For Immediate Release: September 10, 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. Use the Virginia Department of Health’s COVIDWISE app to be quickly and anonymously notified of likely exposure to the virus. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you.
AHD and the City recently conducted a targeted COVID-19 testing event in partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria's federally qualified health center. Approximately 70 residents were tested at William Ramsay Recreation Center, with assistance from AHD's Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. In addition to testing, each participant received a packet of health and support service information. AHD will continue to identify future sites and coordinate targeted testing events. Neighborhood Health is a provider of primary care and COVID-19 testing for residents with or without insurance. Make an appointment online or call 703.535.5568.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a nationwide order that generally prohibits landlords from evicting tenants through December 31. This order follows the Supreme Court of Virginia’s prior ban on evictions, which expired on September 7. The CDC order was issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 resulting from eviction among those who become homeless and do not have access to adequate sanitation; those in homeless shelters in congregate living situations; and those who live in close quarters with friends or relatives.
Residents are eligible for an extension to any legal eviction action if they have suffered significant loss of income or have accrued extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses due to COVID-19; are seeking government assistance; earn less than $99,000 if single or $198,000 if married; and are making best efforts to provide most of their full monthly payments. The moratorium applies to all rental properties except seasonal or temporary rentals, but does not apply to foreclosures on mortgages. Under the federal moratorium, tenants can be evicted for other lease violations; payments due will continue to accrue until payment can be made; and the order does not provide any funding for rent relief. Visit the Office of Housing webpage for City and state rental assistance program information, and read a fact sheet about the CDC order from Legal Services of Northern Virginia.
In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia will host a webinar, “Strengthening Resiliency and Preventing Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Conversation with Experts”, September 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A panel will discuss how individuals can build resiliency and equip themselves with strategies to talk about mental health with friends, families and neighbors. Suicide Prevention Month is a time to share resources and stories, promote suicide prevention awareness, remember those affected by suicide, and direct treatment to those who need it most. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important to be aware of ways to safeguard mental health and the steps to prevent suicide. The event is free but registration is required.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,558, including 62 fatalities. COVID-19 is spread by people whether or not they have symptoms, and AHD estimates that nearly 9% 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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