Alexandria Coronavirus Updates: 77 Cases, New Budget Projections

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, continue to rise in Alexandria as impacts to city operations, schools, businesses and resident needs are seen. As of Friday night, the Alexandria Health Department confirmed 10 new cases, bringing the total to 77 COVID-19 cases. No deaths have been reported.

The health department has seen cases increase due to expanded testing through private providers as well as close contact investigations. The health department doesn't perform testing, but it does investigate and contact people who had close contact with confirmed cases. Close contacts are asked to self-quarantine and monitor for symptoms; they undergo testing if symptoms appear.

The number of positive COVID-19 cases reached 2,012 in Virginia on Friday, with deaths now standing at 46, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The 2,012 positive cases of the coronavirus, includes 312 hospitalizations, up from 246 hospitalizations on Thursday.

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.

Here's the latest news and updates in Alexandria:

Budget

On April 1, City Council held a virtual budget work session to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on revenues and the proposed budget. New projections show a $35.8 million budget gap for the current fiscal year revenues and estimated $56.4 million difference from the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2021 budget revenues. Strategies identified to address the $35.8 million budget shortfall could include spending reductions and savings, deferring capital projects, using bond interest earnings and the fund balance, and emphasizing essential spending. For the fiscal year 2021 budget, strategies could include deferring the city manager's proposed 2-cent real estate tax hike, reducing the operating transfer to Alexandria City Public Schools, defer compensation increases and defer city and school capital projects. The city could also plan to freeze hiring with few exceptions in both fiscal years.

City government

The city's recreation, nature and art centers, museums and indoor historic sites, and libraries are closed to the public. Other facilities, including City Hall, are 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.

Trash and recycling

The city's trash and recycling services continue, but yard waste, bulk material, and metal curbside collection is suspended until further notice. The Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Center is closed until further notice. Food waste drop-off stations at farmers markets are suspended; residents are asked to compost in their yards or throw items in the trash. Mulch delivery will be postponed. Residents are asked to secure trash in a tied or sealed plastic bag inside city collection bins or carts, while recycling material should be put in the blue city recycling bin cart or a paper bag.

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Parking

The city has suspended enforcement of time restrictions for the general public in residential parking permit zones, weekend time restrictions and meter fees on blocks with pay stations, time restrictions for street sweeping, and the 72-hour parking rule. A valid state inspection sticker does not need to be displayed until further notice. Enforcement of other restrictions, including no parking zones and time limits in commercial areas, will continue.

Businesses

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has created a webpage detailing assistance for Alexandria businesses. Non-essential recreation and entertainment businesses were directed to close under Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's March 23 executive order, while restaurants had to close dining areas with takeout and delivery only. Businesses considered essential can operate normally. Alexandria's farmers markets are allowed to operate with pre-orders only.

Visit Alexandria has created a web page detailing restaurant, farmers market vendor and other business offerings at www.visitalexandriava.com/alxathome.

Schools

K-12 schools are closed through the end of the academic year under Northam's March 23 order. ACPS is providing daily updates to families on continuity of learning and other subjects.

ACPS food distribution centers and sites continue providing breakfast and lunch meals for ACPS students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. The sites will not be open on April 6, 8 and 10 due to spring break. The City of Alexandria will be operating grab-and-go meal distribution from T.C. Williams High School (on the Chinquapin side) on April 8 to 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Food and other assistance

On Saturday, April 4, ALIVE! will distribute up to four grocery bags of food per family from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at John Adams Elementary School and Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center. Other emergency food resources are posted at www.hungerfreealexandria.com.

The city has compiled a guide to housing relief programs, emergency safety net services and more resources

Renters and homeowners

A Virginia Supreme Court order suspends eviction proceedings suspended through April 26. The city encourages renters struggling to pay April rent to contact property owners. The city has asked property owners not to pursue evictions over late rent payments in April.

Residents should contact property owners or mortgage companies to inquire about alternative payment plans. Anyone needing guidance to avoid evictions or a foreclosure can call the city's Office of Housing at 703-746-4990. Income-eligible renters needing emergency rental assistance can call the Department of Community and Human Services at 703-746-5700.

Personal protective gear

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.

Donations to Inova Health System can be suggested at www.inova.org/donationsform.

Worship services

We've compiled a list of places of worship offering online services in Alexandria.

Animal shelter

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria has launched a virtual adoption process, and urgent community services continue, including the Pet Pantry, surrender of pets or found pets. Animal emergencies should be directed to the police line at 703-746-4444.