COVID-19 | FFXnow

Pandemic-inspired ‘Circles of Memory’ memorial unveiled in Fairfax

Published September 24, 2026 at 3:45PM

The new “Circles of Memory” memorial near the Herrity Building. (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Fairfax County marked the installation of its newest public artwork, conceived several years ago as a way to honor local residents lost to COVID-19, with a ceremony attended by a small crowd of people yesterday (Sept. 23).

“Circles of Memory,” located near the county’s Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax, was envisioned as a way to memorialize local people lost in the pandemic; in 2024, according to county zoning records, its purpose was expanded to also provide an area of “respite, reflection and remembrance in support of the mental health well-being” of the public and first responders.

Countywide

Fairfax County unveils first concept for pandemic-inspired memorial

By James Jarvis

Published December 19, 2024 at 3:45PM

Initial concept rendering of proposed 'Circles of Memory' memorial outside the Herrity Building (via Fairfax County)

Fairfax County has shared the initial design for a “Circles of Memory” memorial to recognize the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last week, the Fairfax County Arts Committee’s project team submitted a zoning interpretation application to allow the memorial’s construction in front of the Herrity Building and Public Safety Headquarters at 12055 Government Center Parkway.

News

Dulles International Airport sets new record for international travel

By Fatimah Waseem

Published February 22, 2024 at 10:15AM

Dulles International Airport at night (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Washington Dulles International Airport and Reagan National hit a new travel record last year.

The Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority hosted 50.6 million total passengers last year, setting a new passenger record at Reagan and an international passenger record at Dulles.

Countywide

Poll: Have you gotten sick this winter?

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 12, 2024 at 11:00AM | Updated January 12, 2024 at 12:05PM

A tissue box with a mug (via Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash)

(Updated at 12:05 p.m.) Colds are in the air this winter, as a new COVID-19 variant has joined forces with the flu and RSV to produce a particularly challenging respiratory illness season.

Covid-related hospitalization levels remain low in Fairfax County, where 145 patients were admitted in the week that ended on Dec. 30 — a 46% increase from the previous week. But hospital visits and deaths are on the rise in Virginia and nationally, with the U.S. death toll exceeding 1.1 million people since the first case in 2020.

Countywide

Fairfax County to get updated COVID-19 vaccines amid surge in illness

By Angela Woolsey

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:30PM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 4:45PM

COVID-19 cases reported in the Fairfax Health District over the past year, as of Sept. 14, 2023 (via VDH)

(Updated at 4:45 p.m.) A new batch of COVID-19 vaccines is on the way, as the disease appears to be surging once again.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Tuesday (Sept. 14) that it recommends everyone 6 months and older get the shots, which have been updated to provide improved protection against the variants fueling the current rise in illness and hospitalizations.

Countywide

Fairfax County selects artists to design and build COVID-19 memorial

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 23, 2023 at 3:00PM

Artists Salvatore Pirrone and Miriam Gusevich have been selected to design Fairfax County's COVID-19 memorial (courtesy ArtsFairfax)

Fairfax County is envisioning its forthcoming COVID-19 memorial as a space for reflection — something that’s been difficult to come by since the pandemic upended life temporarily for some and more permanently for others.

The concept comes from artists Miriam Gusevich and Salvatore Pirrone, who have been chosen to design and build the memorial, ArtsFairfax announced Monday (Aug. 21).

Countywide

Covid hospitalizations tick up slightly as county health officials monitor new variant

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 21, 2023 at 11:30AM

Fairfax County COVID-19 severity measures as of Aug. 18, 2023 (via FCHD)

Fairfax County health officials are monitoring a new COVID-19 variant that has gained traction in the U.S., becoming the most prevalent strain of the disease.

Since the pandemic ceased to be an official national health emergency in May, Covid has faded to the background for many, even as others struggle with long-term health issues after getting infected.

Around Town

Virtual theater founded by South Lakes HS alumni shutters

By Fatimah Waseem

Published July 18, 2023 at 3:45PM

The theatre will go dark on July 31 (Photo courtesy Walking Shadows Theatre).

A virtual theater launched by South Lakes High School alumni is officially closing its curtains.

Walking Shadow Readers Theatre announced the company’s closure in an email on Monday (July 17). The company closed due to lack of capacity, a team member said.

Countywide

Report: Risk of ‘dying too soon’ varies by race, address in Fairfax County

By Vivian Hoang

Published July 5, 2023 at 3:00PM

A map shows the rates of "premature" deaths across Fairfax County (via Northern Virginia Health Foundation)

Black residents have experienced worse health outcomes than other populations across Northern Virginia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report found.

Commissioned by the Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF) and conducted by the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Fairfax County section of the “Dying Too Soon” report found “stark” disparities across the county in the rates at which people die before the age of 75.

News

Sen. Mark Warner sees Covid relief funds in action at Western Fairfax food pantry

By Vivian Hoang

Published June 21, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated June 22, 2023 at 10:32AM

(Updated 3:45 p.m.) Local charitable organization Western Fairfax Christian Ministries (4511 Daly Drive J) welcomed Sen. Mark Warner through its doors last week.

On Friday, June 16, Warner toured WFCM’s food pantry and warehouse in Chantilly and participated in a roundtable discussion with WFCM leaders and partners, such as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County Public Schools, Wegmans, Boy Scouts and Kings of Kings Lutheran Church.