High Rate of COVID-19 in Falls Church City

Falls Church City has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases over the past month, with 152 cases in the month of November. In the month of October, there were only 30 recorded cases. This has prompted the local government to take steps in combating the rise of infection. 

Falls Church City suggests children ages 5-11 receive vaccines as soon as possible now that it has become available to them. Parents can make appointments to get their child vaccinated at Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, their pediatrician, the Fairfax Health Department, or with the Falls Church City Public Schools.  

The local government recommends that eligible adults get the COVID-19 booster. Eligible individuals include those who are 65 years and older and ages 18+ who live in long-term care settings, have underlying medical conditions, or who are in high-risk settings. 

Fall Church City residents will also be able to get free COVID-19 at-home test kits from Fairfax County libraries starting Friday, Dec. 3. 

Finally, the Falls Church City government releases a weekly COVID-19 newsletter to anyone who would like to receive updated information. The link to subscribe or view the newsletters can be found here.

FCCPS Routine Testing 

Falls Church City Public Schools have begun routine testing among students, teachers and staff as an additional protection measure against COVID-19. Routine testing is completely voluntary and free. FCCPS also now offers diagnostic testing for any symptomatic students and staff in order to avoid any difficulty in finding a location, and for easy accessibility. The school will administer a diagnostic COVID-19 testing kit to families or persons in need free of charge. 

The first round of randomized student testing was on Dec. 2. Emails were sent to randomly selected students from all FCCPS schools whose parents signed them up for the COVID-19 routine testing. 

Find more information and/or sign up at the FCCPS Screening/testing page

Omicron

A new COVID variant, first reported in South Africa, was declared a “variant of concern” on November 26 by the World Health Organization (WHO). It was declared this due to its numerous mutations.  There have been no recorded deaths and the WHO is unsure on vaccine effectiveness against the variant.  Little information is known about the variant but the WHO has advised the continuation of precautions such as vaccinations and mask wearing.