For Immediate Release: October 14, 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.
AHD is hosting two virtual COVID-19 Town Hall meetings to provide public health guidance to guardians of children attending daycare or other child care settings. Topics of discussion include when to keep a child home from daycare; when to get a child tested for COVID-19; when to return a child to daycare; and common infection scenarios. Guardians will be reminded of the steps they can take to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and share resources. The sessions are intended to be interactive, with time for questions at the end. Join a session on Thursday, October 15 at 6 p.m. or Monday, October 19 at 6 p.m.
Households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may qualify for assistance with energy bills, including those that have accumulated during the crisis. The Virginia COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program is available to low-income households that do not typically qualify for other Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) energy assistance programs. Each eligible household should apply online to receive a one-time payment of $300 that will address immediate energy needs. For additional information regarding the program and other energy assistance resources, visit the VDSS Benefits web page or call 833.829.2767.
Global Handwashing Day is a yearly reminder of the importance of hand hygiene, which is a key way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water. It is especially important for public places such as schools and health care facilities to make soap and water or hand sanitizer easily available. The City has produced numerous multilingual signs and flyers that remind everyone of the importance of washing hands. These materials are available to download; share on social media; and print for businesses, offices, homes or anywhere a reminder could be useful.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 4,057, 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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