[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Celebrating Independence Day in Phase Three

­­For Immediate Release: July 3, 2020

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) remind everyone that you are safest at home. Older adults, persons with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women are at greater risk for severe disease and are advised to minimize potential exposures as much as possible. Please keep at least 6 feet of distance from others. Everyone is required to wear a face covering in most indoor public settings. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Celebrating Independence Day in Phase Three

With Virginia in Phase Three of the Forward Virginia blueprint, this year’s Independence Day celebrations promise to be memorable for many reasons. As neighboring states are experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases, it is more important than ever to remember that the virus is still spreading throughout the region and traditional holiday activities must be modified so everyone can celebrate safely. 

Phase Three Guidelines still apply:

• Gatherings of no more than 250 people or at 50% capacity of an event space, whichever is less.

• Keep 6 feet of physical distance from others, whenever you are in a public setting.

• Face coverings are required in most indoor public settings other than when eating or drinking. Be sure to cover your nose and mouth. 

• Do not leave home without a face covering, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and tissues. 

Alexandria Updates: 

• Public Piers Closed -- To prevent gathering and crowding points for viewing neighboring fireworks, the public piers at the City Marina will close at 7 p.m. on July 4. License holders will continue to have access to private vessels and commercial operations will remain open. Staff will be on hand to ensure compliance. 

• No Fireworks -- It is illegal to possess, sell, store or use any fireworks — including sparklers — in Alexandria, even if they can be purchased legally in neighboring jurisdictions.

• “Take Home,” not “Take Out” -- While restaurants are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for carryout or delivery, it is still illegal to consume alcohol or carry open containers of alcohol in public places, including sidewalks, parks and vehicles. 

• Use Playgrounds and Parks Safely -- Alexandria’s playgrounds and parks are open, but families should only use them if they are not sick. Since it is not practical for the City to disinfect playground equipment between each use, users are strongly urged to clean and disinfect equipment before and after each use; frequently use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol; remain 10 feet apart from others outside their households; and use face coverings for everyone older than 2 years of age. 

• Swimming Pools and Interactive Fountain -- Alexandria’s outdoor pools are open with  ticketed entry for exercise, diving and instruction, with a limit of three swimmers per lane and 10 feet of distance at all times. All tickets are sold out for this weekend. The Potomac Yard Interactive Fountain is also closed in compliance with Phase Three guidance. 

Celebrate Safely - Many fireworks displays have been canceled this year, to reduce the possibility of crowding, but there are still many ways to celebrate safely.

• The National Archives will hold its annual reading of the Declaration of Independence online, the museum’s first-ever virtual celebration.

• The Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade will take place online, featuring short videos from organizations that usually participate.

• The 40th annual “A Capitol Fourth” concert will be streamed on PBS’ website on July 4, at 8 p.m.

• The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is online this year through July 5.

• Historic Alexandria has many online programs that allow visitors to learn about Alexandria’s history and help document these historic times.  

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

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,338, including 57 fatalities. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, is available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread both by people who are symptomatic and by those who do not know that they are infected. 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 maintain 6 feet of distance from others, wear a cloth face covering, and always carry hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol with you. Everyone must do their part to stop the spread.