For Immediate Release: June 15, 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.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) updated its demographics dashboard to include additional racial reporting categories for case, hospitalization and death data. Previously, VDH published data for ethnicity and race separately. With the exception of the “White” and “Black or African American” categories, all other races were combined into a single “Other Race” category. The new categories are:
Asian or Pacific Islander (individuals who identify as “Asian” or “Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander” and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
Black (individuals who identify as “Black or African American” and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
Latino (individuals of any race who identify as “Hispanic or Latino”)
Native American (individuals who identify as “American Indian or Alaska Native” and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
White (individuals who identify as “White” and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
Other Race (individuals who select “Other Race” and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
Two or More Races (individuals who select more than one of the above race categories and not “Hispanic or Latino”)
The updated dashboard confirms existing race, ethnicity and ZIP code data that indicates Alexandria's Latinx population is disproportionately burdened by COVID-19. The data also confirms that people of color are experiencing higher rates of hospitalization due to COVID-19. AHD and the City are committed to working directly with community members and partners to address these disparities and develop solutions not just for COVID-19, but also for the underlying systems and policies that have led to these inequities.
The City has announced updates on the reopening of program registration, outdoor pool schedules, and more, in accordance with the plan for phased reopening of recreation activities and facilities. All programs are designed in accordance with Phase Two of the Forward Virginia blueprint, guidelines regarding physical distancing and other measures necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Registration for outdoor fitness and tennis classes will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17 for Alexandria residents, and Friday, June 19 for nonresidents. Summer programs take place June 26 through September 5. Program offerings will be added as they are confirmed, and registration will be ongoing. Registration will be available online at alexandriava.gov/Recreation and in person by appointment at the Registration & Reservation Office (1108 Jefferson St.). Schedule an appointment by calling 703.746.5414.
The 2020 summer outdoor pool season will be July 1 through September 7 (Labor Day). Pools will be open for diving, exercise and instruction, with lap swimming limited to three persons per lane. Each pool will have specific requirements and restrictions; visit alexandriava.gov/116065 for details.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,160, including 48 fatalities. Detailed data is available through the links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. Now that Northern Virginia is in Phase Two 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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