With COVID-19 numbers sharply rising in Alexandria, the city is advising parents to expect cases at schools and daycares.
So far this month, 14 cases have been reported in Alexandria City Public Schools.
In the event of an outbreak, the Alexandria Health Department will call or email family members of close contacts to see whether children are having any COVID-19 symptoms, how to quarantine and other next steps.
“Prepare in advance by learning what to expect,” the city said in a release. “Your child’s school or daycare should send a general notification letter indicating that there was an exposure and they will work with the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) to identify close contacts.”
Alexandria saw a 235% increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in August over July, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The city entered into a “high” level of transmission on August 15, up from “substantial” in July and “moderate” and “low” transmission levels in June and May. Unvaccinated residents account for the jump in the numbers, according to VDH.
There has been a recent dip in the average of new cases, as much higher case counts were reported last week.
As of August 31, there have been 12,817 reported cases of COVID-19 in the city, an increase of 163 cases since this time last week. The death toll from the virus stands at 142.
Alexandria has a goal of fully vaccinating 110,000 residents — 80% of the population — a goal that the city says it has already reached.
So far, 86,154 residents have been fully vaccinated, and 99,605 residents have been partially vaccinated. Just over 63% of residents over the age of 18 have been vaccinated, and so have 78% of seniors.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.

If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
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.