Weekly Update May 24th 2022

Last  week was another busy week in the district! I want to thank everyone who attended my joint Town Hall with Delegate Sullivan, Senator Favola and Senator Boysko. It was great to see each of you and hear your concerns. 

Last Friday, Governor Youngkin ceremonially signed 23 bills highlighting the priorities of Virginia’s military and veteran community. After delivering remarks, Governor Youngkin also signed a proclamation to honor Armed Forces Day, which will be recognized on May 21, 2022. You can read the  Armed Forces Day Proclamation, here. 

I have heard from parents across the district and like them I am very concerned about the effects of the infant formula shortage on families not just in Virginia but across our country. 

The temporary shut down of an Abbott Nutrition plant in Michigan that provides a substantial amount of all formula in the US has left parents and caregivers struggling to find formula for their babies and children. The Biden administration has worked hard to get Abbott to quickly and safely reopen the plant and resume production of this vital formula. 

Additionally, the administration has invoked the Defense Production Act to ramp up delivery of safe formula from abroad -- and launched Operation Fly Formula, which will utilize contracted commercial planes to speed up the delivery of formula from overseas. More information on the Biden administration actions to address the shortage of infant formula can be found here. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any concerns by email: [email protected] or call my District Office number:(571) 766- 6414.

Sincerely,

Delegate Kathleen Murphy

District-34

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COVID-19 Booster Update 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing use of a single booster for children ages 5 through 11 years of age, at least five months after completing a primary series with the Pfizer vaccine. Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met May 19 and now recommends a booster for this age group to provide additional protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.

In addition to the new booster guidance for 5–11-year-olds, the CDC also strengthened its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first. To help people keep track of their vaccination status, the CDC has launched a new COVID-19 booster tool to learn if and when you (or your child) are eligible or recommended to get a booster.

Testing Continues to be a Critical Strategy

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in the Fairfax Health District, testing remains a critical action to help stop community transmission. This is especially important as we see increases in the community and a growing number of outbreaks in schools and childcare facilities. Testing is important as prevention because those who are positive should stay home and away from others (isolate), reducing the chance of spreading infection to others in one’s family, to co-workers, or to people in the community.

Testing is available at pharmacies and many other sites around Fairfax County. The Health Department also will continue to offer free testing at its mobile testing clinic, see: dates locations and important details. In addition, you can now order more at-home tests from the federal government at no charge.

When to Get Tested 

When you have symptoms, get tested immediately and follow isolation guidance while you are waiting for the test result. If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again one to two days after your first test if symptoms continue.

If you plan to attend an event or gathering, especially if it is indoors, you can reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 to the event and spreading it by getting tested as close to the event date as possible.

All air passengers ages 2 years or older, regardless of vaccination status, traveling internationally must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before returning to the United States. Anyone leaving the U.S. should check with their destination and follow the guidelines for that location. Guidance for testing before and after travel within the U.S. is also available from the CDC.

Anyone who is exposed to someone with known COVID-19 should get tested 5 days after your last contact with them. See additional guidance for what to do when you are exposed. Learn more at the CDC Testing webpage.

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NOVA 2022-23 Young Ambassador Volunteer Program

Attention NOVA area young people! Do you love books? Do you want to promote books and reading for children in our community? If so, the NOVA RIF Young Ambassador Program might be for you! Up to three young people will be selected for the academic year 2022-2023. Learn about our first "class" of Ambassadors, how you might volunteer to contribute, and the application details are here.

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Lane Closures for May 23-27, 2022

Crews will be performing excavation and fill operations, clearing and other construction-related activities on May 23-27 along eastbound and westbound Route 7 and on other neighborhood streets.  As a reminder, drivers will experience lane shifts on Route 7, traffic pattern changes on neighborhood streets, and detours along the corridor. Please see the related traffic alerts. Temporary road closures can be found here

Utility relocation work and other construction activities are ongoing in the Colvin Run and Difficult Run area. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit along Route 7 has been temporarily reduced to 45 miles per hour in active work zones between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive.

Please note that Washington Gas crews are also working along the corridor as part of the concurrent pipe replacement project.

Stay Informed on Route 7

Sign Up for Route 7 Traffic Alerts on Virginia 511 Get alerts about work zones, accidents and other incidents via web, phone, text message or email. Visit 511virginia.org to create and configure your account. Expected lane closures and other traffic pattern changes associated with the Route 7 Corridor Improvements Project are also posted each week at connectroute7.org.

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Reminder: 495NEXT Public Meetings

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), along with project partner, Transurban, and contractor, Lane Construction, will host two project update meetings on June 6 and 7 to provide residents and travelers an overview of project construction and design updates. The meetings will include a virtual and in-person option, and will include a presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Project representatives from VDOT and its partners will be present at the meetings to answer questions and address comments.

Meeting Details:

In-Person Meeting

Monday, June 6, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

(presentation at 7 p.m.)

Location: Langley High School Auditorium

6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean VA 22101

Virtual Meeting Details 

Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

(presentation at 6:30 p.m.)

Visit 495NEXT.org/public_meetings 

for details on how to join the meeting.

 

Save the Date: 2022 Virginia Women Veterans In-Person Summit

EMPOWERED! Sisters in Arms Inspiring Generations 

Date: June 15th

Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center

Register for the Women Veterans Summit

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