BREAKING: First COVID-19 Fatality in Alexandria, Cases Jump to 130

The first death in Alexandria due to COVID-19 has been reported by the health department, and the number of cases jumped by 26 for a total of 130 cases in the city.

“My colleagues and I are saddened by the first confirmed death of an Alexandria resident due to COVID-19, and our thoughts are with their loved ones,” Dr. Stephen Haering, the city’s health director, said in a statement. “The best way to honor our neighbor is to recommit ourselves to the most effective ways to stop this virus: stay at home as much as possible, wash hands frequently, and maintain six feet of personal space whenever you can.”

The patient was hospitalized, and died of respiratory complications associated with COVID-19, according to the health department. The city has withheld their age, sex and identity.

Haering added, “Everyone has a role in reducing the impacts of this pandemic. We must all be vigilant to protect ourselves and especially our most vulnerable community members.”

The 26 new cases is the largest increase in the city since the first case was reported on March 11. There have been 86 new cases in the month of April alone.

The full breakdown in Alexandria is below:

• March 11 — First positive case reported
• March 15 — Second positive case reported
• March  17 — Fourth positive case reported
• March 24 — The number of cases jumps to 13
• March 25 — The number of cases increases to 14
• March 26 — The number of cases increases to 20
• March 27 — The number of cases increases to 24
• March 28 — The number of cases increases to 28
• March 29 — The number of cases increases to 32
• March 31 — The number of cases increases to 44
• April 1 — The number of cases increases to 55
• April 2 — The number of cases increases to 67
• April 3 — The number of cases increases to 77
• April 4 — The number of cases increases to 93
• April 5 — The number of cases increases to 104
• April 6 — The number of cases increases to 130

There have been 54 deaths and there are now more than 2,800 cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health.