[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

­­For Immediate Release: July 23, 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 mask in most indoor public settings. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Resources for Support during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

The City encourages residents to learn more about the stigma of mental illness for Black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC) during Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month. The impact of racism-related events, chronic stress caused by institutional and socio-political inequities such as the impact COVID-19 has had in BIPOC communities, and daily exposure to racism through micro-aggressions is significantly associated with higher risk factors related to poorer mental and physical health, depression and substance misuse. While mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity, these factors can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Learn more about the available resources for mental health access and treatment in these communities. 

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

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,639, including 56 fatalities. COVID-19 is spread by people whether or not they have symptoms, and nearly 10% of infected Alexandrians have required hospitalization. Everyone must do their part to stop the spread: maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others, wear a mask, and carry and use hand sanitizer. With a recent increase in cases, you are more likely to encounter someone who is infected. Be prepared to answer a call from the Alexandria Health Department in case you are identified as a close contact. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, is available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.