For Immediate Release: September 11, 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.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided updated daily cleaning and disinfecting steps for keeping homes safe from COVID-19 and extra precautions when someone is sick.The CDC recommends using disposable or reusable rubber gloves for routine cleaning and disinfection; first cleaning surfaces with soap and water and then using a disinfectant; using cleaning products that have not expired according to manufacturer instructions; washing your hands for at least 20 seconds; and not sharing a bedroom or bathroom with someone who is sick. Frequently touched surfaces, such as counters, light switches, doorknobs and sinks should be cleaned and disinfected daily, especially after being touched by someone who is sick. Additional guidance is available for soft surfaces, electronics, laundry, and ventilation and filtration.
Beginning Sunday, September 15, DASH will expand service to approximately 80% of its operational capacity. Modified weekday service will be restored on several routes and limited service will resume on most routes that were suspended in March. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, DASH employees and passengers are required to wear face masks at all times. To increase physical distance between drivers and passengers, boarding is taking place through the rear door and fares have been eliminated on all buses until further notice. Passengers can board through the front door if use of a ramp is needed to board. Enhanced disinfecting procedures include regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and weekly fogging of buses. Route-specific services, schedule information and new policies are available at dashbus.com/covidmods.
City meetings, events and activities continue to be modified in an effort to encourage residents to stay safe while COVID-19 remains present in the community. The City Calendar contains a complete list of virtual meetings, fitness classes, concerts, and other events that promote physical distancing. RPCA at HOME offers scheduled and on-demand virtual programming, including fitness classes, storytelling, and more. The Alexandria Library also offers virtual book clubs, cooking classes, crafting, English as a second language classes and children’s programming.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,577, 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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