For Immediate Release: August 24, 2020
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) remind everyone that you are safest at home. Older adults and persons with underlying medical conditions 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 over both their nose and mouth at all times in most indoor public settings. Download Virginia Department of Health's COVIDWISE app, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy technology to quickly and anonymously notify users who have likely been exposed, enabling you to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you.
Due to the increasing number of interactions as businesses and facilities reopen, AHD anticipates that there will be more COVID-19 outbreaks, which is defined by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as two or more linked cases within 14 days in a given setting. The link between cases is applicable when there is no other or more likely source of exposure, such as a household member who is sick. AHD has responded to a total of 19 outbreaks of COVID-19 in Alexandria, and details can be found on the VDH website under the “Outbreaks” tab. The effectiveness of AHD case and outbreak investigations relies on the cooperation of individuals and organizations. AHD will never reveal confidential information and strongly urges residents to do their part to stop outbreaks by answering investigation calls. AHD will issue a news release warning the public of potential exposure to COVID-19 if the agency is unable to identify all close contacts.
It is critical for child care programs to follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among children, parents and other caregivers. Research of Rhode Island child care programs indicates that limiting class sizes and wearing face masks resulted in minimal secondary transmission. The programs that experienced secondary transmission were found to have acted outside of the CDC guidelines, particularly with staff switching between groups or classrooms. CDC guidance for child care programs includes adults wearing masks, limiting mixing or switching between established student-teacher groups, staying home when sick, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day. It is also important to participate in contact tracing and case investigation efforts to minimize outbreaks and to work with local health officials, child care licensing boards and community partners for the most up-to-date information. Every child care program should have a plan in place to protect staff, children, and families from COVID-19.
Residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to review the list of employers who are hiring, which is compiled by the Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC). This list is updated with new job opportunities every Monday. WDC also has many free resources, such as the Labor Market and Career Assessment tool, and workshops to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search. Workshop topics this week include resume building, job search skills, and networking. All workshops take place online, are free, and registration is requested. Follow WDC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest flyer, or visit the WDC’s job board for a complete list of job opportunities.
The Virginia Department of Health reported an increase of 35 cases and no fatalities in Alexandria as of August 22; 19 cases and no fatalities as of August 23; and 13 cases and no fatalities as of August 24; bringing the total to 3,270 cases, 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 over both the nose and mouth, 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.
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