COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

The current status of County departments, services and programs can be found on our status updates page.

Arlington will continue a Safer at Home strategy, with continued strict health and safety protocols including physical distancing, mask-wearing requirements, gathering limits, and business capacity restrictions. The current modified Stay at Home order will expire on February 28, 2021.

Effective March 23, 2021, Governor Northam amended Executive Order Seventy-Two with the next steps of the “Forward Virginia” plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while mitigating the spread of the virus.

On Tuesday, March 23, Governor Ralph Northam announced that as COVID-19 vaccinations continue to rise and COVID-19 case counts continue to flucuate in Virginia, certain outdoor sports and entertainment venues may begin to operate at increased capacity starting Thursday, April 1. He also further amended Executive Order Seventy-Two with the next steps of the “Forward Virginia” plan to safely and gradually ease public health restrictions while mitigating the spread of the virus.

Key changes in the Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two include:

• Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 for indoor gatherings and from 25 to 100 for outdoor gatherings.
• Entertainment venues: Limits for entertainment and public amusement venues will remain at 30 percent occupancy, but the cap for indoor venues will increase from 250 to 500 persons and the cap for outdoor gatherings will be removed.
• Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at recreational sporting events will increase from 25 to 100 indoors, and from 250 to 500 outdoors, but will remain limited at 30 percent capacity.
• Dining establishments: The on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol will be permitted until midnight, extended from 10:00 p.m. All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms still must be closed between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
• Overnight summer camps: As of May 1, overnight summer camps will be able to open with strict mitigation measures in place. Registration can begin now.
• In-person graduation and commencement events: Governor Northam issued preliminary guidance on safe in-person graduations and commencements, which included a cap of 5,000 people or 30 percent of the venue capacity for outdoor events, whichever is less. Events held indoors may have up to 500 people, or 30 percent of the venue capacity, whichever is less.

Current guidelines for retail businesses, fitness and exercise, large amusement venues, and personal grooming services remain in place. Individuals are strongly encouraged to continue teleworking if possible. The Commonwealth will maintain a Safer at Home strategy with continued strict health and safety protocols including physical distancing, mask-wearing requirements, gathering limits, and business capacity restrictions.

View the full text of Executive Order Seventy-Two.

Child care centers are allowed to open under Phase 3, with restrictions. The Virginia Department of Social Services has outlined guidelines for child care providers operating during Phase 3.

If you are looking for a childcare provider, our COVID-19 Real Time Child Care Directory now has availability listed for childcare centers and in-home childcare providers.

Religious services may be held, but when attendees are numbered greater than the public and private in person gathering restriction in Third Amended Executive Order 72, section 1, subjection B, paragraph 1 -- 10 individuals indoors and 25 individuals outdoors -- they must strictly adhere to the requirements outlined by the Governor’s office. 

All Virginians aged five and over are required to wear face coverings in indoor settings shared with others and when outdoors and unable to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from those outside of their household.

These changes are consistent with new CDC guidelines which recommend universal wearing of face coverings.

This requirement applies to state and local government settings, train stations, bus stations, and intrastate public transportation, including buses, rideshares, trains, taxis, and cars for hire, as well as any waiting or congregating areas associated with boarding public transportation.

All employees of all businesses listed in section II, subsections A and C of the Governor's Order shall wear a face covering while working at their place of employment.

Visit the Governor’s latest Executive Order for more information, including exceptions.

Learn more about face coverings in Arlington, including the We Are Covered program for businesses, multifamily properties, and religious organizations.

Sign up for Arlington Alert to receive FREE emergency alerts and other important information from Arlington County.

Each of our facilities has varying degrees of check-in procedures for members of the public. COVID-screening questions and temperature scans may be part of the check-in process for visitors.

Yes. If a visitor answers ‘yes’ to experiencing new or worsening COVID symptoms without an alternative diagnosis or has been asked to quarantine or been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, they will be asked to leave the facility.

For facilities that conduct temperature checks, visitors will be denied access if their temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, unless specifically authorized by staff for critical services. If the visitor believes their temperature scan may have been high due to recent physical exertion, the visitor may wait a reasonable period of time to cool off and be rescanned.

The visitor face covering policy establishes requirements for the wearing of face coverings by County residents and visitors while visiting County-owned, leased, and controlled facilities.

This policy provides guidance to County residents and visitors regarding the use of face masks at County facilities. There is a separate policy for employee face coverings intended for County employees, contractors and volunteers.

Consistent with the Center for Disease Control’s guidance, and after consultation with the County’s Public Health Director, the County has concluded that covering the mouth and nose is an effective means to limit the transmission of coronavirus.

Face coverings may prevent the person wearing the covering from spreading respiratory droplets when talking, sneezing or coughing.

Since people may spread the virus before symptoms start, or even if people never have symptoms, wearing a face covering may protect others around you.

Face coverings worn by others may protect you from getting the coronavirus from people carrying the virus.

Proper physical distancing, handwashing, refraining from touching one’s face, and wearing face coverings, taken together, have been shown to be effective in slowing the spread of coronavirus.

There may be times when a visitor may remove their face covering temporarily while speaking during the public comment portion of a public meeting, while exercising, or when needed to secure government or medical services, provided the visitor maintains appropriate physical distancing from others as required for that activity. At all other times the face covering shall be worn. The visitor face covering policy establishes requirements for the wearing of face coverings by County residents and visitors while visiting County-owned, leased, and controlled facilities.

To accommodate residents and visitors, we now allow for access to services online and over the phone. Staff can provide contact details at the front desk. If services cannot be provided remotely, residents may contact the service area directly to identify an alternate means of providing services. Contact information can be obtained online at https://services.arlingtonva.us/ or by phone at 703-228-3000.

The policy requires everyone aged five and over to wear face coverings in indoor settings shared with others and when outdoors and unable to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from other individuals who are not members of their household.

A face covering can be a cloth/fabric covering for the face, that is at least two layers of fabric and covers the mouth and nose completely, fits snugly on the face, and is secured without being held in place by your hands. A commercially available, disposable face covering is also acceptable provided it is secured in place without using your hands and fully covers your mouth and nose. Masks with exhale valves do not meet these requirements as they do not fully cover the mouth and nose at all times.

Visitors who are sick should stay home and access services remotely.

Please report the policy violation to security guards at the points of entry, or your supervisor.

No, this policy only applies to indoor environments owned, operated, leased, or managed by the county.

On Nov. 13, the Governor issued updated Phase 3 restrictions. See details.

All essential retail businesses, including grocery stores and pharmacies, must adhere to statewide guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning. While certain essential retail businesses have been required to adhere to these regulations as a best practice, violations will now be enforceable through the Virginia Department of Health as a Class One misdemeanor.

Effective March 1, 2021, the on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol will be permitted until midnight, extended from 10:00 p.m. All restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms still must be closed between midnight and 5:00 a.m.

All private bookings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, per additional guidance issues by the Governor on Tuesday, March 23 in the amended Executive Order Seventy-Two.

Delivery and takeout services are unaffected.

For information specific to Arlington businesses, visit Arlington Economic Development’s COVID-19 Business Support webpage.

The full text of Fourth Amended Executive Order Seventy-Two and Order of Public Health Emergency Nine is available here. Updated guidelines for specific sectors can be found here.

Many local businesses have adjusted their operations during this pandemic to help each other and continue to provide services to the community. These efforts include curbside pick-up, free delivery, e-gift cards, and/or discounts on orders. Explore the many options.

Arlington Economic Development and BizLaunch are working to support businesses during this time. There is a resource webpage available for small businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Arlington County Board approved an administrative process to allow temporary outdoor seating areas (TOSAs) beyond those already permitted. TOSAs are intended to provide greater flexibility for businesses, while restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 limit the activity of restaurants and beverage establishments.

The County will consider TOSAs that may be in parking lots, sidewalks, and other public spaces. Temporary permits will be valid until the County terminates them. They are subject to periodic review and are revocable at any time, either all at once or on case-by-case basis.

The TOSA application is now available online, along with additional guidance

During Phase 3, farmers markets should continue to offer order ahead and pickup options. If markets choose to open, they must adhere to the additional requirements for outdoor service, per the Governor’s office. On-site shopping is allowed with physical distancing between tables/vendors and patrons.

See a list of all Arlington farmers markets.

Child care centers remain open for children of working families. Additional child care facilities are able to open under Phase 2. The Virginia Department of Social Services has outlined guidelines for child care providers operating during Phase 2.

If you are looking for a childcare provider, our COVID-19 Real Time Child Care Directory now has availability listed for childcare centers and home day care providers.

Child care centers are allowed to open under Phase 3, with restrictions. The Virginia Department of Social Services has outlined guidelines for child care providers operating during Phase 3.

If you are looking for a childcare provider, our COVID-19 Real Time Child Care Directory now has availability listed for childcare centers and in-home childcare providers.

For information on how to protect yourself and your family and slow the spread of COVID-19, please visit our public health COVID-19 webpage.

For information on testing in Arlington County, please visit out COVID-19 testing webpage.

For details on testing in Arlington County, please visit our COVID-19 testing webpage.

Arlington Free Clinic, in partnership with Arlington County, operates a walk-up COVID-19 sample collection site at the Arlington Mill Community Center (909 South Dinwiddie Street) that is free of charge and does not require a doctor’s referral. Find more information on our COVID-19 Testing webpage.

Visitor and staff safety as well as sample integrity are our priorities at sample collection sites. We close our outdoor, drive-thru location due to severe weather like heavy wind and rain for the safety of those on site and because in heavy downpours, rain and other debris could potentially contaminate samples.

For information on contract tracing, visit our contract tracing webpage.

On June 5, the Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation reopened numerous park amenities in its 148 parks, including tennis courts, tracks, batting cages, bocce courts, the disc golf course, pickleball courts, and the skate park. Continuing its gradual reopening, in according with public health and safety guidelines, Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation reopened playgrounds and outdoor restrooms, including playgrounds located at Arlington Public Schools, effective Friday, June 26. Additionally, athletic field and court lighting returned to regular schedules. Effective July 8, DPR will begin Programs in the Parks (171 throughout the month of July).

Park users must continue to social distance and comply with the appropriate usage guidelines. Learn more on the Reopening Arlington Parks FAQ page.

Arlington County Police, park rangers, and park rovers will be monitoring parks, trails, playgrounds and fields to ensure compliance with social distancing and group gatherings.

• We anticipate a continued phased reopening for our Parks and Recreation facilities.
• On Friday, July 10, fitness rooms will reopen in four of DPR’s centers: Fairlington, Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Langston Brown.
• Community and nature centers and spraygrounds remain closed.
• We will continue to monitor guidance from the national, state, and local health officials to determine how best to open other amenities.
• The Washington-Liberty and Yorktown Pools re-open on Saturday, July 11th, 2020. Instructions to make a Reservation

• Given Governor Northam’s “Forward Virginia” blueprint for easing public health restrictions, the Department of Parks and Recreation has cancelled 2020 summer programs.
• We recognize how important recreation is to our residents.  We are exploring opportunities to provide modified programs and services both virtually and when our parks and community centers reopen. We appreciate your patience as we work through this difficult time.
• 2021 Summer Camp Programs are moving forward. Registration opened on Wednesday, March 24. Additional Information can be found here.
• Fitness rooms and gyms are open in these community centers: Fairlington, Madison, Thomas Jefferson and Langston Brown. Fitness facilities require a reservation. All other indoor recreation facilities are closed.
• Parks & Recreation’s new Recreate at Home, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a constantly updated list of fun and safe things to do at home and outside while practicing social distancing.

2021 Summer Camp Programs are moving forward. Registration opened on Wednesday, March 24. Additional Information can be found here.

All holds placed before the pandemic are available for pickup at the Central Library Auditorium, Monday through Thursday (12:00 - 7:00 p.m.) and Friday through Sunday (12:00 - 5:00 p.m.). All Library locations are accepting returns in the book returns (all branches are otherwise closed).

Additionally, some basic Library account services are now being offered: sign up for a library card, renew library cards, update temporary library cards, and update mailing address. See the Library FAQs for more information.

For information on long-term care facilities in Arlington, visit our COVID-19, Long-Term Care Facilities and the Role of Public Health webpage.

For the latest on status and services, please visit the WMATA website.

For the latest on status and services, please visit the ART website.

For your safety and the safety of others, all passengers are required to wear face masks or face coverings while using ART. Please see the Governor's order for more details.

If you need help with rent and expenses, are at risk of being evicted or homeless, need assistance with food or any other vital social service needs, contact the Housing and Food Assistance line at 703-228-1300. 

• If you become ill or need to isolate or self-quarantine, you may need help from other people—and other people may ask you for help. Now is the time to put plans in place and identify a BUDDY. You can request a buddy by visiting arlingtoncommunitycorps.org or calling 703-957-9727.
• Plan ahead and reach out—safely—to friends, neighbors, social and work networks, faith groups, and school and neighborhood associations to have people who can help and put a buddy system in place.
• This will make it easier to get things like food and medicine if you are unable to leave your home. We recommend that every household has two ‘buddy’ households to call upon for help if needed.
• For people who have difficulty identifying buddies, there is a new online tool. The Arlington Community Corps includes listings by Arlington neighborhood and is designed to link people who need help with nearby volunteers willing to help out—by delivering groceries and medication to other residents at higher risk from COVID-19.

See food, medical, and financial assistance resources for Arlington neighbors in need.

For information on housing assistance, rent payments, eviction prevention, and help with other vital social service needs, visit our Housing FAQs or call the Housing and Food Assistance Hotline at 703-228-1300.

• Arlington residents who lack reliable internet service at home during the COVID-19 pandemic can now benefit from five new free County Wi-Fi hotspots to access online resources for work, schooling, health-related information or to complete essential tasks such as ordering groceries and household supplies.
• Access to the ArlingtonWireless network is available at the Central Library,  Columbia Pike, and Aurora Highlands Library parking lots. Starting June 12, access will be available the Charles Drew Community Center and the Barcroft Sport and Fitness Center.
• Using a mobile device, choose the ArlingtonWireless network and accept the terms of agreement.
• Residents are asked to remain in their vehicles while on site to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Those who are not in vehicles should always maintain a physical distance of 6 feet apart and comply with public health guidelines.

• If you believe there is immediate danger, you can call 911 for police response. If you have concerns, but not immediate danger, please call the CPS Hotline. (703-228-1500).
• CPS Hotline workers are prepared to talk through concerns and we will be able to help you know if it is a child protection issue or if other types of support are needed. Not all calls to the Hotline will result in a response to the family home.
• Caller information is kept confidential and not share with family members. People worry that reporting concerns to CPS will destroy a family.  The truth is that getting help can protect children from further harm and assist the family in overcoming problems.

• We encourage anyone who feels they are unsafe with their partner or thinks a family member, friend, or colleague is unsafe -we encourage those people to call the hotline (703-237-0881); or police and seek support. There are services available today tomorrow and always. Services are safe, FREE and confidential.
• Resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week- including the Arlington domestic and sexual violence hotline at 703-237-0881, and the Safehouse shelter operated by Doorways for Women and Families, and post assault forensic medical exams provided by the forensic assessment consultation team (FACT) at Inova Fairfax Hospital which provides.
• There is support for the person who is harming too. If you know someone who is hurting or controlling their partner, there is support for that person. The Department of Human Services offers the abuser intervention program which is available to anyone seeking to change their harmful or abusive behavior. Learn more by calling 703-228-1513.

To report suspected adult abuse, neglect or exploitation:

• Call 703-228-1700  or 703-228-1788 (TTY) on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and ask for the APS duty worker.
• After business hours, call the state hotline at 1-888-832-3858.

• We have had a tremendous outpouring of concerned residents across Arlington. We appreciate all that Arlingtonians are doing to take care of one another.  Volunteer Arlington is updating a webpage with the needs from the County’s nonprofits, which is primarily goods and money and the occasional opportunities for in-person volunteering.