For Immediate Release: October 13, 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 City and AHD strongly urge residents to choose activities to celebrate Halloween that are lower risk, such as pumpkin carving and virtual costume parties, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided additional guidance on how to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Households that will be giving out treats are encouraged to avoid contact by setting them outside on the honor system and to always wash hands before handling treats. Themed face coverings can become part of a costume, but it is important to understand that Halloween masks are not a substitute for a protective face mask over the nose and mouth, and should not be worn together to prevent restricted breathing. Always be sure that 6 feet of physical distance is maintained from those of other households. Bring hand sanitizer and reapply when children touch objects, and supervise young children to ensure they don’t ingest it. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds after returning home and consider wiping down treats before giving them to children. The City Halloween web page offers additional safety guidance.
ALIVE! will distribute emergency food at two drive-through sites on Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the parking lots of Cora Kelly (3600 Commonwealth Ave.) and John Adams (5651 Rayburn Ave.) Elementary Schools. Bags of shelf stable groceries, chicken, and eggs will be distributed while supplies last. To maintain contactless food distribution, residents are encouraged to drive through and remain in their cars. Walk-up customers should maintain 6 feet of physical distance, wear a face mask, and bring carts or reusable bags to carry food home. In response to food insecurity caused by impacts of COVID-19, 1.6 million meals have been distributed throughout Alexandria since Mid-March. Other resources for Alexandria residents who may need food assistance are also available.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 4,045, 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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