[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Virginia Moves Into Phase 2; Pfizer Vaccine Authorized for Ages 16-17; Weekly Jobs and Resources

­­For Immediate Release: April 19, 2021

Help end the pandemic by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, washing your hands frequently, and pre-registering to receive the vaccine. 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.

Virginia Moves Into Phase 2

The Commonwealth of Virginia has now entered Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout. This morning, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management issued an emergency alert to all eligible mobile phones in the state to notify Virginians that everyone ages 16 and older is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. An appointment is required, and AHD encourages everyone who lives or works in Alexandria to pre-register for vaccines. Vaccine supply has been increasing, but remains limited, so there may be a wait to schedule an appointment. 

Pfizer Vaccine Authorized for Ages 16-17

The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use with people under 18. Please be sure to look for the Pfizer vaccine when scheduling appointments for individuals under 18. Visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines to pre-register for an appointment through AHD and their partners. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at their vaccination appointment. Appointments may also be available online through VaccineFinder with other providers. Assistance is available by phone at 877.VAX.IN.VA (877.829.4682) in English, Spanish, American Sign Language, and more than 100 additional languages.

Weekly Featured Jobs and Resources

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 “ Meet the Employer” virtual hiring event with Smoothstack IT from 1 to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27. WDC offers workshops and resources to help residents train and prepare for employment. “ SkillUp” is a free resource for residents who have been laid off or are looking for a career change with more than 5,000 online training courses. WDC also offers coaching and financial assistance for job searches and career development. All resources 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.