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
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Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
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Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.
