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.

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