, for instance, cannot have a support person, including a spouse,” she said.
In the next few months, though, she said she was nervous for her lack of support at home. Family members who were supposed to fly to Virginia were forced to cancel their flights.
Luckily, the couple found help from an unlikely family friend already living with them. The family sponsored someone from Columbia on a cultural exchange program, who was unable to fly back home in late March because the country closed its international airports. They agreed to help the Sud family with their newborn daughters and stick around for a few more weeks, Sud said.
Inside the Delivery Room
When Sud was first checked into the hospital, she said the doctors gave her a surgical mask and a paper bag to put it in. Though she couldn’t stand to wear it in the room because of the heat, she said she made sure to put it on every-time she left the room.
Surgical gloves that would typically sit by the sink in the doctor’s office had been removed due to theft, Sud said.
While in the hospital, the couple said they were wary of local COVID-19 cases — especially patients that hadn’t been tested. Sud said hospital staff assured them that they had nothing to be worried about since there were no confirmed cases on the floor.
After Sud delivered the twins, Sud said she was disappointed that the hospital nursery was closed due to COVID-19 concerns. The couple chose Virginia Hospital Center partly so that the twins would be taken care of while Sud slept, she said.
Named Gisele Savita and Vivienne Parvati, the girls first weighed roughly five pounds each, Sud said, adding that they were healthy enough, with the exception of a few breathing issues, to be discharged the next day.
The three were allowed to go home early to avoid any extra chance of infection or exposure to the virus, Sud said.
To ensure that the couple’s 2-year-old daughter didn’t catch anything at the hospital and later pass along viruses to the newborns, her pediatrician suggested that the young girl live with Sud’s in-laws for two weeks before returning home.
“Your daughter would probably be fine, but if the twins get sick you would not have a two-year- old daughter that you would also have to take care of,” Sud said a doctor told her.
Upon discharge from the hospital, nurses simply included a COVD-19 packet among other materials typically given to mothers, Sud said.
Overall, Sud said she was thankful for the nurses and doctors who seemed extra attentive in light of everything going on.
Photo courtesy Nicole Sud
Flood Warning, Wind Advisory in Effect — The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for small streams in central Fairfax County that is in effect until 9:30 a.m. A Wind Advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. [National Weather Service]
McLean Assisted Living Resident, Employees Have COVID-19 — “An Arleigh Burke Pavilion Assisted Living resident at McLean’s Vinson Hall Retirement Community tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 illness, the community announced Saturday. Three employees also tested positive, and an additional employee is under investigation as a potential case.” [Patch]
Governor Signs New Election Laws — “New laws signed by Gov. Ralph Northam over the weekend will end Virginia’s voter ID law, make Election Day a state holiday and allow no-excuse absentee voting.” [Inside NoVa]
Merrifield Apartment Fire — On Saturday, Fairfax County firefighters extinguished a fire reportedly in the laundry room of an apartment in the 2700 block of Keystone Lane. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue/Twitter]
Local Daycare Face COVID-19 Challenges — “The state’s new rules for in-home daycare put both parents and providers in a bind, but some local in-home providers are striving to work within the guidelines and stay in business.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Rain moving through the area this morning, with pockets of moderate to heavy rain over the metros. The threat for strong winds and heavy rain will continue, with the potential for severe storms capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes into this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/LJcA0UEBcM
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 13, 2020
#Merrifield-based @ECStechHQ is helping the Navy deliver COVID-19 relief services from the USNS Mercy hospital ship on the West Coast. https://t.co/LXYtXjovAh
— Fairfax County EDA (@FairfaxEDA) April 12, 2020
