COVID

• The church is physically closed except for key staff members and maintenance through the remainder of 2020.
• Services and classes are live-streamed.
• Both the Labyrinth Plaza and the Meditation Garden remain open. Please observe social distancing and safety guidelines.

Reopening

Reopening Letter

Summary of the Reopening Letter from Rev. Russell Heiland and John Kell, First Chair, Unity of Fairfax Board of Trustees, dated August 2, 2020

• "The recommendation presented to the Board at its July meeting was to maintain only virtual worship and activities through the remainder of 2020."
• "The building and grounds remain open for staff and essential volunteers only following proper safety guidelines. Likewise, the Labyrinth and Meditation Garden are open and available for individual use following safety guidelines."

Guiding Principles for Reopening

• May 28, 2020

Updates

October 14, 2020

COVID-19 County of Fairfax

• Our data and case numbers are looking good, but this disease is a marathon, not a sprint.
• The virus is still with us and we can only continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones through social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and staying home when sick.

Percent Positives Tests

• Since the week of September 13, the COVID-19 positivity in Fairfax County has remained below 5%.
• Currently, the percent positivity is 3.56% for specimens collected during week 40.

Temporary Shelter During COVID-19

Fairfax County has activated Emergency Support Function 6: Mass Care Health and Human Services. As a result, the county will provide Quarantine, Protection, Isolation/ Decompression (QPID) emergency housing for those who have met the eligibility criteria and are unable to safely practice infection control.

Please call the Fairfax County Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 to inquire if you qualify.

Basic Needs

If you need support, call Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) 703-222-0880 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays)

Health

Please visit the Health Department’s NEW website: COVID-19 Tools for the Fairfax Community. You will find a new topic weekly, and also communication tools to help you.

FCPS Resources

To support families who are working with their children during distance learning, Fairfax County Public Schools is launching a new Parent Technology Help Desk.

The number is 1-833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS). It will be answered by staff 7 a.m.to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

August 5, 2020

COVIDWISE

Today, Governor Northam announced a new app, COVIDWISE, which will notify you if you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. This app does not track or store private information or your location. The more widespread the use of the app by Virginians, the more helpful it will be.

Fairfax County Park Authority

The Park Authority's 2020 Summer Entertainment Series is virtual - with free concerts you can enjoy from home.

• The series will have 25 performances. You can view the schedule here.

July 1, 2020

Rent and Mortgage Relief

This week, Governor Northam launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which will designate $50 million of the funds provided to Virginia in the CARES Act, passed by Congress and signed into law earlier this year, for households facing eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19.

RMRP will provide short-term financial assistance on behalf of households in the form of rent and mortgage payments.

For more information on the RMRP, please click https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/rmrp.

June 25, 2020

Fairfax County will Enter Phase 3 on Wednesday,  July 1st

Today, Governor Northam announced Virginia will enter Phase 3 of reopening on July 1.

Fairfax County is hopeful that we can move into Phase 3 along with the rest of the state: Phase Three Guidelines

Key changes:

•     Non-essential businesses, restaurants, and beverage services may fully reopen.
•     Entertainment venues may open at 50% capacity.
•     All open facilities must continue to maintain physical distancing practices and enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices.
•     Gatherings of up to 250 people will be allowed.
•     Teleworking is still strongly encouraged.
•     Face masks are still required.

June 12, 2020

Fairfax County has Entered Phase 2

• The Fairfax County Park Authority has opened more park facilities today, including basketball courts, playgrounds, and dog parks.
• Shenandoah National Park has reopened today. Highlights include the reopening of the Old Rag circuit trail and some campsites.

Details

The Fairfax County Park Authority  has begun to open additional amenities to the public. Openings over the next few weeks include athletic fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, dog parks, marinas, mini-golf, restrooms, picnic shelters and playgrounds.

• While this second stage eases some restrictions, the plan still emphasizes a Safer at Home strategy, telework, social distancing and mandatory face coverings inside public places.

More information on Phase 2 Reopening.

June 5, 2020

Resources in Fairfax County

Fairfax County will remain in Phase I of reopening - the latest on reopening in Fairfax County: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19/reopen

The Stay Home Virginia website - has information and protections for homeowners, renters, property owners, and others: https://www.stayhomevirginia.com

COVID-19 testing - CVS Health is offering COVID-19 testing at 7 Fairfax County locations for those who meet the CDC criteria and state guidelines. A physician’s referral is not required: https://cvshealth.com/covid-19/testing-locations

Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) - NCS Connects for youth and teens between grades 1-12 emulates the experience of visiting a community or teen center. The site features original programming and on-demand resources for youth and parents: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-connects

Adults can stay connected through the Virtual Center for Active Adults. The VCAA was created with the goal of enriching the lives of adults in Fairfax County while combating isolation. Adults can visit the site to connect with their peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/virtual-center-active-adults

May 30, 2020

Temporary Food Pantry at Fairfax County Animal Shelter

Fairfax County Animal Shelter is currently offering a food pantry for local residents facing financial hardship to help care for their pets. The Shelter has a supply of dog and cat food available for residents who need temporary assistance. Call (703) 830-1100 or email animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov to arrange a time for pick up.

May 20, 2020

Stay Safe

Free Grocery Shopping and Pharmacy Pick-up Service for Older Adults

In response to the increased needs of residents who are 60 years old and older and who require assistance, the Health Department’s Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Program launched a countywide grocery shopping and pharmacy pick-up service. More information here.

Mental Health

Here is what we can do: Download and open the COVID-19 Mental Wellness Community Support.PDF

May 6, 2020

Community Interfaith Coordination

For details about Community Interfaith Coordination
and to subscribe to the community interfaith e-Newsletter - Common Ground:

CLICK HERE

May 2, 2020

COVID-19 Case Data for Fairfax Health District

• Total Case Numbers, Deceased and Hospitalizations
• Cases by Locality
• Case Rates by Combined Zip Code
• Cases by Age Group
• Cases by Racial and Ethnic Groups
• Trajectory of Cases
• Epidemic Curve

Go to the website: CLICK HERE

April 22, 2020

From Congressman Don Beyer

COVID-19 Pandemic Resources & Updates For Northern Virginia

View this regularly updated web page for current information: Coronavirus News

Local Area Resources for Food and Other Needs

Download the PDF: MessageFromDonBeyer.PDF

April 22, 2020

Fairfax County COVID-19 Updates and Information

COVID-19 Web Page

Fairfax County successfully applied for funding allocated by the CARES Act: Board of Supervisors Website

To receive periodic newsletter updates from the county, sign up here.

Assistance from a Distance

From the Fairfax County Department of Family Services, how to access DFS Services remotely during the COVID-9 pandemic: Assistance from a Distance.

Food Resources

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency continues to evolve, we understand that individuals and families in our communities may have food assistance needs. For more information, click here.

Health Resources

Videos on social distaning, how to protect yourself and in-depth testing information. Plus a checklist with the latest on TESTING: click here.

Faith Communities

The County of Fairfax has issued updates and information specifically addressed to faith communities. Download the PDF Fairfax County Coronavirus Updates and Information.

Basic Needs

Click here: Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services

If you or your congregants are  have congregants are facing difficulties including:

• food
• shelter
• employment
• financial assistance
• healthcare
• and other needs

please call Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) 703-222-0880 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Residents can also visit the Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hsrg/ , an online, searchable guide to available health and human services resources in Fairfax County.

Stay in Touch

In an effort to ensure you are receiving accurate and timely information, Fairfax County has created a webpage that includes updated information and community resources at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19.

You can also view the Emergency Blog, The Emergency Blog can be translated into different languages.  

The Health Department has a dedicated phone line that residents can call if they have questions:

• 703-267-3511 (9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends)

Stay in touch using the County’s social media platforms and through text messaging

• Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates

Ramona S. Carroll, MSW
Community Interfaith Coordinator
County of Fairfax 

Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
12011 Government Center Parkway #408
Fairfax, VA 22035
Direct: 703-324-5185
Cell: 703-507-3390
ramona.carroll@fairfaxcounty.gov

March 17, 2020

Wednesday Prayer-Meditation Service Live-Streamed

The Wednesday Prayer-Meditation Service held at noontime will be live-streamed beginning March 18th. as well as the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Services. And don't forget the Donate Now button on the streaming page.

from Rev. Russell Heiland
March 12, 2020

An Important Note

Rev. Kevin S. Fleming, Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Evansville, Indiana posted this meme recently on his Facebook page. I couldn’t resist sharing it since it truly captures my thoughts about the experience of Covid-19.

Notice of Suspension of Activities

Out of a commitment to promote public health and an abundance of caution, I have made the decision to suspend in-person activities at Unity of Fairfax beginning Friday, March 13.

This possibility was discussed with our Board of Trustees last night, and after much dialog with staff, local clergy leaders, and congregants, I arrived at this course of action. I can’t say how long the suspension will last; it all depends on the guidance provided by public health officials.

Rescheduling Events

Programs and activities will be rescheduled as soon as it becomes feasible to do so. This includes:

• The Mystical Movie Night: Tyrus (originally scheduled for March 13)
• The Better Angels program (originally scheduled for March 14)
• The Celebration of Life Service for Unity member Jane McDowell (originally scheduled for March 21)

No decision has been made yet concerning the Carrie Newcomer concert scheduled for April 18. My affirmation is that we will be back in full swing well before that date.

Keeping Current

Unity of Fairfax will use the weekly email newsletters, video blogs, website, and exterior sign to update the community and provide inspiration.

Please stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations from the following:

• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is the topmost U.S. authority on disease control and prevention
  • Visit the CDC page on Coronavirus

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is the global authority on macroscopic health issues (including disease control and prevention)
  • Visit the WHO page on Coronavirus

A Silver Lining Behind “The Cloud”

There is good news! The 11 a.m. Sunday livestream will continue. You can join the congregation online.  (A few service leaders and volunteers will be on-site to inspire you!)

Click on the livestream link to watch. Also, our dedicated staff will continue to maintain office hours, as it is easy for them to maintain recommended social distancing.

In this time, I encourage you to maintain your financial support of Unity of Fairfax. You can donate now on our website or use the Txt2Give option (by texting “Give” to 703-935-4525) to support our ministry. As always, you can also mail your gifts to Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124.

An Affirmation for Health

Let us hold this affirmation together:

Centered in the awareness of the omnipresence of Spirit, we affirm healing and wholeness for all.

May those working on behalf of the common good be receptive to divine wisdom in the fulfillment of their call to service as this challenging experience is brought to a speedy resolution.

So it is, and so we let it be.

Yours In Unity,

—Rev. Russell Heiland

updated October 14, 2020