Anonymous
Post 05/15/2020 17:57     Subject: Re:is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:Two other jurisdictions, including the city of Richmond, are also delaying reopening.


It’s kind of ridiculous to close the city of Richmond and not also the counties of Henrico, Hanover and Chesterfield. They all blend together. People will just drive 5 miles one way and get a haircut, nails done, etc.
Anonymous
Post 05/15/2020 00:01     Subject: Re:is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Two other jurisdictions, including the city of Richmond, are also delaying reopening.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 23:33     Subject: Re:is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:I hope they start enacting more strict restrictions. We are failing. We need to have restrictions on who is outside when. More enforcement of staying in and possibly even shutting down takeout. I would be for fining parents who let their kids plays with neighbors. And I say this as someone with kids.


Agreed. And we are failing on many more levels besides. Block the trails where people walk. Close the streets where cars drive. Fill in the tunnels where trains pass. Ground the planes where viruses travel. Shut the internet where russian bots live. Bring down the satellites that transmit this stuff. Clog the sewers where feces contaminate. Hell burn the books where people get their crazy ideas. Right there with you, genius.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 23:21     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.


And this is exactly what would happen in Loudoun if they were not included as part of the NoVa region. Yes, the numbers are much lower in Loudoun than Arlington but proximity is still very close.

If Loudoun wants this in order to "return to normalcy", let your chairperson know that you're okay with the rest of the region coming there. This is why the rest of Va is open, because they made a stink about being closed since their numbers are lower than our region. But now lots of people are going down to their area.

It's a trade off.



Well, let's look back at what Governor Northam said on May 4 when a reporter asked if parts of VA would be allowed to open before others:

Ralph Northam: (20:54)
The question I believe from Alan Suderman was regarding the regional approach and whether some areas of Virginia could be open prior to others. A couple of comments I would make Alan. We have had a great group of business leaders across Virginia, some of whom are from rural areas and the overwhelming advice coming from them is to do this as a Commonwealth rather than by region. Well, I’ll give you one example and I’ve told you this before. If we open certain areas of the Commonwealth and close others, people from the closed areas may travel, probably will travel to the open areas and not only bring new cases from hotspots if you will in Virginia, but also potentially bring in cases from other states. And so we don’t want that to happen. The other thing that we would be doing, we would be picking winners and losers in Virginia and something that has been very important to me as the governor is to see Virginia as a Commonwealth.
Ralph Northam: (22:12)
Perhaps some people have made more sacrifices than others, but we have all sacrificed and when we made the decision to close down, to have the stay at home order, I did this as a Commonwealth. And when we reopen, when we go into phase one, I want to do that as a Commonwealth as well. Because one of the things that I have seen which I commend Virginia, this has brought Virginians together. What I worry about if we do one region open rather than another, it just is a tremendous potential for more division. And the last thing that we need in this state, the last thing we need in this country right now is division.


Yes and he stood by that message. The NoVa region localities sent him a letter stating NoVa wasn't ready to enter Phase 1 and he stated he would change the course to allow our region to decide. He still didn't like the idea of it, but when the rest of the state meets the criteria for opening and is mounting pressure in Richmond with their protests then obviously the situation has to remain fluid not fixed.



I disagree. The final decision lied with him. He stated as much. He did not have to allow NoVa districts to decide for themselves. NoVA did meet the criteria set forth by the governor. The difference was that very specific pockets of NoVA have high rates of positive tests which gave the region a 25% positive rate.

You bring up an issue I have with the letter. It was not sent on behalf of all leaders in NoVA. It was sent by a few board chairs and mayors. It was not sent from the county boards of supervisors and the mayor of Manassas wasn't even consulted. 3 supervisors in Loudoun are asking to move into Phase 1.

Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:54     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.


And this is exactly what would happen in Loudoun if they were not included as part of the NoVa region. Yes, the numbers are much lower in Loudoun than Arlington but proximity is still very close.

If Loudoun wants this in order to "return to normalcy", let your chairperson know that you're okay with the rest of the region coming there. This is why the rest of Va is open, because they made a stink about being closed since their numbers are lower than our region. But now lots of people are going down to their area.

It's a trade off.



Well, let's look back at what Governor Northam said on May 4 when a reporter asked if parts of VA would be allowed to open before others:

Ralph Northam: (20:54)
The question I believe from Alan Suderman was regarding the regional approach and whether some areas of Virginia could be open prior to others. A couple of comments I would make Alan. We have had a great group of business leaders across Virginia, some of whom are from rural areas and the overwhelming advice coming from them is to do this as a Commonwealth rather than by region. Well, I’ll give you one example and I’ve told you this before. If we open certain areas of the Commonwealth and close others, people from the closed areas may travel, probably will travel to the open areas and not only bring new cases from hotspots if you will in Virginia, but also potentially bring in cases from other states. And so we don’t want that to happen. The other thing that we would be doing, we would be picking winners and losers in Virginia and something that has been very important to me as the governor is to see Virginia as a Commonwealth.
Ralph Northam: (22:12)
Perhaps some people have made more sacrifices than others, but we have all sacrificed and when we made the decision to close down, to have the stay at home order, I did this as a Commonwealth. And when we reopen, when we go into phase one, I want to do that as a Commonwealth as well. Because one of the things that I have seen which I commend Virginia, this has brought Virginians together. What I worry about if we do one region open rather than another, it just is a tremendous potential for more division. And the last thing that we need in this state, the last thing we need in this country right now is division.


Yes and he stood by that message. The NoVa region localities sent him a letter stating NoVa wasn't ready to enter Phase 1 and he stated he would change the course to allow our region to decide. He still didn't like the idea of it, but when the rest of the state meets the criteria for opening and is mounting pressure in Richmond with their protests then obviously the situation has to remain fluid not fixed.

Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:37     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.


And this is exactly what would happen in Loudoun if they were not included as part of the NoVa region. Yes, the numbers are much lower in Loudoun than Arlington but proximity is still very close.

If Loudoun wants this in order to "return to normalcy", let your chairperson know that you're okay with the rest of the region coming there. This is why the rest of Va is open, because they made a stink about being closed since their numbers are lower than our region. But now lots of people are going down to their area.

It's a trade off.



Well, let's look back at what Governor Northam said on May 4 when a reporter asked if parts of VA would be allowed to open before others:

Ralph Northam: (20:54)
The question I believe from Alan Suderman was regarding the regional approach and whether some areas of Virginia could be open prior to others. A couple of comments I would make Alan. We have had a great group of business leaders across Virginia, some of whom are from rural areas and the overwhelming advice coming from them is to do this as a Commonwealth rather than by region. Well, I’ll give you one example and I’ve told you this before. If we open certain areas of the Commonwealth and close others, people from the closed areas may travel, probably will travel to the open areas and not only bring new cases from hotspots if you will in Virginia, but also potentially bring in cases from other states. And so we don’t want that to happen. The other thing that we would be doing, we would be picking winners and losers in Virginia and something that has been very important to me as the governor is to see Virginia as a Commonwealth.
Ralph Northam: (22:12)
Perhaps some people have made more sacrifices than others, but we have all sacrificed and when we made the decision to close down, to have the stay at home order, I did this as a Commonwealth. And when we reopen, when we go into phase one, I want to do that as a Commonwealth as well. Because one of the things that I have seen which I commend Virginia, this has brought Virginians together. What I worry about if we do one region open rather than another, it just is a tremendous potential for more division. And the last thing that we need in this state, the last thing we need in this country right now is division.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:32     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.


Make sure you have reservations. Many are requiring them.

We live in Fairfax Co. My DW works at a winery in Fauquier. They are requiring reservations so there shouldn't be a "flocking" of people, but they did discuss the possibility of having to turn people away. Most of their business comes from the counties to the east of them anyhow.

I think all of VA should enter Phase 1 at the same time.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:22     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


DP
Less of that will happen if Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Loudoun enter Phase 1 with the rest of the state.
Email the governor, your delegates and your board of supervisors. Dividing the state only chooses winners and losers.


And if NoVa opens into Phase 1 before our Montgomery County and DC neighbors, we will then have an influx coming here from there.

It's a domino effect.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:21     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.


And this is exactly what would happen in Loudoun if they were not included as part of the NoVa region. Yes, the numbers are much lower in Loudoun than Arlington but proximity is still very close.

If Loudoun wants this in order to "return to normalcy", let your chairperson know that you're okay with the rest of the region coming there. This is why the rest of Va is open, because they made a stink about being closed since their numbers are lower than our region. But now lots of people are going down to their area.

It's a trade off.



Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:14     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


We took the day off tomorrow and will be “flocking” to Stafford for wineries and dinner (all outdoor seating). Cannot WAIT.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:10     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?


DP
Less of that will happen if Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Loudoun enter Phase 1 with the rest of the state.
Email the governor, your delegates and your board of supervisors. Dividing the state only chooses winners and losers.
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:08     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So tons of people from the counties considered “NOVA” are just going to flock to Stafford, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, etc. this weekend.


My DW works at a winery in Fauquier. Outdoor service is starting this weekend by reservation but they are a little concerned that people will flock to them without reservations. Most of their business comes from Fairfax and PW Counties. It’s not that far. A fair number of employees are from Fairfax


I know people going to second homes on the Northern Neck and mountains. They are going to bring virus with them.


NO. They likely don't have the virus. Go look at the demographics. The people with the virus are either in nursing homes or poor. Very few affluent people.


+1

The fear mongering, “Everyone is going to die” comments are getting old.


Agree. It’s all the people who haven’t even been to a grocery store since this started. I’ve been shopping weekly (carefully with precautions) and it makes me much less frightened. People who are afraid to even set foot in a Giant obviously have a different perspective.


Yes. I agree. I have been going to the store for our family about every two weeks. I go around 8:30 p.m. which I have found is a great time to go. When I first went back in March it was odd. Was I going to get sick? Who is sick? I have to hurry. I wore a mask. The second time was better. Calmer. Still in a mask. Now I find it almost therapeutic to get out and about. I still don't make unnecessary trips to the store, but I don't worry about it either. I'll go get carry-out, check the post office box, etc. I won't wear my mask in the car though. What's up with that?
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:03     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So who ultimately makes these decisions at the county level? Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington? I haven't seen any full board votes.


Very good question. We live out in Loudoun, and this decision (to push out Phase I) makes ZERO sense. Loudoun has:

Population: ~400,000
Hospitalized for COVID: 129
Deaths by COVID: 38 (29 of those in are 80 or older)

This virus impacts the elderly; isolate/test/treat/protect/focus on that demographic with all the resources possible, but let the rest of the population start to return to normalcy.


Do you want everyone from Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax flocking to Loudoun to hang out at the wineries/breweries, shopping at the outlet, and over running your parks?
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 22:02     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
Anonymous wrote:A State of Emergency Has Been Declared for Virginia in Response to COVID-19
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov. 5/14/2020 REDLINED


Get the Facts

Cases of COVID-19 are surging in Virginia. We need everyone’s help to stop the spread.
On March 30, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a stay at home Executive Order Fifty-Three.
VDH urges all Virginians should stay home and practice social distancing. If you have to go out, stay 6 feet away from others.
Avoid public spaces, public activities, and group gatherings. Do not take public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, or ride-shares, if possible.
Put distance between yourself and others if you are sick. Call ahead before seeking medical care.


This is from March 30th. You're just realizing this now?
Anonymous
Post 05/14/2020 21:59     Subject: is NorthernVA doing a different thing for reopening?
A State of Emergency Has Been Declared for Virginia in Response to COVID-19
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov. 5/14/2020 REDLINED


Get the Facts

Cases of COVID-19 are surging in Virginia. We need everyone’s help to stop the spread.
On March 30, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a stay at home Executive Order Fifty-Three.
VDH urges all Virginians should stay home and practice social distancing. If you have to go out, stay 6 feet away from others.
Avoid public spaces, public activities, and group gatherings. Do not take public transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, or ride-shares, if possible.
Put distance between yourself and others if you are sick. Call ahead before seeking medical care.