Coronavirus Positive Rates Down: Alexandria ZIP Code Data

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The latest coronavirus data by zip code from the Alexandria Health Department shows an improvement in the percent positive rate over the last month. Although cumulative cases are increasing, there has been a recent decline in the number of new cases.

As of Friday, Alexandria has 2,127 cases, 218 hospitalizations and 48 deaths. Cases increased by two since Thursday and by 10 on the previous day. The city's highest increase in daily cases had been 65 on May 13.

Hospital capacity in Alexandria is sufficient, and the number of COVID-19 patients have declined. Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said in a Thursday night virtual town hall there are 19 COVID-19 patients at Inova Alexandria Hospital, the lowest number during the crisis. The hospital is at 65 percent capacity, which is seen as a normal rate and accounts for elective procedures.

Inova Health System as a whole has about 8,500 positive test results among 39,000 individuals tested. There have been 317 coronavirus deaths at Inova facilities and 2,311 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals.

Testing stands at 11,219 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or nasal swab tests conducted in the city. When including antibody tests, that total is 12,801. Wilson estimated over 7 percent of the city's population has been tested based on per capita data.

The most recent 7-day moving average of percent positive tests was 7.5 percent on June 7. Wilson said it is the lowest rate the city has had since the crisis began.

The latest ZIP code data for Alexandria shows percent positive improvements in different areas. Here is the comparison of data from June 9 to data from May 7:

22301, population of 15,171

• May 7: 35 cases, 12.4 percent positive rate, 2.3 cases per 1,000
• June 9: 68 cases, 9.9 percent positive rate, 4.5 cases per 1,000

22302, population of 20,238

• May 7: 101 cases, 26.7 percent positive rate, 5 cases per 1,000
• June 9: 220 cases, 16.1 percent positive rate, 10.9 cases per 1,000

22304, population of 54,003

• May 7: 296 cases, 25.9 percent positive rate, 5.5 cases per 1,000
• June 9: 611 cases, 17.9 percent positive rate, 11.3 cases per 1,000

22305, population of 16,095

• May 7: 317 cases, 55.4 percent positive rate, 19.7 cases per 1,000
• June 9: 572 cases, 30.1 percent positive rate, 35.5 cases per 1,000

22311 (shared with Fairfax County): population of 16,898

• May 7: 190 cases, 36.8 percent positive rate
• June 9: 417 cases, 21.6 percent positive rate

22312 (shared with Fairfax County), population of 6,901

• May 7: 196 cases, 29.7 percent positive rate
• June 9: 529 cases, 25.8 percent positive rate

22314, population of 47,826

• May 7: 113 cases, 16.4 percent positive rate, 2.4 cases per 1,000
• June 9: 185 cases, 11.2 percent positive rate, 3.9 cases per 1,000

The health department noted that the ZIP codes with the highest rate of cases are those with the higher concentrations of poverty, lower education levels, and crowded housing conditions. Officials believe inequities in economic opportunities, affordable housing and health care creates disproportionate rates of chronic health issues, which in turn make these individuals at higher risk for severe illness from the virus.

"Additionally, these community members are more likely to work in jobs where they are underpaid; do not receive paid sick leave; and are not afforded telework opportunities, creating additional risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus," reads a news release from the city and health department.

The health department urges residents to continue precautions, as community spread is present in the region and asymptomatic people may have the virus. According to health officials, residents are "safer at home," particularly those at higher risk for severe illness.

With phase two of reopening starting Friday, more coronavirus-related restrictions are being eased in Alexandria. The health department says people who go out should stay six feet apart from others, wear a cloth face covering over the nose and mouth when physical distancing cannot be maintained and in indoor public spaces, and continue hand washing.

SEE ALSO:

• Alexandria's May 25 Testing Events Have 8 Percent Positive Rate
• Block Of King Street Remains Closed For Phase 2 In Alexandria