For Immediate Release: December 18, 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, more than 200 people were tested yesterday at Burke Branch Library. 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. There should be no copays or self-pay charges for COVID-19 testing. If you have received a bill from Neighborhood Health for COVID-19 testing, please disregard it. You are not responsible for any charges. If you have any questions or concerns about having received bills from Neighborhood Health, please email billing@neighborhoodhealthva.org.
AHD strongly urges residents to avoid travel and indoor gatherings at the holidays, and choose safer virtual activities this year. The City’s multilingual “ Celebrate the Holidays Safely” flyer is now available in Spanish, Amharic and Arabic and can be downloaded and printed. Guidance from AHD addresses how to discuss the decision to not participate in holiday gatherings with loved ones; managing the additional stress, sadness and anxiety because holiday plans look different; and other safer ways to connect with loved ones to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This year, the best gift for friends and family is continued good health.
A December 15 news release included an incorrect phone number for the City’s Department of Community and Human Services “Assistance from a Distance” text line. For help with basic needs such as food, shelter, rent and utilities, the correct text line number is 703.346.5599. Staff will respond during the hours noted on the flyer.
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 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 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, which is available in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Farsi 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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