For Immediate Release: July 29, 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.
Last week, AHD Environmental Health Teams conducted unscheduled inspections of restaurants located in the Chirilagua, Del Ray, Old Town and West End areas of Alexandria. Health departments across Virginia are stepping up efforts to ensure that businesses are complying with Executive Order 63 (regarding face masks) and Executive Order 67 (regarding physical distancing and closed bar seating). Of 100 establishments inspected, none required citations and only one received a warning for having its bar open, which was corrected immediately. Every inspected business participating in ALX Promise -- AHD’s COVID-19 safety training and certification program -- was in compliance. AHD will be focusing its efforts on education in the areas where there was confusion about the executive orders.
Nearly 60% of the COVID-19 cases in Northern Virginia are Hispanic or Latinx residents, compared to about 18% of the region’s population. Black, Indigenous and other communities of color have also been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The City and neighboring jurisdictions are producing videos and other materials in languages commonly spoken in the region, to ensure that the message of how to stop the spread of COVID-19 reaches these heavily impacted communities. “Sea un Héroe” is a Spanish language video, produced by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, featuring steps people can take to protect themselves, their families and others. “Six Steps to Stop the Spread,” and “What if I Need Help?” are animated videos produced by AHD and the City and available in English, Amharic, Arabic and Spanish.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will reopen to the public Friday, August 7. Museum hours will be weekly on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. In an effort to keep volunteers and visitors safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, City museums will initially reopen operating at 25% capacity, with reserved, timed tickets required to be purchased from The Alexandria Shop. Visitors will be able to tour the museum at their own pace and immerse themselves in the spaces and stories of the tavern. Take a selfie with the “Learned Pig.” Reenact a ball as you dance to music in the ballroom. Learn how all social classes and people—free and enslaved, of diverse genders and races—were part of not just the tavern but the creation of Alexandria and our young nation. Tickets are $5 or free for Alexandria residents and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society members. Holders of Key to the City passes will have the option to schedule the time of their visits and should bring their passes with them to the museum.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 2,759, including 57 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.
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