For Immediate Release: November 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. To stop the spread of COVID-19, the state order and City ordinance require everyone to wear a mask over their noses and mouths 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.
AHD and the City conduct targeted COVID-19 community testing events for people who live and work in the immediate neighborhood of each location, especially for those who are uninsured. With support from the Virginia National Guard and the Alexandria Police Department and assistance from AHD’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, 430 people were tested at the William Ramsay Recreation Center on Saturday, November 21. Many participants indicated the test was because of plans to travel, not because they were experiencing symptoms. The CDC, AHD and City strongly urge against elective travel during the holidays or at any other time. AHD will continue to identify future sites and coordinate targeted testing events. Testing resources other than community testing events are available for anyone who is insured, has been exposed to COVID-19, is not experiencing symptoms, or must undertake essential travel; including the organizations listed on the City’s “ Get Tested” web page. Call or book an appointment online before going to any facility.
Positive cases of COVID-19 are increasing in Alexandria and across the region, and everyone can do their part to slow the spread by staying home when sick. AHD encourages residents with symptoms of COVID-19, whether or not they have been diagnosed or tested, to take immediate action to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Isolate away from others, including others in the household, and avoid gatherings or going to the workplace. Anyone who is sick or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 should inform others who have been in close contact. Page 2 of the “ What to Do If You Get Sick” checklist explains who is considered a close contact and what to tell them. Those who are sick but still need to get tested should check with their healthcare provider or find a testing location near them.
Re-Employing Virginians (REV) is a state initiative to help residents who have lost full-time jobs due to COVID-19 pursue training in high-demand fields with workforce or community college programs. Eligible residents can apply for one-time scholarships of $3,000 to register in qualifying full-time workforce programs, or $1,500 to register part-time or in short-term, noncredit training programs. High demand fields include health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education. The enrollment deadline is December 14, 2020. To learn more about the program and apply, visit the Alexandria Workforce Development Center REV web page.
Residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to review the list of employers who are hiring, which is updated weekly. This week, the Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC) offers a Meet the Employer event with Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS). Attendees will meet representatives from ACPS and learn about immediate openings for teachers, administrators, support staff and more. WDC is also offering several workshops to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including resume building skills, interviewing skills, job searching skills, and virtual job fair preparation. All events and workshops take place online, are free, and registration is requested. Follow WDC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest flyer, or visit the WDC’s job board for a complete list of job opportunities.
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.
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