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Release date: 2020-03-24
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[Archived] Alexandria Health Department Urges Everyone to Stay Home If Possible; Governor Orders New Restrictions to Promote Social Distancing; New Cases

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2020

All Alexandrians must be vigilant and act now to protect our community from COVID-19 coronavirus spread. The Alexandria Health Department strongly urges everyone to stay home except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care.   

Public health officials have noted evidence of community transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus in parts of Northern Virginia. 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.

Governor Issues Social Distancing Order with Many New Restrictions

On March 23, Governor Northam issued an executive order providing for many new restrictions. The announcement includes the full text of the executive order and a list of frequently asked questions. The following restrictions will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24:

The Alexandria Health Department encourages businesses and customers to use online or phone payments (rather than in-person credit card or cash payments) to avoid shared surfaces. Customers who pay in person should insert their own cards into readers when possible, and avoid sharing pens. Businesses should sanitize touch screens after each customer.

On March 17, Governor Northam recommended that individuals with chronic health conditions or age 65 or older should self-quarantine, because they are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. He encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with high-risk individuals.

Three New COVID-19 Cases in Alexandria, Bringing the Total to Nine

On March 23, the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) confirmed three additional cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria, bringing the total to nine. AHD is identifying and contacting individuals who came in close contact with the confirmed cases. The close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine and actively monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms. If they start experiencing symptoms, they will immediately undergo testing.

If You Have Symptoms of COVID-19

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are coughing, fever of over 100.4 F, and shortness of breath. If you are concerned you may have COVID-19, call your primary care physician to ask whether you should come for an exam or test before visiting in person. Most people who get COVID-19 recover on their own at home and do not need testing or treatment. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness should isolate themselves; avoid contact with other people; wash their hands frequently; and disinfect surfaces regularly.

Protect Yourself and Others, Especially Vulnerable Community Members

To receive text message alerts from the City related to COVID-19, text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777. 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.

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