For Immediate Release: November 24, 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.
The City is offering a Micro Pod Child Care program, as well as other traditional child care arrangements, at no cost to eligible working parents. Micro pods are small groups of child care providers and families who agree to follow strict safety protocols, such as wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance, when they are in public or interacting with others outside the pod. Pod members then participate in child care and virtual learning and socialize in-person in settings where the rules can be relaxed, without increased risk of contracting or spreading the virus. Childcare options are available to 150 Alexandria residents children ages 0-13 on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to families with low income or families who are no longer eligible for child care subsidy because they lost employment. A flyer about the micro pod child care program is now available in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic. Applications must be received by December 1.
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. Almost 200 people were tested at Armistead Boothe Park with support from MRC volunteers. 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.
Staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during Thanksgiving. Although COVID-19 cases are rising across the country, residents may be receiving pressure from loved ones to attend Thanksgiving celebrations. Acknowledge feelings of disappointment and sadness by explaining that the decision is difficult, and made out of concern for their health and well-being. Remind loved ones that skipping Thanksgiving gatherings this year helps ensure that everyone will be able to celebrate together next year. One option is to host a video “open house” to provide a sense of inclusion as each participant conducts their normal Thanksgiving activities, such as eating dinner together, watching a movie or football game together, and connecting virtually throughout the day. For those who are struggling with depression and feelings of isolation, the City offers tips for Coping with Fear and Uncertainty, which include breathing exercises, stretches, and crisis information. Anyone experiencing anxiety or stress related to COVID-19 may call or text VA COPES, a free and confidential response warmline at 877.349.6428, 5-9 p.m. on Thanksgiving and weekends, and Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Spanish speakers are available. Other crisis resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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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