[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Updated CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated; Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

­­For Immediate Release: May 13, 2021

Help end the pandemic by wearing a mask over both your nose and mouth, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated. 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.

Updated CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided updated guidance stating that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or maintaining physical distance, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. People should wear masks whenever they have respiratory symptoms, and those who are immunocompromised should consult with their healthcare providers. These recommendations are not intended for health care settings, correctional facilities, shelters or group housing settings. Governor Northam amended Virginia’s Executive Order 72 on April 29 to align the state’s mask requirements with the CDC guidance and localities are awaiting additional guidance on how this change impacts sector-specific regulations. The City’s mask ordinance currently requires masks in indoor public places. A proposed amendment to the ordinance, to follow suit with Executive Order 72, will be considered for adoption by City Council on Saturday, May 15.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

The Federal Communications Commission received funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act to establish an Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to help low-income families stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EBB Program will provide a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service for eligible households, paid directly to providers. Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer if they contribute $10-50 toward the purchase. The discount applies to one service monthly, and one device, per household. Visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit to learn about the eligibility terms and to apply.

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.