NEWSLETTER
February 25, 2021
Neighbors,
As of earlier this week, more than 500,000 Americans have died because of COVID-19. This is an unfathomable loss for our country. Many of us, including my husband and I, have family, friends, and colleagues who have fallen ill or died. While progress on vaccine development and availability give us hope, we must remain vigilant to keep safe and contain the spread of this virus.
Below you will find updates on
Federal COVID-19 updates
Virginia COVID-19 updates
As always, let me know if you have questions or need assistance by calling my office at (804) 698-1042 or emailing me at DelKTran@house.virginia.gov.
Best, Kathy
Delegate, 42nd District
FEDERAL COVID-19 UPDATES
Paycheck Protection Program Application Open
President Biden announced that his administration is opening an exclusive two-week Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application period for small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. To learn more about eligibility and to submit an application, visit www.sba.gov.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Support
FEMA has announced that Virginia will receive $179 million to support our efforts to build up mass vaccination sites. This funding will help us prepare to get people vaccinated as quickly as possible when more vaccines are available.
VIRGINIA COVID-19 UPDATES
Virginia Vaccination Doses
Based on our population, Virginia is now receiving 161,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses per week from the federal government.
Fairfax County Vaccine Registration Site
Fairfax Health District continues to use a separate registration system for COVID-19 vaccines than the one being used by the Virginia Department of Health and other health districts. The Fairfax COVID-19 Vaccine Registry is at this link.
Retail Pharmacy Partnership Updates
As I mentioned previously, the federal government has a partnership to distribute COVID-19 vaccines through retail pharmacies. Virginia is now receiving 52,000 vaccine doses weekly through this partnership, an increase since previous weeks. (The allotment that the retail pharmacies receive is in addition to doses that Virginia receives through our Department of Health and what we get through CVS/Walgreens to provide vaccinations to long-term care facilities.)
While CVS was the first retail pharmacy to participate in the partnership in Virginia, other pharmacy chains are now participating. At this time, they will offer vaccinations at about 140 locations throughout Virginia.
I am in communication with representatives of these companies, Fairfax County, and the Virginia Department of Health to understand each retail pharmacy chain’s registration procedures. I am sharing below the latest information I have for how these partnerships apply to participating stores in Fairfax County.
Giant - Pharmacies at select Giant stores will offer vaccines to individuals who have signed up on the Fairfax COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. Giant will reach out to individuals on the Fairfax County waitlist. There are four participating Giants in the County, including one located in the 42nd District:
7501 Huntsman Boulevard, Springfield, VA
6364A Springfield Plaza, Springfield, VA
5740 Union Mill Road, Clifton, VA
5870 Kingstowne Boulevard, Alexandria, VA
CVS - CVS continues to use its own registration system, and it will prioritize individuals age 65 and older. As such, you are encouraged to continue to look for appointments at Fairfax County site(s) through the CVS website here.
Safeway- Safeway is using its own registration and scheduling system. People ages 65 and older can make an appointment at participating Safeway pharmacies; for more information see here.
UPDATES TO STATEWIDE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
Governor Northam has amended Executive Order 72 and Order of Public Health Emergency 9 to update COVID-19 restrictions intended to protect public health. These changes go into effect Monday, March 1. Below is a highlight of the changes; you can read a full text of the amended orders here and the updates guidelines for business sectors here.
The number of individuals who will be able to gather outdoors will increase to 25, but it will remain at 10 for indoor gatherings.
The stay at home order from midnight to 5am is lifted.
The maximum number of individuals in attendance at outdoor entertainment venues will increase to 30% capacity or up to 1,000 people, whichever is fewer. The maximum occupancy for indoor entertainment venues will remain at 30% capacity or up to 250 people, whichever is fewer.
The sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol at restaurants will be extended to midnight, though restaurants will not be able to offer dine-in services from midnight to 5am.
Starting May 1, overnight summer camps will be allowed to open if certain safety measures are implemented. Registration can start today.