Social Distancing Urged By Alexandria Health Department

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Health Department provided guidance to residents amid the evolving new coronavirus, or COVID-19, situation. Health officials say the risk to Alexandria remains low because its two presumptive positive cases are directly linked to known cases.

As of Sunday, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed one death and 45 presumptive positive cases. In Alexandria, the latest case involves a resident who attended a Feb. 25 DC conference and had close contact with an individual later confirmed to have COVID-19. The resident began feeling ill on an international trip, self-quarantined upon returning to Alexandria on March 6 and was monitored for symptoms. The individual was tested at Inova Alexandria Hospital, was released and is doing well under isolation at home.

The other Alexandria case involves a resident who had close contact with a DC resident with COVID-19 who is associated with Christ Church in Georgetown. That DC resident spent time at the Immanuel Chapel of the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria.

Presumptive positive cases must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Alexandria Health Department maintained that most people can continue public activities if practicing social distancing. That means keeping six feet of personal space when possible as well as frequently washing hands or using hand sanitizer. Individuals who are sick are advised to stay home.

According to the Centers for Disease Control or Prevention, it's especially important for individuals with higher risk for severe illness to reduce their risk of exposure. There is a higher risk of severe illness for older adults and people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.

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Anyone who experiences the common symptoms of COVID-19 (coughing, fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and shortness of breath) should call a primary care physician to ask about getting an exam or test. A person who shows symptoms of respiratory illness should isolate at home, avoid contact with people, wash hands frequently, and disinfect surfaces regularly.

"Most people who get COVID-19 recover on their own at home and do not need testing or treatment," the Alexandria Health Department states on its COVID-19 information page.

Large gatherings will be limited after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a ban on gatherings of 100 or more people. The Alexandria Health Department is giving guidance to city agencies, community partners, businesses and other groups on gatherings of less than 100 people to decide on cancellations or modifications. The CDC is recommending events 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed for the next eight weeks. This does not apply to day-to-day operation of organizations like schools, institutes of higher learning or businesses. Recommendations can change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Residents can seek official information on COVID-19 and city service operations on the Alexandria COVID-19 page. Other resources include the Virginia Department of Health and CDC. 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:

• VA Governor Bans Gatherings Of 100 Or More Due To Coronavirus
• Second Presumptive New Coronavirus Case Identified In Alexandria
• Alexandria's First Presumptive New Coronavirus Case Confirmed