For Immediate Release: September 22, 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.
With more than 200,000 U.S. fatalities due to COVID-19, it is critical to remain vigilant about the actions we can all take to prevent illness, for both our own health and that of our neighbors. More than 10,675 Virginians have been hospitalized since the pandemic began (including 314 Alexandrians), and 3,060 have died (including 68 Alexandrians). Beyond hospitalization and death, there are still many unknowns about the long-term effects of COVID-19. While some people may experience mild illness or no symptoms at all, others may be sick for weeks, even if they did not have underlying health conditions. There is evidence that long-term damage to organs may remain even after patients are generally recovered from the illness.
Inova Blood Donor Services is now testing all successful blood donations for the COVID-19 antibody, and will notify donors of the results. In addition to the standard pre-screening qualifications that must be met prior to giving blood, donors must be feeling healthy and well on the day of donation. To protect donors and staff from the spread of COVID-19, donation center beds, chairs and frequently touched surfaces are being sanitized using approved disinfecting products after each use; staff has been reduced to ensure physical distancing and are required to have their temperatures taken twice daily; staff and donors must wear masks at all times. All blood donation products are single-use to ensure sanitation. Residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 and fully recovered with no symptoms for 14 days should consider donating their plasma, which could help others who are actively fighting the infection. Make an appointment to safely donate whole blood, double red cells, plasma or platelets.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 3,727, including 68 fatalities. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, is available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.
AHD estimates that approximately 1 in 12 infected Alexandrians have required hospitalization. An estimated 66% of Virginia adults who become infected never have symptoms, so everyone must 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. Be prepared to help your family and neighbors by answering a call from AHD if you are identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
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