For Immediate Release: June 2, 2020
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) remind everyone that you are safest at home except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care. If you must leave your home, wear a cloth face covering around others and keep at least 6 feet apart from others whenever possible. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Governor Ralph Northam today presented Phase Two orders and guidelines for the Forward Virginia blueprint, to continue safely and gradually easing public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19. The Governor also amended Executive Order Sixty-One to keep Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond in Phase One until further notice. Most of Virginia is expected to enter Phase Two on Friday, June 5, as key statewide health metrics continue to show positive signs. Alexandrians are urged to continue practicing the Six Steps to Stop the Spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, Virginians are required to wear a face covering when indoors in public settings. View tips and videos on how to properly put on, take off, and maintain face coverings.
The City supports the peaceful expression of community concerns, and many City leaders have already spoken out in solidarity. The City is aware of a number of vigils, protests and other events this week, and will provide appropriate staffing to maintain public safety and traffic control. Call or text 911 if someone needs police, fire or emergency medical assistance. COVID-19 is still a threat in our region, and it is safest to stay at home and avoid crowded areas. If you do go out, wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth and stay at least six feet apart from others at all times.
As of May 29, Virginians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now pay for their groceries online through Walmart and Amazon platforms and have them delivered. Only eligible food may be purchased with SNAP benefits, not delivery fees and other associated charges. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Virginia to participate in an innovative online purchasing pilot program. Transactions will take place using SNAP customers’ secure Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Learn more about the program, read frequently asked questions, and get a link to information for retailers interested in participating.
The City’s Workforce Development Center is hosting a free, online “Meet the Employer” event on Thursday, June 4, from 11 a.m. to noon. Job seekers will learn more about immediate employment opportunities for COVID-19 contact tracers in Virginia. Attendance and registration are free. Learn more about the event and how to register.
Payments for 2020 first-half real estate taxes, refuse fees, and stormwater utility fees are due on June 15. To help keep residents and staff safe during the pandemic, the City provides many online and contactless ways to pay. Online, property owners can visit alexandriava.gov/Payments, as well as make payments by phone or mail. Checks can also be left in the drop box on the Royal Street side of City Hall (do not put cash in the drop box). The City still provides limited hours for in-person payments at City Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. However, if possible, taxpayers are encouraged to use one of the contactless options.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,000, including 44 fatalities. Note that the Virginia Department of Health has reassigned one previously reported fatality to another jurisdiction. Detailed data is available through the links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. Now that Northern Virginia is in Phase One of the Forward Virginia blueprint, it is important to note that there is still community transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 and everyone is safest at home. This is especially true for persons at higher risk for severe illness, including those over the age of 65 and those with underlying medical conditions. Those who do go out are reminded to remain 6 feet apart from others; wear a cloth face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained outdoors and at all times in indoor public spaces; and wash hands frequently.
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Note: This news release was edited on June 3, 2020, at 3:47 p.m., to correct the link to the "Online Event Highlights Contact Tracing Job Opportunities" article.
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