Alexandria Coronavirus: 55 Cases; Protective Gear Sought

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria has 55 cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the health department reported late Wednesday. The city is urging residents to follow Virginia's Gov. Ralph Northam's "stay at home" order, except for essential trips like obtaining food or medical care.

The health department expects the number of cases to increase as a result of close contact investigations and expanded testing through private health care providers. However, limited testing capacity continues to impact the number of tests that can be done by the state and commercial laboratories. Some health care providers are also lacking personal protective equipment needed to protect doctors while testing.

The Alexandria Health Department and city are seeking clean, unused personal protective equipment to distribute to high-priority groups like first responders, healthcare workers and facilities supporting vulnerable populations. Needed donations include surgical masks, N95 respirators (masks), disposable gowns, face shields, disposable coveralls, gloves and hand sanitizer. Homemade items are not accepted. Make a donation by filling out the city's online form.

Inova Health System, which runs Alexandria's hospital, is also accepting donations. Inova needs unused, unopened packages of masks and gloves, face shields, hand sanitizer, bleach or bleach wipes, paper disposable gowns and goggles.

Medical and non-medical volunteers are sought for the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps, which responds to public health emergencies like COVID-19. Volunteers staff the call center and perform outreach to vulnerable populations. Training is provided to volunteers. More information is available at www.alexandriava.gov/MedicalReserve.

Alexandria's winter shelter continues to run from noon to 7 a.m through April 15. Pickups will continue to happen at 6:20 p.m. at the Braddock Road Metro Station, 6:30 p.m. at Christ House, and 6:40 p.m. at City Hall. City residents can find information about housing relief from the Office of Housing and emergency food resources from www.hungerfreealexandria.com.

All city government facilities, including City Hall, are closed to the public or open by appointment only until further notice. The city and school district closed their playgrounds; fenced fields; fenced basketball and tennis courts; fenced dog parks; park restrooms and parking lots; and recreation, nature and art centers. Unfenced parks, trails and fields remain open. Alexandria City Public Schools are closed through the end of the academic year under Northam's executive order.

Northam's March 23 order also directed restaurants to close dining areas and operate with takeout and delivery only. Non-essential recreation and entertainment businesses were directed to close, while businesses considered essential can operate with regular hours. Northam also banned gatherings of more than 10 people. The order is in effect through April 23; the "stay at home" order is in effect until June 10, unless changed or rescinded by another executive order.

The city's website has a new question and answer page with health information about COVID-19. The health department identifies and contacts individuals who are close contacts with positive COVID-19 cases. Close contacts are directed to self-quarantine and monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms, and close contacts who experience symptoms will be tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and believe you've had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 information line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Those with symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and shortness of breath) should contact their health care provider to ask about whether they can be tested.

The health department recommends the following actions to protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands: Rub hands together with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer: If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol as you would wash your hands, rubbing them together for 20 seconds.
• Don’t touch your face: Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home: If you are feeling sick, stay home. If you are well, avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Use your elbow: Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
• Disinfect surfaces: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Manage stress: The CDC recommends taking breaks from exposure to the news; take deep breaths or meditate; try to eat healthy; get sleep or rest; make time to do activities you enjoy; and connect with others to share your feelings.

Residents can get updates about COVID-19 by texting ALEXCOVID19 to 888777. The Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line is available for questions weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 703-746-4988. More information on the COVID-19 impact in Alexandria is available at www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.