Playgrounds, Most Alexandria Government Facilities Closed

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The City of Alexandria announced Sunday most of its facilities are closed, while the remainder are accessible by appointment only due to the new coronavirus outbreak. The closures impact the city's recreation centers, nature centers, art centers, museums, indoor historic sites and libraries. City Hall and other city facilities are open by appointment only.

The closures include 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. The Alexandria Health Department recommended these changes because public play areas continued to draw groups of more than 10 people despite public health recommendations against this practice.

The city's operating changes are intended to promote social distancing. The city will continue to re-evaluate its operating status based on the Alexandria Health Department's guidance and status of the outbreak.

"While these measures are intended to respond to staff shortages and the Governor’s call to avoid non-essential gatherings of more than 10 people, City government remains operational and we will do our best to serve customers through alternate means," said City Manager Mark Jinks.

Many services are available on the web at alexandriava.gov/Alex311. Residents can also call about services at 311 or 703-746-4311, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Voicemail is available after hours. If a request cannot be handled over the phone or online, city staff will accommodate an in-person meeting when possible.

Payments for taxes, fees, guest permits and parking citations can be made on the online payment portal, by mail (City of Alexandria, PO Box 1423 Alexandria, VA 22313-1423), or at the 24-hour payment drop box on the Royal Street side of City Hall for checks and money orders. Questions about payments should be directed to the Treasury Division at payments@alexandriava.gov or by phone at 311 or 703-746-4311.

City departments were directed to cancel or modify non-essential meetings, but in-person meetings of City Council or boards or commissions required by state law will continue. This includes budget work sessions. Members of the public are encouraged to check for ways to participate online or by phone and watch meetings online.

The Alexandria Health Department reported four presumptive positive cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. With public health officials reporting signs of community transmission in Northern Virginia, all residents are asked to change their behaviors and promote social distancing.

Individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and shortness of breath) should call their doctor to determine if they should come in for testing. The Centers for Disease Control Control and Prevention states that testing supplies are increasing, but patients may continue facing the challenge of finding a place to be tested. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves, avoid contact with others, wash hands often and disinfect surfaces frequently.

Questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the Alexandria COVID-19 information line at 703-746-4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or the Virginia Department of Health public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3. To get alerts, text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777.