Falls Church Distillers now makes hand sanitizer

Michael Paluzzi of Falls Church Distillers. The boxes are full of ingredients for hand sanitizer.

Instead of making vodka, gin, and other spirits, Falls Church Distillers is using its equipment to make hand sanitizer – another product much in demand during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Sales have been astounding,” says owner Michael Paluzzi. The first batch of 300 gallons sold out in five hours. He expects another 1,000 gallons of hand sanitizer will be ready this week.

Health Department reports second COVID-19 death

The Fairfax County Health Department is reporting a second death of a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was a male in his 60s who acquired the disease through travel. The cause of death was the result of complications of COVID-19.

“This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health.

Fairfax County cuts back on solid waste services

Fairfax County sanitation workers face health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.                               

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is cutting back on solid waste services to protect sanitation workers during the coronavirus crisis. The changes apply to customers of county solid waste collectors and private haulers.

Beginning March 30, yard waste collection, stream cleanups, and community cleanups are suspended.

Fairfax County school system to start distance learning for all students April 14

Caroline, a fifth-grader at Beech Tree Elementary School, found something productive to do while schools are closed. She is sewing face masks with help from her mother. She got the idea from Beech Tree mom Van Nguyen, who is making face masks for healthcare workers. [FCPS]

Fairfax County Public Schools plans to begin distance learning for students on April 14, Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced March 26.

Brabrand had earlier hoped to reopen schools in mid-April but Gov. Ralph Northam ordered all schools in the state to remain closed through the end of academic year to reduce social contact during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus pandemic causes more hardships for immigrant communities

Immigrants collect donated food at Fairmont Gardens in Annandale before the social distancing rules took effect. [LAJC]

While the coronavirus pandemic is hitting everyone pretty hard, it is causing especially challenging hardships for the local immigrant community.

Immigrants living in the Culmore area of Bailey’s Crossroads “are concerned about the future. They are not working. They are concerned about how they are going to pay rent, says Edgar Aranda-Yanoc of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations and the Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC).

Inova offers curbside COVID-19 testing

Drive-up coronavirus testing in Arlington hosted by the Virginia Hospital Center. [Tyrone Turner/WAMU]

Starting today, March 25, three Inova Urgent Care clinics – in North Arlington, Tysons, and Dulles South – will offer curbside coronavirus testing.

People with a testing order from a physician can drive up to one of those sites where a clinician will greet the patient at their vehicle to collect samples for COVID-19 testing or escort them into the respiratory clinic for evaluation.

Board to hold hearing on proposed admissions tax

Movie tickets at the Angelika Film Center, currently closed, would cost a little more if Fairfax County approves an admissions tax.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 9-1 March 24 to advertise a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to establish an admissions tax.

The ordinance would levy a 4 percent tax on performances, exhibitions, sports events, movies, concerts, fairs, and other events open to the public. Events conducted for charitable purposes would be excluded. The new tax is expected to generate more than $3 million a year.