Post Content

The High Cost of Combating COVID-19 in Alexandria

Alexandria has spent $5 million on new expenses to combat COVID-19 related problems, and in a town hall last night, Mayor Justin Wilson said he expects that number to double by the end of the pandemic.

“[We’ve] spent $5 million on COVID expenses,” Wilson said. “That’s things like hotel rooms for quarantine, hazard pay, things like that; a lot of emergent expenses.”

Wilson said that will likely reach a total of $10 million before the pandemic’s end. Wilson said much of that is expected to be covered by $20-27 million in federal support, which must be dedicated to new costs rather than filling the sudden holes in the city budget.

How that support is allocated is expected to be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting on Tuesday (May 12), Wilson said.

Additional expenses Wilson said the funding could go to address include food insecurity, rental assistance for local residents out of work and unable to afford housing, and small business assistance.

There are also investments in public health, as well as contact tracing, that Wilson said is likely to remain an investment in place for a long time.

In total, Wilson said 127 people have been hospitalized in Alexandria due to coronavirus and 29 have died. Hospitals are at 75% capacity.

While data broken down by zip codes showed high numbers testing high for coronavirus in Arlandria and the West End, Wilson said some of that is likely due to significant testing work being done in those areas.

“We have a much broader scope of people being tested there,” Wilson said.

Staff photo by James Cullum

Recent Stories

A look at the most and least expensive townhouses sold in Alexandria last month, August 2023.

Alexandria City Public Schools saw a 26% increase in student arrests last school year, and a disproportionate number of arrested students are Black males. There were 58 ACPS students arrested…

This weekend allows you to tour historic homes in Old Town (81st Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour), celebrate German style beers at Port City Brewing Company (Wunderfest), and much more….

Elevate your idea of elegance to new heights as you dive into luxury living like never before at Towngate North! With the recent completion of the final condominium building in…

Made in Alexandria Fall Makers’ Market

The Made in ALX Fall Makers’ Market at Port City Brewing Co. in Alexandria is set for Sunday, Sept. 24!

This is the fall’s most fun sip-and-shop, featuring craft beer from the award-winning Port City Brewing Co. along with food,

2023 Alexandria Fall Festival

Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list