coronavirus

Local Running Store Donates Shoes to Virginia Hospital Center

By Vernon Miles
1/3

Two local running stores and a Swiss shoe company have come together to donate shoes to local frontline workers and regional organizations.

Regional running retailer Pacers announced today (Wednesday) that it is partnering with competitor Potomac River Running Store and Switzerland-based ON Shoes to donate 5,000 shoes to those working during the pandemic, including dozens donated to the Virginia Hospital Center (VHC).

Pacers and Potomac River Running Store will be in charge of identifying and distributing the shoes to individuals or groups impacted by the pandemic. Each store will receive 2,500 shoes of various sizes and types.

Pacers delivered a batch to VHC earlier today.

“This morning, we delivered 150 pairs of shoes to health care workers at Virginia Hospital Center,” said Kathy Dalby, CEO of Pacers. “We will be delivering another 100+ pairs to Arlington Police and Sheriff’s offices tomorrow. We also delivered 100 pairs to our friends at Neighborhood Restaurant Group to distribute to their staff and several dozen pairs are headed to youth clubs we work with in Kenilworth Park.”

Potomac River Running is making similar donations.

“Once the stores assessed their inventory lots, Pacers and Potomac River Running collectively worked together to identify a list of organizations who would benefit from the footwear donation that have either been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or need to continue to stay active during this crisis and need resources to do so,” noted a press release. “Organizations and individuals range from fire and rescue, nurses, restaurant workers, local delivery personnel, grocery store workers, veterinary hospitals, and community centers.”

Dalby said Pacers, which has been adapting to the pandemic by shifting its focus to online ordering and virtual fittings conducted online via video chat, could use some public help in finding more people on the front lines in need of new shoes.

“We know there is great need beyond our networks,” Dalby said. “We are asking for help in identifying people or organizations who could use a pair of shoes to help get them moving or simply make their feet hurt a little less. Please follow and tag us on Instagram and tag groups or people who could help us spread the word or benefit from this program… or [contact] [email protected].”

Photos courtesy Pacers

New Ballston Quarter Promotions Aim to Support Restaurants and Food Banks

By Vernon Miles

Ballston Quarter (4238 Wilson Blvd) has launched a pair of initiatives to try to help restaurants hold on through the pandemic.

First, the mall is offering anyone who orders $50 worth of takeout or delivery from a Ballston Quarter restaurant and submits an itemized receipt a $20 prepaid Visa card as a reward.

Participating restaurants include Chick-Fil-A, Compass Coffee, Hot Lola’s, Mezeh, Sidekick Bakery, South Block, Ted’s Bulletin, True Food Kitchen, Turu’s By Timber Pizza. Ballston Quarter owner Brookfield Properties is conducting the same “Dine and Delight” offer at its Tysons Galleria property.

The receipts must include the restaurant address, the date of the purchase, and a list of items ordered. The Dine & Delight program is run through Sunday, May 31.

The second initiative is in support of Feeding America, a hunger-relief nonprofit, which has set up a special fund to support overburdened food banks during the pandemic.

“Share a photo of a meal from one of our restaurants on Instagram using #DineDelightDonate and we’ll donate $10 for every post between April 24-June 30 up to $100,000,” Ballston Quarter said on its website.

Arlington’s Mexican Restaurants Were Swarmed on Cinco de Mayo

By ARLnow.com

With cabin fever setting in after weeks of mostly staying at home, large crowds gathered yesterday, on Cinco de Mayo, to pick up to-go tacos, margaritas and other Mexican fare at restaurants across Arlington.

Among the popular spots: Uncle Julio’s in Ballston, District Taco in Rosslyn, Guapo’s in Shirlington, and TTT and Don Tito in Clarendon. For some, it was a welcome boost for some local businesses. For others, it was an unnecessary danger.

“What a nightmare,” one social media user said.

While some worried about an increased coronavirus risk, those who gathered did so outdoors and appeared to be mostly keeping the recommended six-foot distance from one another, while many wore masks. It was a bit of a different story in D.C., as more crowded conditions on sidewalks prompted police responses.

More photos of the Arlington crowds via social media:

Photo courtesy John B.

County Scales Up Public Health Workforce

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 11:15 a.m.) Arlington County has grown its public health workforce more than 10x since January amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“At the start of this emergency in January, we had approximately 15 members in Public Health leading response efforts,” Arlington Public Health Director Dr. Reuben Varghese tells ARLnow. “We have since expanded to more than 250, including many resources from other parts of the Department of Human Services, temporary reassignments from other County departments and community volunteers.”

The expanded workforce is working on a number of tasks, including contact tracing. “Testing and tracing” is key to allowing the economy to reopen while mitigating the spread of the virus.

In South Korea, a robust testing and tracing effort, coupled with technology and the widespread wearing of masks, has helped to slow new COVID-19 cases to a trickle. Some states, like California and New York are planning massive contact tracing efforts, with thousands of trained tracers interviewing people who test positive and identifying those with whom they’ve spent more than a few minutes recently.

Varghese says Arlington is doing just that, detailing the labor-intensive effort.

“We identify and interview cases to identify their close contacts and to advise the individual on how to properly isolate themselves and physically separate from others for the duration of the illness,” he said. “We also interview close contacts that the individual identified in the interview. These are people who came within six-feet of the individual for at least a few minutes, including the 48 hours before you developed symptoms. We then advise these individuals to separate from others for 14 days (from their exposure) to prevent them from infecting others if they develop symptoms.”

“We actively monitor the identified and interviewed cases mentioned above,” he continued. “This includes a daily check to see if symptoms have improved, worsened or stayed the same. We assess their resource needs to help them maintain their isolation and quarantine safely.”

One issue facing Arlington and Virginia as a whole is a lack of testing, Varghese acknowledged, when asked about the relatively high positivity rate for COVID-19 tests conducted here — around 27% in Arlington as of last week.

“The percentage you are seeing reflects the limited supplies for testing and priority being given to those who are sick and exhibiting symptoms, so this will yield a much higher positive result, he said. “These percentages fall into the range of other health districts in Northern Virginia… It is important to emphasize that the numbers reflect those that have been tested and [are] not representative of the general population.”

Varghese said the state and county are working to increase testing capacity.

“Arlington is part of Commonwealth of Virginia and Governor Northam has instituted a task force to further increase sample collection and sample testing capacity. Arlington has looked to increase testing locally as well,” he said. “As you know, Arlington was the first jurisdiction in Northern Virginia to work with a hospital (VHC) to set up a drive-through testing site. Other providers have stood up testing, and we continue to look to increase sample collection opportunities locally for testing.”

“We continue to work with our regional jurisdictional partners to see how we can further increase sample collection opportunities, as well as laboratory testing capacity,” he added.

This morning, the state health department said it is working to scale up to 10,000 tests per day across Virginia. Last week, about 100-200 tests per day were being reported in Arlington.

As of Tuesday, Arlington had 1,169 known coronavirus cases, a number that continues to increase by double digit figures daily, even through weeks of social distancing efforts. Despite the continued rise in cases, Varghese said such efforts have worked.

(more…)

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Hope for Arlington Summer Camps — ” As summer is approaching, we know many families are anxiously awaiting information on Summer Camp 2020. While we hope to operate summer camp this year, the ultimate decision will be based on our ability to operate safely within national and state guidelines.” [Dept. of Parks and Recreation]

County Board Primary Cancelled — “The Democratic Primary for County Board, originally scheduled for June 9, 2020 and subsequently delayed until June 23, 2020, will not be held… Accordingly, Libby T. Garvey is the Democratic nominee for County Board in the General Election to be held on November 3, 2020.” [Arlington County]

Call for More Coronavirus Transparency in Va. — “Several Virginia legislators are calling for the release of information regarding specific long-term care facilities, saying the public has a right to know how many residents and staff have tested positive or died at each location… ‘In a situation like this, transparency is very important,’ said Del. Patrick Hope, D-47th District, of Arlington.” [NBC 4]

GGW, Blue Virginia Endorse Takis — “This week, a select group of Arlington Democratic party members will choose a nominee for the county board seat held by Erik Gutshall, who tragically died of brain cancer in April… We recommend eligible party insiders select Takis Karantonis as their first choice and then Nicole Merlene or Chanda Choun as second and/or third choices in the ranked-choice ballot.” [Greater Greater Washington, Blue Virginia]

Parade for McKinley Teacher — “Arlington County students and their parents held a drive-by parade to honor their third-grade teacher at McKinley Elementary School. Almost a dozen cars drove by the home of Amanda Herr, honking their horns and holding signs” [Patch]

Dutch Foundry Working on New Carillon Bells — “It took more than a week for the big bronze bell to cool. Over that time, a glowing crucible full of molten alloy was transformed into a 7,595-pound behemoth nearly six feet in diameter that next year will sing out across Arlington. The big Netherlands Carillon is getting bigger.” [Washington Post]

Bayou Bakery Has Provided Thousands of Free Meals — “Since the beginning of March, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington has been feeding Arlington County kids and their families for free. Chef David Guas of Bayou Bakery enlisted Real Food for Kids to partner with him to serve free, plant-based meals 5 days a week.” [WJLA]

Joe’s Place on Lee Highway to Reopen This Afternoon

By Vernon Miles

After a run of bad luck, Joe’s Place Pizza and Pasta at 5555 Lee Highway is planning a comeback starting this afternoon (Tuesday).

As if a global pandemic that has battered the restaurant industry wasn’t enough, the topping was when the main oven at Joe’s Place suffered a serious breakdown in mid-April that required waiting on both parts and repairs.

With the oven finally operational, the restaurant says they’re ready to reopen for doorstep delivery and curbside takeout today.

The new hours for May are Tuesday-Saturday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. Pizzas range from small (roughly four slices) for $9 to 10 slice, Sicilian deep-dish style pizza for $16.

Joe’s Place is also asking customers to make a contribution that will go towards making pizzas and sandwiches for workers at Virginia Hospital Center. In March, Joe’s Place offered free cheese pizzas to families in need.

Photo via Joe’s Place Pizza and Pasta/Facebook

Marymount Planning for Students to Be Back in Class This Fall

By ARLnow.com

Arlington-based Marymount University says it is planning for face-to-face classes in the fall, despite the pandemic.

Marymount’s Tuesday morning announcement comes as some universities consider keeping students off campus or even holding classes in tents instead of indoor classrooms, in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. While the virus typically affects older people and those with preexisting conditions more severely, college-aged adults can get sick — and can spread the disease to others.

Marymount says it will be taking measures to frequently sanitize its facilities while reconfiguring spaces and classrooms with physical distancing in mind. It is also prepared to move to online classes, as it did for the latter part of the spring semester.

“The University is prepared to shift again, if needed, to either a temporary online class delivery or a hybrid approach that combines in-person courses with online learning,” Marymount said.

The full press release is below, after the jump.

(more…)

Va. Coronavirus Cases Now Above 20,000

By ARLnow.com

As Virginia moves towards reopening, the number of coronavirus cases in the state has risen above another milestone: there are now more than 20,000 known cases in the state.

The latest Virginia Dept. of Health data reports 20,256 cases, 2,773 hospitalizations, 713 deaths and 127,938 tests administered.

In Arlington, 30 additional COVID-19 cases and two additional deaths were recorded overnight. VDH now reports 1,169 cases, 196 hospitalizations and 49 deaths.

Amid the continues health and economic hardship, today has been declared #GivingTuesdayNow — “a global day of unity to take place on May 5, 2020, as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.” Volunteer Arlington has a list of local nonprofits that can use your help today and throughout the coronavirus crisis; the Arlington Community Foundation is also asking for donations to help replenish its COVID response fund.

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Social Distancing Decline in Arlington? — “On April 20 in Arlington County, Va., nearly half of cellphones that SafeGraph provided data for were staying at home. Over the next couple days in that suburb of Washington, D.C., the number declined to one-third — as low as it was during the middle of March. It has since increased but is still down from its peak.” [NPR]

Masks Now Required at Costco — “Costco has announced new guidelines for its stores and is requiring all customers — age 3 and older — to wear masks before entering stores beginning Monday, May 4.” [MSN]

MU Launches Program for New Economy — “Marymount has launched ‘Upskilling for the What’s Next Economy,’ a unique and comprehensive range of modular graduate certificates and degree qualifications that will provide students with technical, management, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and get them back to work.” [Marymount University]

Most of Foundation’s COVID Funds Exhausted — “Sixty-five Arlington nonprofits have received a total of nearly $800,000 in emergency response support from the Arlington Community Foundation COVID-19 Prompt Response Fund. On Giving Tuesday Now and throughout the week of May 4, the Community Foundation hopes Arlington residents and businesses will help replenish the fund to meet continuing urgent, crisis-related needs.” [Press Release]

Progress on I-66 Sound Walls — “Glad to see @VaDOT making progress on the installation of new noise barrier walls along I-66E in Arlington and Falls Church.” [@HopeforVirginia/Twitter]

School Board Candidates Worry About Accessibility — “Arlington Public Schools needs to do a better job of designing facilities that provide improved accessibility, candidates for School Board say, and should go well beyond consideration of physical disabilities in its design process.” [InsideNova]

Sims Scores Second Sitting Senator’s Support — “U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Cory Booker have announced their official endorsements for Arlington Virginia School Board candidate Terron Sims II.” [Press Release]

Campbell Elementary Teacher Featured on TV — “An Arlington County teacher is coming up with creative ways to keep her students engaged during distance learning. News4’s Leon Harris introduces Nicole Croce.” [NBC 4]

New Mexican Restaurant Opening Tuesday in Shirlington

By Vernon Miles

While coronavirus has disrupted the businesses of local restaurants across the country, a new one is popping up in Shirlington despite the tough times for the industry.

New fast-casual Mexican restaurant TACO + PINA is scheduled to open tomorrow (Tuesday) on Cinco de Mayo. The eatery is located at 4041 Campbell Avenue, formerly Lotus Grill and Noodles.

“TACO + PINA’s is a labor of love which has been in the works for almost a year and a half now” said owner Graham Bartlett, a protégée of famed chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. “While some may question opening during a pandemic I believe it is our destiny to launch on Cinco de Mayo, which this year also falls on Taco Tuesday.”

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support and constant positive encouragement from the Village of Shirlington community asking when we will open,” Bartlett continued. “We have an opportunity to offer truly great food with high-quality ingredients, and we get to do something positive for our new neighbors during this anxiety-driven time.”

The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., according to the website.

Bartlett said the restaurant will offer contactless pick-up and delivery. Takeout options include:

  • Tacos: fried chicken, pina+taco; “chile relleno,” ribeye asado, and baja bahia.
  • Enchiladas with rice and refried beans: garlic sambal chicken, roasted mushroom + cheese
  • Nachos: crab chilaquiles, shrimp + chorizo nachos, hot mess nacho fries
  • Party Size (6-8 people): chips + salsa, roasted poblano queso dip, and guacamole.

The press release noted that TACO + PINA will also offer a “backyard party” package for $55, which will serve 4-6 people. The package includes:

  • Chips, salsa and guacamole
  • Flautas
  • Two taco proteins (pork, mushroom, fried chicken)
  • 24 corn tortillas with rice and beans, salsa and cream

Tequilas, frozen margaritas, wines, Mexican imported beers, and local craft beers are also planned to be available for takeout starting Tuesday.

Photo via Taco and Piña/Facebook

Governor: Easing of Business Closures May Be in Sight

By ARLnow.com

(Updated at 5:20 p.m.) You might be able to get a haircut in Virginia by mid-month.

Gov. Ralph Northam held a press conference this afternoon in which he announced that “Phase 1” of the Commonwealth’s easing of restrictions is likely to start on Friday, May 15 — in about a week and a half. In the meantime, Northam extended the closure of non-essential businesses through May 14, and said his stay-at-home order will become a “safer at home” recommendation.

Coronavirus cases in the state continue to rise, but Northam said that the worst has been averted.

“Everyone in Virginia made sacrifices, but everything you have done has truly made a difference,” he said. Virginia has “flattened the curve, hospitals have not been overwhelmed… [and] now we can start to move into a new phase of our response.”

Phase 1 of the state’s reopening would see businesses open with additional cleaning, safety precautions and social distancing. Virginia will be publishing guidelines for industries like restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care and grooming, and entertainment, Northam said.

“You’ll be able to get your hair cut, but you’ll need an appointment and will see new safety measures,” said the governor. “Restaurants will spread people out, employees will wear face coverings and do more cleanings.”

The gradual reopening — there will be three phases, each expected to last around three weeks — does not mean that the coast is clear, Northam said.

“This virus is still here, it has not gone away and it will not go away until we have a vaccination, and that may be hopefully at the end of this year, or another year or two,” he said. “All of our efforts have slowed the spread, but it has not cured the disease.”

“Even when we ease some restrictions, we must continue to behave more cautiously than before. We must not relax our vigilance or think that the risk has passed,” Northam continued, encouraging continued social distancing and the use of face coverings while out and about.

“You’ll still be safer at home,” Northam added. “Large gatherings are a bad idea.”

The May 15 date is not set in stone, the governor said, and could get pushed back if the state data does not show a sustained improvement in data points like the test positivity rate and hospitalizations.

Northam said the continuation of his executive order “gives us an additional two weeks to watch the data and determine if we are meeting the metrics we need to see to enter Phase 1.”

More from the governor’s office:

Governor Ralph Northam outlined a three-phase plan to ease restrictions on businesses and gatherings, when health data supports doing so.

Governor Northam said he will extend key provisions of Executive Order 53, which places restrictions on businesses and gatherings of more than 10 people, at least through next Thursday, May 14, at midnight. The Northam administration will continue to monitor health data to ensure that trends of positive cases are going downward, that hospital capacity remains steady, that testing is increased, and that hospitals and medical facilities have necessary supplies of PPE. For more information on key metrics, please see here.

Phase I of easing restrictions would continue social distancing, teleworking, recommendations that people wear face coverings in public, and the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people. It would ease some limits on business and faith communities, and would transition the stay at home directive to a “safer at home” guideline, especially for those in vulnerable populations.

It is expected that Phase I would last two to four weeks, as would the two subsequent phases, depending on health metrics.

More specific guidance on each phase will be available in the coming days. Slides from the Governor’s briefing are available here.

View More Stories