For Immediate Release: September 17, 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 80 residents were tested at St. Martin de Porres Senior Center at an event focused on seniors and caregivers, 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.
Most people who have been infected with COVID-19 make a complete recovery within a few weeks of infection. In some cases, symptoms can persist for months, and the severity of illness is not an indicator of prolonged symptoms. As COVID-19 is a new disease, the medical community is still learning about long-term effects. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to continue to experience symptoms after initial recovery, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain and a cough. However, as researchers continue to study the virus, serious long-term health problems are being discovered in some COVID-19 patients, including possible damage to the heart, brain, lungs and other organs. Blood clots can form as a result of COVID-19, and can result in blocked blood vessels as well as additional concerns for the liver, kidneys and legs.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,649, including 66 fatalities. COVID-19 is spread by people whether or not they have symptoms, AHD estimates that approximately 1 in 12 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. An estimated 40% of people who become infected never have symptoms, so it is essential to remain vigilant when you are around others. 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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