For Immediate Release: August 25, 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.
AHD has made updates to its guidelines for the proper use of masks, which remains one of the most effective tools to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in the community. It is important to wear a mask that always fits snugly over both the nose and mouth. To avoid possible contact with virus droplets, do not touch the front of the mask while it is being worn or afterwards. Handwashing is critical before a mask is worn and after it is removed. Wash reusable cloth masks in hot water or throw away disposable masks after each use. Members of the public should not use N95 masks, as they remain in high demand for first responders and medical professionals. Always practice physical distancing, even when wearing a mask, and stay home when sick. Download or print “Tips for Using Masks” in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic, or submit a request for copies.
Learning of a potential exposure to COVID-19 or receiving a positive test result can create stress and anxiety. This reaction can make it difficult to think through the best next steps for self-care and keeping others safe until the isolation period is complete. AHD and the City have developed a series of resources to provide guidance about “What To Do If You Get Sick,” which is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Farsi; and “When You Can Be Around Others,” which is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic. Materials are available for download and sized to be easy to print. Visit the COVID-19 Resource Catalog for other signs and reproducible information.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,309, 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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