News

City Issues Self-Quarantine Advisory After COVID Outbreak at West End Church

The Alexandria Health Department has issued a self-quarantine advisory for anyone who attended Kidane Mehret Church (75 S. Bragg Street) in the West End from August 14-17.

“Anyone who entered the building or was on the church grounds on August 14, 15, 16 or 17 may have been exposed to the virus and should immediately stay home and away from others for 14 days from their last visit to the church, and monitor for symptoms,” the city said in a news release. “Visitors to the church on those days should avoid having guests visit them, not share items like towels and plates, stay at least six feet away from others, and wear a mask when around people who have not had the same exposure.”

Anyone who was at the Ethiopian Eastern Orthodox church on those dates is asked to call 703-309-8276 for help.

It is not clear how many cases resulted from the outbreak.

There have been 18 total outbreaks across the city since the pandemic started in Alexandria with the first reported case on March 11, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Those outbreaks have resulted in 279 associated COVID cases in the city. Six outbreaks occurred in a congregate setting, which includes churches.

https://www.facebook.com/jmwvcu/posts/10157236100840896

Map via Google Maps — Image via Kidane Mehret Church/Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.