On March 31, the Alexandria Health Department confirmed eight additional cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria, bringing the total to 44. The health department is identifying and contacting individuals who came in close contact with the confirmed cases. The close contacts will be asked to self-quarantine and actively monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms. If they start experiencing symptoms, they will immediately undergo testing.
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department strongly urge everyone to STAY HOME except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and keep six feet apart from others when in public. Your neighbors and loved ones are counting on you to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Farmers’ Markets Open for Pickup of Pre-Orders Only
Farmers’ market food vendors may offer only pickup of pre-ordered food. No food or other items may be displayed or offered for sampling or sale at the market location. Vendors who offer pre-ordering are listed at www.ALXatHome.com. Market managers have been asked to increase the distance between vendor stands, encourage handwashing and social distancing by vendors and customers, actively discourage lines, and ensure that customers who have picked up their orders exit promptly.
Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of medical and non-medical volunteers who support the Alexandria Health Department in emergency preparedness, response and recovery. In response to COVID-19, new volunteers are urged to join Alexandria MRC to help with staffing the call center and conducting community outreach to our most vulnerable populations. Training will be provided.
The City and AHD are distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) to high-priority groups, including first responders, healthcare workers and facilities supporting vulnerable populations. Community members and organizations are asked to consider donating clean, unused supplies. Acceptable supplies include surgical masks, N95 respirators (masks), disposable medical gowns, face shields, goggles, disposable medical coveralls, gloves and hand sanitizer. Homemade items are not being accepted at this time.
For other ways to help, visit Volunteer Alexandria.