[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Deaths from Holiday COVID-19 Surge; New Second Dose Scheduling Process; Weekly Featured Jobs and Workshops

­­For Immediate Release: March 1, 2021

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge residents to stay home as much as possible. Stop 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. Pre-register to receive the vaccine and you’ll be notified once when you're eligible.

Deaths from Holiday COVID-19 Surge

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reviewing and accounting for COVID-19 deaths that occurred during the post-Holiday COVID-19 surge between January and the end of February. As a result, there have been recent increases in deaths reported in Alexandria's COVID-19 dashboard. AHD and the City extend their sincere condolences to all community members who have lost someone during the course of the pandemic. 

New Second Dose Scheduling Process

AHD is implementing a new model that will allow second dose appointments to be scheduled within 48 hours of the first dose. Those with email addresses will receive an email to make their appointment online, while those without access to the internet or with limited English language skills will be able to make their appointment over the phone. This new system will alleviate some of the stress residents have experienced in scheduling appointments. While unexpected events may require rescheduling, AHD strongly urges those with confirmed appointments to keep them unless they are ill. If you received your first dose with AHD, you will receive a second dose rescheduling email from vaccine.registration@alexandriava.gov. Check your spam folder if you do not see an email from this account. If you received your first dose from another provider, contact them directly for your second dose information.

Job Fair, Weekly Featured Jobs and 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 offers several workshops to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including resume building skills, job interviewing skills, networking skills, and preparing for a virtual job fair. 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 20 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. If you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, get tested. If you test positive for COVID-19, help loved ones and neighbors by informing your close contacts using “ 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.