[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Lower Health Care Costs for Federal Marketplace Participants; Understanding the Differences Between COVID-19 Vaccines; Weekly Featured Jobs and Workshops

­­For Immediate Release: April 5, 2021

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge residents to stay home as much as possible, wear a mask over both your nose and mouth, and wash your hands frequently. Pre-register to receive the vaccine and you’ll be notified once appointments are available. AHD estimates that approximately 1 in 20 Alexandrians who have tested positive for COVID-19 have required hospitalization, so without these critical steps, additional lives may be at risk. 

Lower Health Care Costs Available for Federal Marketplace Participants

As a result of funding from the America Rescue Plan (ARP), individuals receiving health care coverage through the Federal Marketplace, healthcare.gov, may be eligible to receive a tax credit lowering the cost of their monthly premiums up to $50 per person, or $85 per policy.  Many enrollees could pay as little as $10 per month for health care premiums. ARP expands the number of people eligible to save money on their health care coverage, which helps address racial inequities by expanding access to coverage and reducing costs. 

For those who would like to enroll or make changes to existing health care coverage through the Federal Marketplace, the Special Enrollment Period continues until May 15. The Virginia State Corporation Commission “ Information & Enrollment” webpage provides answers to frequently asked questions, including enrollment and eligibility information; health benefits and coverages; appeals, complaints and issues; small business health options program; and information for assisters and carriers. Information is also available in English, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese, with translation services available on the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange hotline at 833.740.1364, or the Healthcare.gov hotline at 800.318.2596. Visit coverva.org/assistance for a list of options for in-person and phone assistance.  

Understanding the Differences Between COVID-19 Vaccines

The City and AHD are committed to providing resources to help residents make informed decisions about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, including the differences between brands of vaccine currently authorized for use. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend one vaccine over another. The CDC and AHD maintain that the best COVID-19 vaccine is the first one that is available to you, and advise against waiting for a specific brand.

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 (WDC) has several workshops coming up to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including resume building skills, job interviewing skills, and how to prepare 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 seven-day moving average chart below shows the number of COVID-19 cases and the daily and cumulative case and fatality counts, and provides detailed information about how preventive measures are impacting Alexandria's response to the pandemic. An interactive version is available at alexandriava.gov/114883. The vaccination chart includes total doses administered across all facilities and the percentage of residents ages 16 and older who have been partially and fully vaccinated, and is available at alexandriava.gov/120654. Detailed data, including data on age, race and ethnicity, are available through links at alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. 

Continue following measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 even after vaccination. Get tested if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. If you test positive, 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.