For Immediate Release: October 12, 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. To stop the spread of COVID-19, everyone ages 10 and older must wear a mask over their nose and mouth in indoor public places and when at least 6 feet of physical distance cannot be maintained between those of different households in outdoor public places. Learn more about the state order and City ordinance requiring masks, including exceptions. 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 Alexandria Office of Emergency Management encourages everyone to participate in this year’s Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill on Thursday, October 15. The Great ShakeOut is an opportunity to practice safety measures during earthquakes. While COVID-19 has presented a number of challenges, residents can still participate in the international drill from home or at the office and be prepared for emergencies. Federal, state and local emergency management experts and other official preparedness organizations all agree that “ Drop, Cover, and Hold On” can reduce injury and death during earthquakes. Residents are reminded to update emergency kits with supplies that will protect the household from COVID-19, including extra face masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes. Alexandria’s Earthquake Preparedness Page provides additional information for how to prepare for an emergency. Businesses, departments and families can register to participate in the international Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, and spread the word to remind others to be prepared. To receive emergency notifications by text or email, subscribe to the City’s free Alexandria eNews service at alexandriava.gov/eNews.
Residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to review the list of employers who are hiring, which is compiled by the Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC). This list is updated with new job opportunities every Monday. This week, the WDC is hosting a Meet the Employer event with Atlantic Personnel and several workshops to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including job search skills, resume building skills (also in Spanish), preparing for a virtual job fair, transferable skills. All events and workshops take place online, are free, and registration is requested. Follow WDC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest flyer, or visit the WDC’s job board for a complete list of job opportunities.
The Virginia Department of Health reported an increase of 32 cases and no fatalities in Alexandria as of October 10; 18 cases and no fatalities as of October 11; and 5 cases and no fatalities as of October 12; bringing the total to 4,032 cases, including 73 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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