I want to wish Muslims celebrating this weekend a very happy Eid to you and your family! Eid Mubarak. This pandemic has truly made it a tough time to celebrate holidays like Ramadan, Easter or Passover. I want to thank everyone of all the many faiths celebrating these past few months for their patience and understanding during this difficult situation.

We are now more than two months into this state of emergency. I know it’s been a tough few months. This pandemic has truly tested the strength and resolve of our community. We here in the 51st District and the rest of NoVA continue to follow the necessary restrictions put in place over the past two months. The signs are certainly in our favor, but we must continue to stay at home.

Today marks the beginning of Phase 1 for much of Virginia. However here in the 51st District, and throughout Northern Virginia, we remain in Phase 0. We must stay the course now so we can prevent further spread. I know it’s tough, but we in Northern Virginia must continue to stay at home for everyone’s safety.

These past few weeks have been some of the most difficult in many of our lifetimes. Here in the Commonwealth, the challenging times have impacted our families and forever changed us all. For weeks on end, our lives have been inundated and changed by COVID-19. I hope that you and yours are well and are staying safe. The sacrifices we are making by staying home are essential to our effort to keep everyone safe and healthy.

In my last newsletter, I reported that while Virginia is still set to begin this Friday, May 15th, Northern Virginia will remain closed, keeping the current Stay-at-Home and business restrictions. Northern Virginia’s Phase 1 opening will be delayed by at least 2 weeks.

Since the beginning of the month, we have heard the Governor speak about reopening the state soon. This Friday, May 15th, is still scheduled to be the beginning of Phase 1 of this plan. While I am happy to hear that our state’s overall condition has improved to allow this, I know Northern Virginia is currently not ready.