Alexandria Coronavirus: What's Open Closed, Canceled

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As the outbreak of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to rapidly evolve, Alexandria is announcing operational changes. Cases are on the rise in Alexandria and Virginia, leading to closures, event cancellations and other impacts.

We're keeping track of the closings in Alexandria. See the list below, and let us know in the comments if we missed any closings. For the latest public health guidance on COVID-19, visit the websites Alexandria Health Department, Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alexandria's COVID-19 information line is available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 703-746-4988. Virginia residents can direct questions to the Virginia Department of Health public information line at 877-ASK-VDH3.

City of Alexandria government: City Hall and other city facilities that haven't closed are available by appointment only.

Alexandria City Public Schools: Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday public schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year. Find updates on the Alexandria City Public Schools website.

Courts: The Supreme Court of Virginia's judicial emergency order prompted changes in Alexandria Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

Animal shelter: Beginning Tuesday, March 17, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria's shelter is only available by appointment. With decreased adoptions anticipated, AWLA asks to only consider surrendering over the next two weeks in cases of emergency.

Libraries: Alexandria Library facilities will be closed and outreach services will be suspended from Wednesday, March 18 through Tuesday, March 31.

Meetings: The city manager directed all departments to evaluate each scheduled internal and public meeting and event on a rolling three to four-week basis, to determine if it is essential. Non-essential meetings or events will be cancelled or modified in consultation with the city manager’s office and the applicable board or commission chairs. A list of canceled meetings is provided at the end of the city's coronavirus update website.

Metro: Metro made additional service cuts and asks for riders to only take essential trips, covering personnel like hospital staff, government officials, and emergency responders.

Museums and historic sites: Office of Historic Alexandria closed its sites to the public on March 17 and has not announced a reopening date. Public programs at Office of Historic Alexandria sites through April 12 have been cancelled or rescheduled. The closure applies to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, Alexandria Black History Museum, Alexandria's History Museum at The Lyceum, Archives and Records Center, Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, Freedom House, Friendship Firehouse Museum, Gadsby's Tavern Museum and Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum.

Parking: Effective immediately, the city suspended enforcement of parking restrictions for residential street sweeping and the 72-hour rule. All other posted parking restrictions, including residential permit time limits and parking meters, continue. Applications for guest parking permits are available online. The city will work establish temporary curbside loading and pickup to assist with an increase in pickup and delivery in commercial corridors.

Recreation centers and parks: Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers will be closed March 20 through April 10 and all remaining City of Alexandria recreation centers are already closed. City of Alexandria parks and Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities indoor programs, classes and activities are suspended Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 21. Registration for classes, activities, programs and leagues happening in the spring and summer is moved to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1 for Alexandria residents and Friday, April 3 for nonresidents.

The city's and Alexandria City Public Schools' playgrounds, fenced fields, fenced basketball and tennis courts, fenced dog parks, and park amenities like restrooms and parking lots are closed. Unfenced parks, trails and fields remain open.

Restaurants: Visit Alexandria has compiled a list of restaurant offerings during the COVID-19 outbreak at www.visitalexandriava.com/alxathome. Information is subject to change, so check each individual business website for updates.

Trash and Recycling: Services continue, but residents are asked to keep trash and recycling within a can or cart, or in a tied or sealed plastic bag for the health and safety of collection crews. Loose trash set out curbside for collection will not be collected. The city is suspending yard waste, bulk material, and metal curbside collection, effective immediately, for at least two weeks.

Virginia Railway Express: Effective March 17, VRE will operate at a reduced "S" schedule level, and only trains marked with an "S" on the schedule will run. VRE Headquarters in Alexandria will be closed to visitors.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: Things To Know For Week Of March 22