For Immediate Release: June 30, 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, you are required to wear a face covering in most indoor public settings. Please keep at least 6 feet of distance from others whenever possible. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.
There have been a number of vacation or travel-related COVID-19 outbreaks over the last several weeks, including in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. With community transmission still active across the country, engaging in activities with people outside your household puts you at risk of contracting COVID-19. AHD urges community members to be mindful of alerts about outbreaks from travel destinations -- both before and after visiting -- and carefully consider the need to change plans before traveling or seek testing afterward.
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water, is one of the simplest ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. This has been a constant message in the guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, AHD and the City since the earliest days of anticipating the arrival of the coronavirus in the United States and our community. The City and AHD have produced numerous signs and flyers that remind everyone of the importance of washing hands, which are available to download; share in social media; and print for your business, office, home or anywhere you want to have the reminder.
On March 24, City Council adopted an emergency ordinance to extend the payment deadline for certain taxes and filing requirements to support Alexandria’s businesses through the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This filing moratorium ends Wednesday, July 1. The ordinance also included the Meals Tax and Transient Lodging Tax; 2020 Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) Taxes; BPOL quarterly payments; and Tax Relief for the Elderly and Disabled. All businesses that have not already filed their 2020 Business Personal Property return must do so online by July 1 to be on time. Late 2020 BPOL filings must also be made by July 1. Businesses that deferred payment must file and pay or contact the Revenue Division to arrange a payment plan. Due to COVID-19, City Hall payment windows continue to operate at limited in-person hours, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m-noon. However, payments can be made online or by phone.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,325, including 57 fatalities. Detailed data is available through the links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. 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 those in high-risk populations (such as older adults, persons living in long-term care facilities, and those with serious underlying medical conditions). If you must go out, please remember to keep 6 feet of distance from others; wear a cloth face covering, especially when inside public spaces; wash hands frequently; and remember to always carry tissues and hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol with you.
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