For Immediate Release: October 21, 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.
Employers are required to file a report with the Virginia Department of Health whenever an employee tests positive for COVID-19. The City provides resources to support Alexandria businesses, including an online reporting form. Employers are encouraged to work with AHD when investigating potential exposure at the workplace. If addressed quickly, contact tracing can help minimize the spread of COVID-19 among coworkers and the potential need to close. An employer’s involvement in the contact tracing process may vary depending on the type of business, state and local laws, and company policies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance to employers about the contact tracing process, including requirements, how the employer will be involved, and how to prepare to collaborate with a health department. The City has a contact tracing web page that demystifies the process of contacting anyone who has been possibly exposed to COVID-19.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some may turn to alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, or illegal drugs to cope with stress. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions, and abuse of alcohol and drugs can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. They can reduce alertness and awareness, and result in forgetfulness to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet and wear a mask properly at all times when in public. Excessive alcohol or substance consumption can lead to immediate and long-term health issues, such as overdose, liver or heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. Substance and alcohol abuse can also weaken the body’s ability to fight infection and increase the risk of complications, including respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia, and make it harder for the body to recover. The City has many resources available for anyone struggling with alcohol or substance abuse or addiction.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 4,144, including 75 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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