For Immediate Release: October 28, 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.
ALIVE! Truck-to-Trunk will distribute emergency groceries at two drive-through sites on Saturday, October 31, 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the parking lots of Cora Kelly (3600 Commonwealth Ave.) and John Adams (5651 Rayburn Ave.) Elementary Schools. To maintain no-contact food distribution, residents are encouraged to drive through and remain in their cars. Walk-up customers are permitted but should maintain 6 feet of physical distance, wear a face mask, and bring carts or reusable bags to carry food home. Other resources for Alexandria residents who may need food assistance are also available.
AHD reminds residents that a City ordinance requires face masks to be worn in indoor public places, and outdoor public places where physical distance cannot be maintained. This ordinance expands on the state executive order that requires masks in most indoor public settings. The City’s website details the requirements for masks and what to do if a violation is observed, including exemptions for certain individuals and situations. If a violation is taking place in a business or restaurant, the business and customers should work together to resolve the situation when possible. A customer who is concerned about a mask violation by an employee or another customer should bring the concern to the attention of the person involved, or to a manager. If the situation cannot be resolved, the customer may wish to explain to the manager why they will no longer patronize the business, and may report the violation using the Virginia Department of Health’s online complaint form or calling AHD’s COVID-19 hotline at 703.746.4988.
The Alexandria City Council approved the reallocation of federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for small business grants and ALX B2B All-Weather Grants administered by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership. Guidance is now available for businesses planning to accommodate patrons outdoors during colder weather in response to COVID-19. “Guidelines for Winterizing Outdoor Business Activities 2020-2021” provides advice on installing temporary structures, tents, awnings and heating elements, and incorporating health and safety requirements. City permit fees associated with adapting outdoor operations to colder weather are temporarily waived. Restaurant, retail and fitness businesses may operate in on-street parking spaces, on sidewalks or in parking lots with approval of a temporary outdoor business expansion permit.
The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is now 4,269, including 74 fatalities. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, is available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.
AHD estimates that approximately 1 in 13 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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