For Immediate Release: August 18, 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated information and guidance regarding immunity to COVID-19 after recovery from the illness. Studies show that people can continue to test positive for COVID-19 up to three months after diagnosis without being infectious to others. This latest data suggests that retesting within three months of initial infection is unnecessary unless symptoms of COVID-19 cannot be attributed to another illness. The CDC continues to recommend that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, and for 24 hours from when a fever returns to normal temperature without the assistance of medication. Researchers continue to study the length of infection; duration of being contagious; and the variances between those who are mildly ill and those with severe illness and other underlying health issues.
In addition to following the Six Steps to Stop the Spread of COVID-19, you can help by conducting a self-assessment for symptoms daily. It is important to stay home if you have a cough, shortness of breath, or fever. Complete the home health checklist before leaving home to run errands, go to work or be in public. The checklist is also available in Spanish. This checklist and all the COVID-19 materials listed in the City’s COVID-19 Resource Catalog are available to the public for download, or can be printed for you by completing an online request form.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,146, including 61 fatalities. COVID-19 is spread by people whether or not they have symptoms, and AHD estimates that 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 at least 60% ethyl alcohol. 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.
© 1995–2022 City of Alexandria, VA and others • Privacy & Legal • FOIA Requests
Translate