[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Expanded Phase 1b Eligibility; Curative Testing Kiosks Closed on Jan. 20; Aggressive Calls Not Tolerated; Workforce Rapid Reskilling Cohort for Ages 50+

City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Expanded Phase 1b Eligibility; Curative Testing Kiosks Closed on January 20; Aggressive Calls Not Tolerated; Workforce Rapid Reskilling Cohort for Ages 50+

­­For Immediate Release: January 14, 2021

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.

Virginia Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Group 1b Eligibility

On January 14, Governor Ralph Northam announced changes to Virginia's COVID-19 vaccine prioritizations that significantly expand the pool of people currently eligible for vaccination. Those now eligible include people 65 and older, as well as Virginians 16 to 64 who have preexisting conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. Those who have already submitted Alexandria's pre-registration form for Phase 1c but are now eligible for Phase 1b do not need to fill out the form again and will be notified in the coming days about how to schedule an appointment. Learn more about vaccination efforts in Alexandria.

Curative Testing Kiosks Closed on January 20

To ensure the safety of the community and Curative employees, the COVID-19 testing kiosks located in Alexandria will be closed on Inauguration Day, Wednesday, January 20. If you anticipate needing a COVID-19 test around this date, pre-register for an available slot on Tuesday, January 19 or Thursday, January 21 by visiting curative.com. The testing kiosks will return to normal operating hours on Thursday, January 21. The City’s “ Get Tested” web page provides information and resources for anyone who thinks they may be infected with COVID-19.

Aggressive Calls to COVID-19 Hotline Not Tolerated

COVID-19 has created tremendous stress for many people. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in the number of abusive, aggressive, and disrespectful calls received by AHD's COVID-19 Hotline. The call center is primarily staffed by Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, who are dedicated residents who donate their time to help their fellow Alexandrians in the pandemic. AHD and the City will not tolerate the mistreatment of staff or volunteers, and abusive calls will be ended. People who are eligible for Phase 1b or Phase 1c in Alexandria should register or pre-register via a brief online form rather than calling, whenever possible.

Workforce Rapid Reskilling Cohort for Ages 50+

The Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC) is hosting a six-week virtual workshop for residents aged 50 and older, weekly on Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m, January 19-February 23. The workshops will cover updating resumes, mock interviews and the process of applying for federal government employment. Participants are expected to attend all six workshops and can view the flyer to learn how to register.

Alexandria COVID-19 Data At-a-Glance

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.