Viewpoints: Navigating COVID-19
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Viewpoints: Navigating COVID-19

From an elderly man to a state senator.

Responding to COVID-19. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, quoted via /twitter.com/GovernorVA: ”As we continue responding to the #COVID19 outbreak, my highest priority is protecting the health and safety of all Virginians. This is an unprecedented situation, and it requires unprecedented action. Here's what that means for Virginians. Today, I am ordering certain non-essential businesses to close for 30 days, banning gatherings of more than 10 people, and requiring restaurants to do carryout or delivery only. This starts Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. I am also ordering all schools in Virginia to remain closed at least through the end of this academic year. I know these changes will raise many questions and create new challenges—but I am also confident in our ability to be resilient and navigate these waters together.” Visit https://bit.ly/3br1Yml to learn more about the executive order Governor Northam signed.

Responding to COVID-19. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, quoted via /twitter.com/GovernorVA: ”As we continue responding to the #COVID19 outbreak, my highest priority is protecting the health and safety of all Virginians. This is an unprecedented situation, and it requires unprecedented action. Here's what that means for Virginians. Today, I am ordering certain non-essential businesses to close for 30 days, banning gatherings of more than 10 people, and requiring restaurants to do carryout or delivery only. This starts Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. I am also ordering all schools in Virginia to remain closed at least through the end of this academic year. I know these changes will raise many questions and create new challenges—but I am also confident in our ability to be resilient and navigate these waters together.” Visit https://bit.ly/3br1Yml to learn more about the executive order Governor Northam signed. Screenshot via Ralph Northam @GovernorVA

By Mercia Hobson

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

The Connection heard the words of individuals from all walks of a life: an elderly gentleman, small business owners, employees, parents with young children, roommates teleworking, a Virginia State Senator and the Governor of Virginia on how they are navigating the new reality as the region, state and beyond battle COVID-19.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Food for needy students is a priority for Fairfax County Public Schools. Miranda Pulliam, Food Service Manager: ”I work doing this all summer and never get as many children this early at a distribution site.” Pictured with Pulliam, at the Hunters Woods Elementary School for the Arts and Sciences in Reston, a new pop-up distribution site for students in need of food, is Arun Kumar.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Small business adjusts its business plan. Jim Scanlon, Manager of Pots & Plants LLC, Georgetown Pike, Great Falls: “ If we can help you, we will...People are looking to get out of the house... We'll deliver everything for free – trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials.”

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Small business adjusts its business plan. Jillian Zurich, Veterinary Assistant, VCA Herndon-Reston Animal Hospital: “We need to take full precautions to keep clients and staff safe.” Zurich is pictured with Beau owned by John Chapman. The Animal Hospital instituted new pet admittance and checkout policies. Pet owners remain in their vehicles and are checked-in outside the hospital. A staff member picks up the pet from owners parked in the parking lot and returns them after the appointment. ”We will do our best to coordinate your visit from outside the hospital, including providing follow up instructions and taking payments.” – Posted on VCA Herndon-Reston website

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Over 65. John Chapman at the VCA Herndon-Reston Animal Hospital: ”I'm in my 80s and in the target zone (for COVID-19).” Chapman waits in the parking lot for the veterinarian assistant to return with his dog, Beau.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Small business adjusts its business plan. Laura Perkins of Reston (Front): ”We love New Trail Cycling Studio and have been coming here since they opened. We had to take them up on their offer and support a small business.” Shelter-in-place? David Perkins of Reston: “Seems like the right thing to do.”

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Life with COVID-19 seen through the lens of parents. Jenna Tanis of Herndon: ”It's interesting with three active little boys. Outdoor time is crucial to our sanity, and a little screen time isn't hurting anyone. We are using online resources: Devon, 7, Adventure Academy; Morgan, 2, he gets crayons and Jaden, 4, ABCmouse.com.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Teleworking. Fritz Tanis of Herndon: ”I secluded myself in the bedroom. I have two TV trays and two laptops.” Pictured with son, Devin, 7.

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Photo by Mercia Hobson

Small business adjusts its business plan. Liz Kamp, owner of New Trail Cycling: “While we're closed down, I'm allowing riders to rent bikes for $39 per week with a 4-week minimum. We'll be posting free virtual classes on our website. We have many riders who have their own bikes at home whether it's stationary or an outdoor bike on a trainer, our riders can follow along... We're posting free workouts, daily challenges, health tips and general encouragement.” Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/2392121917745431/

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Navigating the COVID-19 crisis: State Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-33): ”Everything that we are seeing around the county and in other parts of the world indicates that each and every one of us should behave as though we are putting another person at risk...We want to make sure those in medical crises have access to a hospital bed... I am so grateful to our medical professionals, first responders, our grocery store and pharmacy employees and other essential employees who absolutely must keep working. Let's protect those people by mitigating the risk we as individuals pose to them. Here's a video at https://twitter.com/JenniferBoysko/status/1241781373247029250?s=20 that explains clearly why it is so important to slow the spread of the virus.

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Del. Ibraheem S. Samirah (D-86), a Doctor of Medical Dentistry, playing Battleship with a friend taking picture: “I would agree to sheltering-in-place as an order for everyone living in a densely populated area two weeks ago when we found out COVID-19 was causing a pandemic, and I think we should do that more so today. We are late on slowing the virus. If we all did that for two weeks, we would know who has been getting sick because of the virus, treat them and with that mostly eliminate the virus from our homes and places of work… I work mostly with Medicaid patients that are mostly seniors. Because they can be hit by the virus the most, I have canceled all my times to meet with them until the virus is gone. I am a call away if they ever have a question about anything medical, as well as if any Virginian has any also. If any person has any Coronavirus questions, they can call my district phone at 571-324-2448.

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