For Immediate Release: October 23, 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.
As a result of new legislation signed by Governor Northam, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) COVID-19 data website now includes a “COVID-19 Outbreaks in Kindergarten-12th Grade Schools” dashboard. This dashboard shares a list of public and private K-12 schools in Virginia at the locality level that are currently experiencing or have experienced a COVID-19 outbreak. An outbreak is defined as at least two confirmed cases of COVID-19 within a school where persons are linked by the same exposure to an ill person, setting, event, and time period. Outbreaks reported may involve staff only; students only; or students, staff and visitors. The numbers included in the dashboard are outbreak-associated cases and deaths only, and do not indicate the total number of cases that may have been associated with a school over the entire pandemic. AHD investigates every outbreak that occurs in Alexandria, including in public and private school settings. In conjunction with the VDH School Metrics, this dashboard will help educational institutions measure the extent to which COVID-19 is spreading in communities and guide possible responses.
AHD and the City recently conducted a targeted COVID-19 testing event in partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria's federally qualified health center. Approximately 123 residents were tested at Burke Library, with assistance from AHD's Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. In addition to testing, each participant received a packet of health and support service information. AHD will continue to identify future sites and coordinate targeted testing events. Neighborhood Health is a provider of primary care and COVID-19 testing for residents with or without insurance. Make an appointment online or call 703.535.5568.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 4,179, 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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