COVID Resources
Covid-19 Information
Virginia Statewide Pre-Registration Systems
Virginia has launched a statewide COVID-19 vaccine pre-registration system aimed at providing what the state calls a unified and comprehensive vaccination process.
Locally, Arlington County’s pre-registration links and webpage were replaced with a link to the new statewide system on Tuesday, Feb. 16. Those already pre-registered in Arlington County's system will be automatically imported into the statewide system, according to a county statement. "Your original pre-registration date will be included,” it said. Residents will also be able to search the state pre-registration system to find out if they are included, it said.
Fairfax County has decided to stick with its own pre-registration program for the time being, according to news reports. The county covid-19 vaccination registration site is at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine/registration.
Information and links for pre-registration in Virginia is at: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/preregister.html
Directly access the online preregistration form at: https://vax.preregister.virginia.gov/#/
NOTE: Changes in vaccine distribution and supply protocols caused cancellation of some vaccine appointments, particularly affecting residents 75 years and over. Those who had appointments scheduled after January 26 will be contacted by Arlington County to set up new appointments, according to county officials
New CDC Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control has released new gathering guidelines for people who are fully vaccinatied those who have been fully vaccinated.
If you’ve been fully vaccinated:
- You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
- You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
- However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.
New Covid-19 Measures in Virginia
1. While limits on indoor gatherings remain the same limiting to 10 people at indoor social gatherings, the limit on outdoor social gatherings and exercise groups will increase to 25 people and the limit on outdoor racetrack and amusement venues will increase to 1,000 people.
2. The amended order removes the stay-at-home order from midnight to 5 a.m. and extends the cutoff time for alcohol sales in restaurant dining rooms from 10 p.m. to midnight.
3. Summer camps will be able to open as of May 1, using strict mitigation protocols such as small groups of campers.
Continuing guidelines
- Expansion of mask mandate: All Virginians aged five and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces.
- Strengthened enforcement within essential retail businesses: All essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning. Violations will be Class One misdemeanors.
Note: These measures modify the Forward Virginia: Phase Three guidelines.
More information on Virginia's Covid 19 response is available at: https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
ARLINGTON/FAIRFAX COUNTY COVID-19 Resources
Arlington County’s COVID-19 Hotline: 703-228-7999
County Testing Sites Operating Status: OPEN
Access VDH’s online symptom checker: CovidCheck.
Virginia Department of Health map/list of testing locations
Arlington County’s COVID-19 Hotline: 703-228-7999
Testing information is available in the following languages:
If you know of other COVID-19 resources, please send to Bill Pritchard at: pritchardpix@aol.com
Testing Sites in the Region
www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
ARLINGTON COUNTY COVID-19 STATS
COVID-19 Variants
B.1.1.7 – Emerging in the United Kingdom. One study suggest it is deadlier than other variants. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says more study needed to confirm that finding. 641 cases discovered so far in 33 U.S. states, including two in Virginia.
B.1.351– Emerging in South Africa. Shares some mutations with B.1.1.7.
P.1 – Emerging in Brazil. 17 unique mutations. Variant was detected in the US at the end of January 2021.
Scientists studying these variants to better understand how easily they might be transmitted and the effectiveness of currently authorized vaccines against them.
Source: CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant-cases.html
ARLINGTON TESTING
More information at
Walk-Up COVID-19 Sample Collection Site
Arlington Free Clnic, in partnership with Arlington County and the Virginia Department of Health, offers a walk-up sample collection site at the Arlington Mill Community Center (909 S Dinwiddie St.) for low-income, uninsured and under-insured residents ages 13 years and older.
Requirements for visiting the COVID-19 Sample Collection Site:
HOURS
- Monday – Friday: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Second and fourth Monday of each month: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- First Saturday of the month: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- There is no fee for the testing.
- Must be an Arlington resident.
- No appointments required, but you may make one by calling Arlington Free Clinic at 703-912-0118, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Staff can take calls in English and Spanish.
- No medical consultation and no insurance required.
- Residents may access the site at Arlington Mill Community Center by entering through the outdoor plaza facing Columbia Pike.
- Individuals must bring proof of identity (U.S. government ID not required).
Drive-Through COVID-19 Collection Site
Arlington County operates a drive-through sample collection site in partnership with Quest Diagnostics. Additionally, the site also offers testing for influenza (flu) as of Nov. 17, 2020.
Location: 1429 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fax Number: 703-312-6306
1429 N. Quincy Street, Arlington, VA 22207
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Requirements: Patients must be 13 years and older. Patients must have a current doctor's referral. No appointment is needed, but one can be made online. Individuals arriving at the drive-through site will be asked to remain in their cars. Patients must keep their car windows up at all times, until directed to do otherwise. The collection method will be third-party observed patient self-collection.
- Insurance required
- Doctor referral required and symptoms required
- No same-day results
- More information at: https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/covid-19-testing/
OtherLinks and Resources
Arlington County COVID-19 information and resources are available at: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/
Arlington COVID-19 Hotline: 703-228-7999
HOURS: Mon–Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (Closed Sunday)
COVID-19 Testing in Northern Virginia
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
Food, Financial, and Medical Assistance
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/food-financial-and-medical-assistance/
Arlington Public Schools Free Breakfast/Lunch
https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/meal-services/
Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Update
https://www.apsva.us/school-year-2020-21/
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Arlington Thrive (Same-day, emergency financial assistance for Arlington residents)
Housing Resources
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/housing-resources/
FAQs for Renters
https://housing.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-faqs-for-tenants-and-landlords/
Mental Wellness Guide
https://health.arlingtonva.us/covid-19-coronavirus-updates/covid-19-mental-wellness/
Posters and Materials in Other Languages
FAIRFAX COUNTY
The county is in Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening.
Fairfax County Public Health Department COVID-19 Page:https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus
Hours: Open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.
Email questions or concerns to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov. This email account will be staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Fairfax Human Services Resource Guide: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hsrg/
Provides information for food, housing, financial assistance, medical, domestic violence, housing, clothing, and other resources
COVID 19 Specific Fairfax Human Services Resource Guide:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/HSRG/Pages/SeasonalAnnouncementsData.aspx
Fairfax Public Schools - Continuing Free School Lunch Program
https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update-food-resources
Offering grab and go meals at schools, and at other locations.
Fairfax Coordinated access to Food, Financial, and Medical Assistance
Coordinated Services Planning - call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
ALEXANDRIA
KIOSK TESTING SITES
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) launched 3 free kiosk-based testing sites on January 7, in partnership with the private testing company Curative. Walk-up testing is available, although appointments are encouraged and may be made at Curative.com. Kiosk service is available in English and Spanish.
Kiosk sites and hours of operation:t
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Avenue
- Monday through Friday, 3 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive
- Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street
- Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More information on Alexandria's Covid-19 measures is at: https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus
VOLUNTEERING
Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps.
https://health.arlingtonva.us/medical-reserve-corps/
American Red Cross
https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=rco_opportunity_browse_list
Episcopal Diocese of Virginia Covid Resources
http://www.thediocese.net/news-and-events/covid-19-resources/outreach-and-partner-ministries/
Site includes the following:
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Best Practices for Food Pantries
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Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations
- Reducing Social Stigma during a Public Health Crisis
- Employment and Financial Crises
- Homelessness and COVID-19
- Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Coronavirus and Addiction