[Archived] City of Alexandria Provides COVID-19 Updates; Eviction Moratorium Extended; Safer Summer Activities; Mental Health Toll on Public Health Workers; Prenatal Coverage for Undocumented Individuals

­­For Immediate Release: June 29, 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.

Eviction Moratorium Extended To July 31

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moratorium on residential evictions, which was scheduled to expire on June 30, has been extended to July 31.This is intended to be the final extension of the moratorium, which temporarily halts evictions of covered persons for nonpayment of rent or housing. For more information about the moratorium and who is covered, visit the CDC COVID-19 website. Alexandria residents who have received eviction notices should call the Office of Housing at 703.746.4990 for assistance. Learn more about resources for renters, homeowners and landlords at alexandriava.gov/Housing. 

CDC Recommends Safer Summer Activities

The CDC has released simplified guidance on which summer activities are safe and responsible choices based on vaccination status. The CDC cautions unvaccinated people to continue wearing a mask, maintaining six feet of physical distance, and washing their hands. Fully vaccinated people can resume the activities that they did before the pandemic.

Mental Health Toll on Public Health Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on the mental health of public health workers, as shown in the results of a study released by the CDC of more than 26,000 public health workers. Conducted from March 29–April 16, the survey measured symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation in participants. The CDC reports that 53% of public health workers had experienced symptoms of at least one mental health condition in the previous two weeks during the survey period. The report cites long work hours, limited time off, the prolonged demand for responding to the pandemic, and implementing an unprecedented vaccination campaign as driving the mental health outcomes. 

The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) encouraged staff to participate in the CDC survey and has offered mental health resources to their staff throughout the pandemic. In addition to facilitating online and in-person options for therapy, and disseminating mental health and wellness resources, AHD is now encouraging public health staff to take time off. Mental health support is available for anyone who needs help. Visit the City’s coping resources webpage for information.

Prenatal Coverage for Undocumented Individuals

As Virginians have dealt with the immediate and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on their health and the health of their families, access to affordable health insurance has become more important. Starting July 1, uninsured and undocumented pregnant individuals living in Virginia may be eligible for FAMIS Prenatal Coverage. FAMIS is free, with no premiums, copays, or other costs. Participants do not need to meet immigration status rules, provide immigration documents, or have a Social Security number. The program offers comprehensive medical coverage, including doctor visits, prescription medications, prenatal screening, testing, dental benefits, behavioral health, hospital stay for the birth, and postnatal mental health support. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply online.

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 12 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. 



The vaccination chart uses the most recent vaccination data in the Virginia Department of Health's Virginia Immunization Information System database. Health care providers have up to 72 hours after vaccine administration to input information into the database. The chart may not reflect all administered vaccinations as of the report date. Doses administered by federal agencies or outside of Virginia are not reported to VIIS; and are not included in the dashboard. Therefore, the total number of residents vaccinated is likely an underestimate.The City of Alexandria has chosen to use “partially vaccinated” and “fully vaccinated” rather than “at least one dose” to avoid the double counting of residents who received the J&J vaccine. 

Partially Vaccinated: Total number or percent of people who received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine course (i.e. the first dose of the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine).

Fully Vaccinated: Total number or percent of people who have completed the recommended series of a given vaccine product (i.e. two doses of the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or one dose of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine).

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. 

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