Alexandria Coronavirus: First Death Reported, Cases Top 100

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Monday, the Alexandria Health Department confirmed the first death of a patient who tested positive for the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19. The hospitalized patient died from respiratory complications from COVID-19.

The health department has identified and reached out to close contacts of the patient. Additional information about the patient is not being released for privacy reasons.

"My colleagues and I are saddened by the first confirmed death of an Alexandria resident due to COVID-19, and our thoughts are with their loved ones," said AHD Director Dr. Stephen A. Haering. “The best way to honor our neighbor is to recommit ourselves to the most effective ways to stop this virus: stay at home as much as possible, wash hands frequently, and maintain six feet of personal space whenever you can."

The health department confirmed 26 additional cases on Monday, bringing the total to 130. The neighboring Fairfax Health District had 488 cases and six deaths as of Monday, while the state health department website reported 203 cases in Arlington. Arlington County had reported two deaths.

The Alexandria Health Department said Sunday many recent positive cases come from tests done four to eight days ago. Health officials said the four to eight day wait for test results is all the more reason for residents to stay home when possible. The rise in cases is attributed to increased testing capacity through healthcare providers and a likely increase in community spread.

The health department contacts all confirmed cases to give guidance to their close contacts. Officials are also reaching out to close contacts of confirmed cases in high risk settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities and healthcare centers. Close contacts are defined as people within six feet of confirmed cases for more than 10 minutes. These people are asked to self-quarantine and monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms, and they'll be tested if they experience symptoms.

Public health officials recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public when physical distancing is hard to maintain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these coverings won't prevent individuals from being exposed to COVID-19, but it will help from transmitting it to others. The face coverings are only effective is used with frequent hand washing and staying at least six feet away from other people. They should not be used on children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove the covering without help. See the health department's video on how to properly make and use a cloth face covering.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Alexandria as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

The general public is urged not to use surgical masks or N95 respirators, which are in limited supply and needed for healthcare workers and first responders. The city is collecting donations of personal protective equipment on behalf of healthcare facilities. Needed donations include surgical masks, N95 respirators (masks), disposable gowns, face shields, disposable coveralls, gloves and hand sanitizer. Homemade items are not accepted.

The city urges residents to follow Gov. Ralph Northam's stay-at-home order, which allows for residents to go out for essential tasks. Residents can continue going out for tasks like obtaining food, medical care other essential services, traveling to and from work, taking care of other persons or care for animals, visiting a relative and exercising outdoors with social distancing.

There are numerous ways to help neighbors in need during the public health crisis. Spring2ACTion, the one-day fundraiser to support community organizations, is coming up on April 15. Early donating is available at www.spring2action.org. ACT for Alexandria, the nonprofit organizing Spring2ACTion, also has an ACT Now COVID-19 Response Fund to provide emergency funding to nonprofits offering critical services. As of April 2, it awarded over $350,000 in grants to 39 groups.

One of these groups, ALIVE! continues to provide emergency food assistance and other services for families in need. Its most recent food distribution event happened on April 4.

Residents can also check opportunities at www.volunteeralexandria.org and sharing ways to help in the Alexandrians Supporting Alexandrians During COVID Facebook group.

For updates about COVID-19 in Alexandria, text 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 public health information on COVID-19 in Alexandria is available at www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus.

SEE ALSO:

• Alexandria Places Of Worship Go Online Amid Coronavirus
• Cheesetique Supports Hospitality Staff During Coronavirus Impact
• Coronavirus Prompts Virtual Animal Adoptions In Alexandria
• Alexandria Farmers Markets Can Operate With Pre-Orders Only
• Alexandria Residents Asked To Reduce Waste In Time Of Coronavirus