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With positive cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) now confirmed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., it is advisable to prepare for how a widespread outbreak might impact a company’s business operations and workforce.

“Preparation is critical for any possible public health crisis or other situation that could adversely impact a company’s business operations or their employees,” said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). “The FCEDA is committed to keeping business owners and employees updated with the resources and information they may need to be well prepared for the Coronavirus potential impact on our region.”

Please be aware that the risk to the general American public remains low, at this time, with the following people at an increased risk of infection:

• People who have (or had) close contact with people diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Health care workers who cared for with patients diagnosed with COVID-19
• Travelers returning from countries where COVID-19 is widespread
• People who live in places where there is community spread are at a slightly increased risk of exposure. However, in other communities, including Fairfax County, the risk to the general public remains low.

It is important to seek information from trusted sources such as the Fairfax County Health Department, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Fairfax County Health Department is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health and the local healthcare community to limit the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). School districts in the area are closely monitoring the situation, as well as any impact it may have locally. For Fairfax County Public Schools-specific information, please visit: FCPS Coronavirus Update.

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 4-part, free webinar series focused on business continuity planning to provide Chamber members and the business community with the most up-to-date best practices and insights on managing your business through unexpected events:

• Employer Exposures and Protecting Your Business, March 13, 2020 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET Register here
• Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for an Emergency Remote Workforce, March 17, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET Register here
• How HR and Business Leaders Can Prepare for the Coronavirus, March 19, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET Register here
• Growing Through Challenges When Remote, March 26, 2020, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET Register here

The FCEDA will continue to monitor the situation and share resources and information as it becomes available.

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains business investment offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore/Mumbai, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

Other members of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance, which jointly markets Northern Virginia outside the region, are the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Arlington County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development.

March 10, 2020