[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Scheduled and Walk-in Vaccine Appointments Available; State Department and TSA Travel Updates

­­For Immediate Release: May 4, 2021

Help end the pandemic by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, washing your hands frequently, and scheduling a vaccination appointment. 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.

Scheduled and Walk-in Vaccine Appointments Available

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) and private providers are currently offering open vaccine scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine at multiple locations in Alexandria. Some locations are offering walk-in opportunities. Vaccines are free of charge and available to everyone ages 16 and up. Pfizer is the only vaccine currently authorized for use on people 16-17 years of age. AHD recommends receiving the first vaccine available and does not endorse one vaccine manufacturer over another. After your first dose, you will be contacted by the provider to schedule your second dose appointment, as necessary. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, free and they can save your life. When enough people get vaccinated, we can get back to normal. For a list of walk-in opportunities or to schedule an appointment, visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines.

State Department and TSA Travel Updates

The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory strongly recommending that all U.S. residents reconsider travel abroad, due to the high risk of exposure to COVID-19. Travel advisories to specific countries will be updated to accurately reflect the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which factor in logistical issues within a given country, such as testing availability. The update has resulted in approximately 80% of countries worldwide being identified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” People who intend to travel internationally are encouraged to visit the Travel Advisory webpage for the latest information by country. Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the mask requirement for all aspects of travel through September 13. All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, are required by the CDC to wear a face mask, maintain physical distance, and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer in all stages of transit, which is consistent with CDC guidelines. Commuters and travelers are encouraged to visit the TSA and CDC websites before they travel. 

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. Vaccination charts include total doses administered across all facilities, the percentage of residents ages 16 and older who have been partially and fully vaccinated, and weekly doses administered. Vaccination charts are available with definitions and data source information 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.