Alexandria Coronavirus Update: 248 Cases, 2 New Deaths

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Tuesday night, the Alexandria Health Department reported two additional deaths related to the new coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 illness. The number of cases stands at 248 cases, and the city reported four total deaths. As of April 14, 1,194 Alexandria residents have been tested.

The health department says it is not disclosing details of patient who died or the other cases for privacy reasons. Relevant information will only be released if "there is a public health need to do so."

Since last Monday, April 6, cases have nearly doubled from 130 to 248. The health department attributed the rise in cases to community spread and additional testing capacity through health care providers. The health department asks all residents to follow Gov. Ralph Northam's stay-at-home order even if they're ill. Under the order, residents can go out for essential tasks such as obtaining food and medical care as well as outdoor exercise.

All confirmed cases are contacted by health department officials to provide guidance to close contacts. A close contact is defined as an individual within six feet of a confirmed case for more than 10 minutes. The health department is also reaching out to close contacts of confirmed cases in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, health care centers and other high-risk settings. Close contacts are advised to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms. The health department advises individuals to seek medical care if symptoms are severe or if they're health care workers or first responders. Anyone believed to be a close contact of a confirmed case can call the Alexandria COVID-19 information line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are coughing, fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and shortness of breath; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a coronavirus self-checker to review your symptoms. Individuals should call a doctor before visiting in person to inquire about testing.

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The CDC is recommending individuals wear cloth face coverings in public when physical distancing is hard to maintain. Public health officials say these coverings won't prevent individuals from being exposed to COVID-19, but it will help from transmitting it to others. The health department urges the general public not to use surgical masks or N95 respirators, since these are limited supplies needed for health care workers and first responders. Residents can donate N95 respirators, surgical masks and other personal protective equipment by filling out the city's form.

Restaurants continue to operate with only takeout and delivery under Northam's executive order. The order expires on April 23, but Northam indicated he wants to extend the order, which also closes non-essential recreation and entertainment businesses. Northam directed the Virginia ABC to allow restaurants with the proper licenses to offer carryout and delivery of beer, wine and mixed drinks. Under Alexandria city code, carrying of open containers of alcohol in public is banned. This applies to parks, streets, sidewalks, alleys, and any other public or private property open to the public, and includes vehicles in those locations. Residents are asked to consume alcoholic beverages at home.

Despite the continuing coronavirus crisis, there are some bright spots as the community helps neighbors in need. Feed a Hero, which provides 100 meals a day to Northern Virginia health care workers and other front-line workers, has included Inova Alexandria Hospital as a recipient. On Sunday, the hospital reported that Amphora Catering provided lunches to workers through Feed a Hero.

ALIVE! continues to offer emergency food assistance with Saturday pick ups. On April 10, ALIVE! received a donation of over 1,500 pounds of food from Lidl. The Alexandria Sheriff's Department assisted Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority staff to bag and distribute food to residents.

April 15 marks the 10th anniversary of Spring2ACTion, the one-day fundraiser to support community organizations. 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 9, it awarded over $525,000 in grants to 59 local nonprofits.

Residents can find other ways to help at www.volunteeralexandria.org and the Alexandrians Supporting Alexandrians During COVID Facebook group.

For the latest public health information on COVID-19 and city operating changes, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus and sign up for alerts by texting ALEXCOVID19 to 888777. Questions can be directed to the Alexandria COVID-19 information line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SEE ALSO:

• Alexandria Retirement Home Resident Positive For Coronavirus
• Greater Alexandria Businesses Open, Closed During Coronavirus
• Northam Plans To Extend Order For Non-Essential Business Closures
• Virginia Coronavirus: 5,747 Cases, Fairfax Has 200+ Hospitalized
• Fresh Market To Require Customers To Wear Face Coverings In NoVA