[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Masks Can Help Protect Wearers and Others; Ongoing Targeted Testing Events

­­For Immediate Release: November 12, 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. To stop the spread of COVID-19, the state order and City ordinance require everyone ages 10 and older to 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, with limited exceptions. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you. 

Masks Can Help Protect Wearers and Others

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided updated guidance about the effectiveness of masks at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Evidence shows that wearing a multi-layered, non-valved mask over the nose and mouth at all times when around others outside the household can prevent the wearer from spreading or inhaling respiratory droplets, which are the primary source of COVID-19 transmission. More than 50% of the spread of COVID-19 has come from infected people who have either not begun to experience symptoms or are asymptomatic. Single layer masks, masks with valve openings that allow more airflow, and improper use of masks such as gaps around the edges of the mask, are much less effective at preventing transfer of droplets. High-thread count cotton in multiple layers, and thick materials such as polypropylene, that form an enclosed fit around the nose and mouth, are the most effective. Face masks are required in public places by local and state requirements, and can help to keep businesses open by reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the community.  

Ongoing Targeted COVID-19 Testing Events

AHD and the City recently conducted a targeted COVID-19 testing event in partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria's federally qualified health center. A total of 160 residents were tested at Casa Chirilagua on November 11, 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.  

Alexandria COVID-19 Data At-a-Glance

The chart below, containing the seven-day moving average number of COVID-19 cases and the daily and cumulative case and fatality counts, provides detailed information about how preventive measures are impacting Alexandria's response to the pandemic. An interactive version is available at alexandriava.gov/114883. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, are available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.    

 AHD estimates that approximately 1 in 13 Alexandrians who tested positive for COVID-19 have required hospitalization. An estimated 66% of Virginia adults who become infected never have symptoms. The best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 remain wearing a mask in public, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others, and frequently washing your hands or carrying and using hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethyl alcohol. Help your loved ones and neighbors by answering a call from AHD if identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19, and download the Virginia Department of Health’s COVIDWISE app to be quickly and anonymously notified of likely exposure to the virus.