For Immediate Release: December 11, 2020
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge residents to stay home as much as possible during the current surge of COVID-19 cases in our community. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are increasing in Alexandria. Take immediate and ongoing action to control the spread by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, staying home unless it’s necessary to go out, and washing your hands frequently. Without these critical steps, additional lives may be at risk.
Positive cases of COVID-19 are increasing in Alexandria and residents who are experiencing symptoms or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 are urged to get tested. AHD and the City conduct targeted COVID-19 community testing events for people who live and work in the immediate neighborhood of each location, since parking may be limited. In partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria's federally qualified health center, and assistance from AHD’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, 170 people were tested today at Casa Chirilagua. The City’s “ Get Tested” webpage contains a variety of resources, including testing options whether or not you are insured, have been exposed to COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms. Call or book an appointment online before going to any facility. AHD will continue to identify future sites and coordinate targeted testing events.
While COVID-19 cases continue to surge in Alexandria and the region, AHD urges residents to choose virtual holiday activities, which pose the lowest risk for the spread of the virus. Options being hosted in Alexandria and across the region include:
Neighborhood Holiday Lights
- Take a drive with household members through Northern Virginia neighborhoods known for their spectacular holiday light displays.
Songs of the Season - Attend a virtual concert of holiday favorites by the Choral Arts Symphonic Chorus and Youth Choir, with special guest appearances.
Chanukah Activities
- Virtually attend Chanukah Carnival in a Box; Menorah lightings around the region; Havdalah; a Tzedakah Night; or an author talk about the ninth night.
Holidays Around the World
- Take a virtual tour of holiday activities and celebrations from the Vatican, the Old City of Jerusalem and Bethlehem; participate in virtual games; watch “The Nutcracker”; learn about Santas around the world; and much more.
Kwanzaa at the National Museum of African American History and Culture - Join the “24 Hours in a Time of Change” project today, December 11, or bookmark the museum’s Kwanzaa webpage for the December 26 launch.
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 15 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 indoor and outdoor shared spaces, 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 calling your close contacts if you test positive for COVID-19. Learn who to call and what to say from AHD's What to Do If You Get Sick guidance or this brief video. 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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