[Archived] City of Alexandria Urges Vigilant Social Distancing with News of Community Transmission of COVID-19 in Parts of Northern Virginia

­­For Immediate Release: March 19, 2020

As of March 19, 2020, public health officials have noted evidence of community transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus in parts of Northern Virginia. There have been no new positive cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria since the four cases previously announced.

Local governments in Northern Virginia have already taken a number of actions to promote social distancing and protect those at increased risk for severe illness. Individuals are urged to wash hands frequently; stay home when sick; avoid close contact with those who are sick; cover coughs and sneezes; maintain at least six feet of personal space whenever possible; avoid crowded areas and non-essential travel if you are over age 65 or have a chronic medical condition; and follow local government guidance.

Infectious diseases do not respect boundaries. Each individual is a critical part of slowing the spread of COVID-19, in addition to government action at the local, state and federal levels. 

For more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus and how you can help protect yourself and those around you, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virginia residents can also call the Virginia Department of Health public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions about the novel coronavirus situation. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, call or text 911.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.