[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Crowd Control on Lower King Street; Business Webinars; Virtual City Birthday Party; EMS Week

­­For Immediate Release: May 22, 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. If you must leave your home, keep 6 feet apart from others when in public, and wear a cloth face covering if you cannot maintain physical distance. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Holiday Weekend Reminder; Crowd Control Measures on Lower King Street

During this holiday weekend, the City and AHD remind residents that jurisdictions in Northern Virginia, including Alexandria, remain at Phase Zero under Governor Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 62. Under the order, gatherings of more than 10 people are still prohibited, and only essential trips outside of home are permitted. 

The City has temporarily widened the sidewalk on the south side of the unit, 100 and 200 blocks of King Street, to allow more room for pedestrians to stay at least 6 feet apart while walking. This change will be in effect until Tuesday, May 26. The sidewalk widening is not a street closure or pedestrian plaza, and is not intended to encourage pedestrians to visit the area or to congregate. To accommodate the wider sidewalk, vehicles on these three blocks may travel one-way westbound only (i.e. away from the river). Pedestrians, motorists and cyclists should stay alert and observe all posted signage and instructions from law enforcement officers.

Additional signage outdoors and in businesses will remind the public to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet, wear cloth face coverings, and wash hands regularly. Although restaurants are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout or delivery, these beverages are intended for responsible home consumption and may not be consumed in public places. The Alexandria Police Department will have increased presence on lower King Street and along the Waterfront to help maintain compliance with the law.

Webinars on Reopening Guidelines for Businesses

To help Alexandria businesses prepare to reopen once state restrictions are eased, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) and the City will conduct a series of webinars to share valuable information with business managers and owners. Guidance and regulations to be covered include those from the Commonwealth of Virginia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, and the City of Alexandria. Separate webinars will focus on information for businesses in the fitness, restaurant and food service, personal care, and brick and mortar retail sectors.

City Birthday Party to Go Virtual

Since all special events have been cancelled or postponed through August, the City of Alexandria’s annual Birthday Party and fireworks, scheduled for July 11, will not be held in person this year. The City will announce virtual alternatives for this celebration of Alexandria’s 271st and the USA’s 244th birthday. 

National EMS Week (May 17-23)

National EMS Week, established in 1974, celebrates emergency medical services practitioners and the important work they do in our nation's communities. We are especially grateful to the Firefighter-EMTs and Paramedics of the Alexandria Fire Department. On any given day, EMS practitioners help save lives by responding to medical emergencies, including heart attack, difficulty breathing, a fall or accidents, drowning, cardiac arrest, stroke, drug overdoses, or acute illness. During these extraordinary times, EMS personnel have maintained their service to the community while taking measures to keep themselves and the community safe. This week provides an opportunity to recognize their achievements and dedication to this profession. 

Correction

A May 21 news release incorrectly stated there were 67 new COVID-19 cases reported in Alexandria that day; the correct number was 50.

30 New COVID-19 Cases and No New Fatalities Added in Alexandria

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 1,657, including 37 fatalities. Detailed data is available through the links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. It is critical for all community members, even those who don't have a diagnosed illness, to stay home except for essential trips such as brief visits to the pharmacy, doctor, or grocery store.