[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Vaccine Second Dose Frequently Asked Questions; B.1.1.7 Variant in Virginia; Multilingual Testing Kiosk Flyer; Weekly Featured Jobs and Training Workshops

­­For Immediate Release: January 25, 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.

COVID-19 Vaccine Second Dose Frequently Asked Questions

AHD has received a number of inquiries regarding second doses. These are the three most common:

• With the limited vaccine supply, will I be able to get a second dose?
  Yes. In addition to the weekly, very limited per-capita supply, AHD will also be receiving second doses that correspond with the number of first doses administered. AHD is not aware of any planned change to this assurance at the federal or state level and will notify the public if this policy changes. 

• How do I make my second dose appointment?
  Even if you used the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for your first appointment, you will not use it for your second. About two to three weeks after your first dose, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your final dose. If you did not include an email address with your initial registration, you will receive a call. This system may change over time with the development of new registration and appointment processes.

• How will I feel after my second dose? 
  Some people report more side effects from the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and do not mean that you are infected with COVID-19. These side effects, such as pain at the injection site, fever, chills, or body aches, may affect your ability to do daily activities, but should go away in a few days. Learn more about what to expect and how you can minimize any impacts. 

COVID-19 B.1.1.7 Variant in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health announced the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant in Virginia, which first emerged in the United Kingdom and is more contagious than the initial coronavirus. The adult resident of Northern Virginia reported no recent travel. It is unknown yet if this new variant causes more severe illness or increases the risk of death, but researchers are actively tracking information as it comes in from the United Kingdom and across the United States. As of January 22, nearly 200 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant had been identified across 23 states in the U.S. Scientists are working to understand this new variant, but it is believed that the vaccines currently being distributed are effective against it. Residents are strongly urged to be vigilant about practicing mitigation measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including wearing quality masks that fit properly over the nose and mouth; avoiding gatherings; and maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance from others of different households. Pre-register for the vaccine waitlist at alexandriava.gov/Vaccines.

Multilingual Self-Testing Kiosk Flyer

The City and AHD now offer three COVID-19 self-testing kiosks that are operated by Curative. The kiosks provide easy access to testing; do not require government identification; and all tests are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Service is available in English and Spanish. Nasal testing swabs are self-administered under the supervision of a Curative employee, and test results are returned by email or text message within 48 to 72 hours. A flyer containing the locations and hours of the kiosks is available in English, Spanish, Amharic, and Arabic. 

Weekly Featured Jobs and Training Workshops

Residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to review the list of employers who are hiring, which is updated weekly. The Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC) has several workshops coming up to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including interviewing skills, job search skills, and networking skills. Residents can also access free “ SkillUp” workplace, business, and IT courses. All events and workshops take place online, are free, and registration is requested. Follow WDC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest flyer, or visit the WDC’s job board for a complete list of job opportunities.   

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.