Congressman Don Beyer is serving his fourth term as the U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District, representing Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County. He serves as the Chairman of Congress' Joint Economic Committee, and also serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and on the House Committee on Science Space and Technology, where he chairs the Space Subcommittee. He is a Co-Chair of the New Democrat Coalition's Climate Change Task Force.
He was the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 1990 to 1998, and was Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein under President Obama. Rep. Beyer’s signature work as lieutenant governor included advocacy for Virginians with disabilities and ensuring protections for Virginia’s most vulnerable populations as the Commonwealth reformed its welfare system in the mid-1990s. Rep. Beyer was Virginia’s Democratic nominee for governor in 1997.
We live in trying times. In a few short months the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, ravaging communities throughout the United States. The historic public health crisis caused economic devastation worse than anything this country has seen in my lifetime. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Capital Region have been hit hard, as the confirmed case numbers and unemployment rate grow.
But though the news is grim, our resolve to do what it takes to overcome adversity remains strong. My parents’ generation survived the Great Depression and won World War II, and I firmly believe that with hard work, organization, and cooperation, we will get through this.
Do your part and help prevent the spread of coronavirus by sharing accurate information from the CDC, including prevention tips, and guidance on what to do if you are sick. I encourage you to call your doctor if you or someone you know begins to feel symptoms such as fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath (the uninsured can call Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568).
The COVID-19 pandemic hit our region hard, and regional leaders are working to respond. As the situation develops, regional governments will communicate changes and updates via websites for the Governor of Virginia, the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, and Fairfax County.
Public health guidelines include washing hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, avoiding those who are sick, self-isolating if you show symptoms or come into contact with someone who is sick, disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, and above all, STAYING HOME and making only essential trips outside the house.
On March 30, Governor Northam issued a stay-at-home order for the Commonwealth of Virginia to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which will remain in place until June 10. The State Department previously issued a global pandemic advisory against international travel, and WMATA has severely restricted public transit operations across the region.
WMATA customers are asked to wear face-coverings or homemade masks, and the CDC now recommends wearing masks in public spaces, and has issued guidance on making them.