[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Study on Anxiety and Depression During Pandemic; Hiring Event, Weekly Jobs and Workshops

­­For Immediate Release: April 12, 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. 

Study on Anxiety and Depression during Pandemic

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating an increase in symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder and the use of mental health care in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study conducted between August 2020 and February 2021 shows an increase of approximately 40% in symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, predominantly in adults ages 18-29 with less than a high school education. Results included a 22-25% increase in adults taking prescription medication or receiving counseling, and an increase of about 10% in unmet need for mental health care. Feelings of fear, grief and isolation during the pandemic increase the risk of mental health problems. 

The City offers resources for a variety of topics, including managing stress and anxiety, multicultural mental health, resiliency for supervisors, and help to meet basic needs during the pandemic. The Virginia COPES non-crisis support line is available by phone or text at 877.349.6428, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 5 to 9 p.m. Support services are provided for anyone struggling with trauma, grief, or distress and community resources referral is available. The City also has several 24-hour crisis hotlines and suicide prevention resources. If you or a loved one are in danger of self-harm, please dial 911 or go immediately to your nearest emergency room.    

Hiring Event, 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) is hosting a virtual hiring event in partnership with Migration and Refugee Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington on April 28, 2-4 p.m. Registration is required for employers and job seekers. WDC also has several workshops coming up to help residents enhance job readiness and improve their job search, including resume building skills, job interviewing skills, networking skills, how to prepare for a virtual job fair, and how to apply for a federal job. 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.