[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Beware of Scams; Housing Information and Resources

For Immediate Release: April 17, 2020

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge everyone to follow state orders to STAY HOME except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and keep 6 feet apart from others when in public. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Beware of COVID-19 Scams

Some people are using this time of crisis to take advantage of others with phone and email scams. Common examples include fake “test kits” or cures; illegitimate health organizations; malicious websites or applications that claim to share COVID-19 information but steal personal information or install malware; and fraudulent charities. Use caution when receiving any email that includes a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink. Beware of fake phone calls or emails, or texts that may try to trick the recipient into revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes. Never give personal information, including banking information, Social Security numbers, or other personally identifiable information over the phone or email.
Visit trusted official sources such as the  City of Alexandria, the  Virginia Department of Health, and the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for COVID-19 information. Visit the CDC’s page on  COVID-19-related phone scams and phishing attacks, learn  what the Federal Trade Commission is doing, and read the Federal Drug Administration’s information about  fraudulent Coronavirus tests, vaccines and treatments.

Housing Resources in Response to COVID-19

The City of Alexandria Office of Housing is offering  information for homeowners, renters, property managers and landlords seeking resources and assistance. The information includes  frequently asked questions, housing relief programs, information on emergency financial assistance, mortgage relief, landlord-tenant mediation and eviction prevention, frequently asked questions, and more.

Alexandria COVID-19 Case Data Available on VDH Website

The Virginia Department of Health's  COVID-19 Dashboard includes the number of COVID-19 tests, positive cases and deaths in Alexandria. The dashboard is updated daily before 10 a.m.

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, or consult a  list of resources for patients without a primary care physician or health insurance (also available in  Spanish,  Amharic and  Arabic). 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. 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.