On Tuesday, November 17th the Prince William Board of County Supervisors met for their first meeting of the month. On the agenda was an update from the County Emergency Management Coordinator, Brian Misner, regarding the county’s response to COVID-19.

This was the first briefing of the Board of County Supervisors regarding COVID-19 since September.

During public comment time two residents brought up concerns around access to testing. Alina, Gainesville District said “The COVID testing site by my house was closed within an hour of opening and then I drove to this one in Woodbridge and they closed this one within like 15 minutes of opening so I definitely think that is something that needs to be sorted out because everyone in this county should have access to free testing.” Aida, also from the Gainesville District said “COVID testing should not be so inaccessible for majority in Prince William County.

Chair At-Large, Ann Wheeler, preceded Misner’s presentation by mentioning “I know that we did have some public comment about the short time that. . .the fact that our testing is very busy at the moment and we seem to be running out of spaces. Will you be addressing that during your presentation at all? To which Misner replied, “Briefly yes, then I’ll be happy to answer any additional questions.”

According to Misner “We were below 10% in Northern Virginia for most of the past few months, however Northern Virginia, as well as the rest of the state and the rest of the country, is starting to see an increase.” As of the 13th the “seven day sliding positivity average is 9.9%.”

He said, “It is important to note” that “we are still seeing an increase in testing ability, both in the private sector as well as the testing occurring from our testing task force.”

Addressing the recent news around COVID-19 Misner said, “Despite the increase in percent positivity the number of hospitalizations in Northern Virginia is only increasing slightly.”

Adding that “Despite the increase in the number of cases as well as the slight increase in hospitalizations, the number of fatalities in Northern Virginia remains consistent and low.” Based on information from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), “The Northern Virginia region is at moderate transmission.”

Two executive orders went into effect on November 15th. Executive Order 63 was amended to “reduce the age from ten to five years old for those who must wear a mask when they’re indoors in a public space” said Misner. Executive Order 67 “has also reduced some capacity limitations from 250 down to 25 people, for public and private in person gatherings. It has also prohibited the sales of alcohol at establishments after 10 pm and is requiring those establishments close by midnight” he added.

Misner highlighted that “Our community testing task force has administered more than 12,150 free test since July 13th.”

Responding to concerns about testing capacity Misner said, “We have not changed the number of tests that are available, rather we are seeing increased demand and reaching capacity earlier in the day.” County Executive, Christopher Martino inquired about overall testing ability, to which Misner said “our contracted capacity with Sentara” is “200 tests per day.”

Several Supervisors asked questions to both Misner and Dr. Alison Ansher, VDH. Supervisor Margaret Franklin, D-Woodbridge inquired about the potential for increasing testing. Supervisor Victor Angry, D-Neabsco said “We should get behind ramping up more testing. An increase in testing in not available due to the Sentara contract and their lab capacity.

Misner mentioned “We are working with Dr. Ansher and her staff at a very early provisional level for vaccine planning.” Currently “There are three specific phases that the health district is adhering to from BDH for planning assumptions.” Phase One will focus on healthcare workers and those most at risk. Phase Two will focus on critical populations. Phase three will see a significant supply available.

Supervisor Kenny Boddye, D-Occoquan, asked “Where are on PPE? Does everyone have their needs fulfilled in the community?”

“We have more than enough for our operational needs” said Misner. As reports surface of successful early vaccine testing, it remains to be seen if those needs will be sufficient entering the cold season.