For Immediate Release: May 27, 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.
The Alexandria City Council has approved a plan to allow restaurants to use sidewalks and parking spaces in front of their businesses for outdoor dining. This will help restaurants serve customers outdoors when Phase One of Governor Ralph Northam’s Forward Virginia blueprint takes effect in Northern Virginia on May 29. Outdoor dining under Executive Order 61 will be limited to 50 percent of the restaurant’s permitted capacity. Restaurants interested in participating must submit an application.
In conjunction with the start of Phase One of the Forward Virginia blueprint in Northern Virginia on May 29, the City will temporarily close the 100 block of King Street to vehicular traffic. Lee Street will be restricted to local traffic only between Cameron and Prince Streets. These changes will allow restaurants to use portions of the sidewalk and street for outdoor dining tables as described above. A wide path will be maintained in the center of the street for pedestrians to maintain physical distancing while walking on the block, and for emergency vehicle access. These changes are not intended to create a pedestrian plaza or to encourage pedestrians to visit the area or to congregate. The temporary changes will remain in effect every day during Phase One, and the City will make a decision about next steps before the transition to Phase Two.
Signage outdoors and in businesses will remind the public to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet, wear cloth face coverings as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and required by Executive Order 63, 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.
The City and AHD have developed guidance for people who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to the virus, or have recovered from the illness. “When You Can Be Around Others" (also available in Spanish, Amharic and Arabic) includes detailed guidance on how people in these situations may determine the safest time to leave isolation or quarantine.
ALIVE! is providing four food distributions this week. Although attendees are encouraged to drive up for contactless distribution, walk-ups are also welcome and encouraged. Persons who choose to attend these distributions on foot are asked to wear face coverings, maintain 6 feet of physical distance, and bring reusable bags or carts to carry meals and food home. Food may not be consumed at any site.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 1,824, including 42 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.
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