For Immediate Release: December 22, 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.
Effective today, December 22, all City museums will be closed until further notice, due to the surge of COVID-19 cases in the community. Throughout the pandemic, many museum educational resources and programs have been available online. Just in time for the holidays, the Winter in Alexandria activity portal is filled with information including the different religious observances in December and January; how to start new traditions; and how to carry on old holiday traditions from the early days of Alexandria.
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. In partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria's federally qualified health center, and assistance from AHD’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, 200 people were tested yesterday at Armistead Boothe Park. 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.
The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program (RMRP), which was scheduled to begin operating through the state on January 1 has launched early. The RMRP Support Center is now processing all tenant and homeowner applications for assistance paying past due and current rent and mortgages as a result of COVID-19. Homeowners and landlords can take a survey to determine if they are eligible, or submit a new application online or by phone at 703.962.1884. Landlords can visit alexandriava.gov/Housing or call 703.746.4990 for more information.
Alexandria residents who have received eviction notices should call the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990 for assistance. Residents impacted by COVID-19 should call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 to determine eligibility for rental assistance and eviction prevention programs, and review additional services and resources offered by the City.
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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