For Immediate Release: March 30, 2020
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge everyone to comply with the state order to STAY HOME except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and keep six feet apart from others when in public. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Northam Issues Stay-at-Home Order
On March 30, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 55, which adds additional social distancing restrictions to the previously-issued Executive Order 53. Together, these orders prohibit all gatherings of more than 10 people and require all individuals to stay at home at all times. Some exceptions apply Individuals in shared or outdoor spaces must maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members or caretakers.
Exceptions to the stay-at-home order include:
Obtaining food, beverages, goods or services from establishments permitted to be open;
Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services;
Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member;
Travel required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care;
Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements;
Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, work, or educational institution;
Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and
Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.
The City and the Alexandria Health Department will strictly enforce these orders to protect everyone in our community. It is a criminal offense to gather in groups of more than 10 people, trespass on City property closed to the public, damage City property, or operate a business in a manner that violates the state orders. To report any of these types of violations, call the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.4444, while the violation is occurring.
Healthcare Options for Those Without Primary Care Providers or Insurance
Community members without health insurance or a regular primary care provider can refer to a new resource that outlines local options for care. Anyone seeking care should always call ahead and describe their symptoms so that providers can take the necessary precautions. Spanish, Arabic, and Amharic versions of this document will be posted this week.
Updates to Resource Recovery Services
Residents are encouraged to reduce the amount of waste they produce as much as possible, to reduce risk to collection crews. Refuse and recycling collection will continue on normal schedules; remember to secure trash in a tied or sealed plastic bag, inside the bins or carts provided by the City. Place recycling material in a blue City recycling bin cart or a paper bag.
Mulch is postponed until later this spring; customers who pre-ordered mulch will be contacted to reschedule deliveries when they resume. Free leaf and wood mulch are available for pickup at the self-serve mulch facility (4215 Eisenhower Ave.). Food waste (compost) collection at farmers’ markets is suspended; residents should consider backyard composting or throw the material away with regular trash. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Center (3224 Colvin St.) is closed. Yard waste, bulk and metal collection are suspended.
Updates to Spring and Summer Recreation Programs; Virtual Programming Available
All spring City recreation programs have been cancelled, including classes, activities, sports leagues, Out of School Time programs and camps taking place prior to June 22. Registration for summer programs has been postponed to May 6. Facility and picnic reservations have been suspended until at least May 6. Virtual programming opportunities are now available to help residents exercise their minds and bodies from home.
Four New COVID-19 Cases in Alexandria, Bringing the Total to 36
On March 30, the Alexandria Health Department confirmed four additional cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria, bringing the total to 36. 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. As a result of the AHD’s case investigations and expanded testing through private providers, the number of positive cases is expected to continue to increase.
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. Use the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker to review your symptoms. If you are concerned you may have COVID-19, call your healthcare provider 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.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and believe you've been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Alexandria Health Department does not provide COVID-19 diagnosis or testing. If you need a letter about your health status, contact your healthcare provider. If AHD has contacted you directly for active monitoring or quarantine, AHD can provide a letter for your employer clearing you to return to work once that is complete.
Protect Yourself and Others, Especially Vulnerable Community Members
Wash Your Hands. Rub hands together with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use Hand Sanitizer. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as you would wash your hands, rubbing them together for 20 seconds.
Don’t Touch Your Face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay Home. If you are feeling sick, stay home. If you are well, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Use Your Elbow. Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
Disinfect Surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Manage Stress. The CDC recommends taking breaks from exposure to the news; take deep breaths or meditate; try to eat healthy; get sleep or rest; make time to do activities you enjoy; and connect with others to share your feelings.
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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