Two More COVID-19 Deaths in Alexandria, Cases Jump to 421

Two more people have died in Alexandria due to COVID-19, bringing the death toll from the virus to 10.

The city now has 421 positive or probable cases of the virus, an addition of 38 new cases, which is the biggest surge since the first case was announced on March 11, according to a city announcement.

The Alexandria Health Department will not release any information on the fatalities, and yesterday, the city announced that the Virginia Department of Health is now counting probable cases in their total numbers.

“Probable cases include symptomatic patients diagnosed in a clinical setting, but not tested. This change in case categorization provides a more accurate picture of how COVID-19 is impacting Alexandria,” the city release said.

Statewide, there are 8,990 cases and there have been 300 deaths, according to VDH.

The full breakdown of the spread so far:

• March 11 — First positive case reported
• March 15 — Second positive case reported
• March  17 — Fourth positive case reported
• March 24 — The number of cases jumps to 13
• March 25 — The number of cases increases to 14
• March 26 — The number of cases increases to 20
• March 27 — The number of cases increases to 24
• March 28 — The number of cases increases to 28
• March 29 — The number of cases increases to 32
• March 31 — The number of cases increases to 44
• April 1 — The number of cases increases to 55
• April 2 — The number of cases increases to 67
• April 3 — The number of cases increases to 77
• April 4 — The number of cases increases to 93
• April 5 — The number of cases increases to 104
• April 6 — The number of cases increases to 130 (First fatality reported)
• April 7 — The number of cases increases to 141
• April 8 — The number of cases increases to 149
• April 9 — The number of cases increases to 170
• April 10 — The number of cases increases to 181
• April 11 — The number of cases increases to 200
• April 12 — The number of cases increases to 225
• April 13 — The number of cases increases to 241 (Second fatality reported)
• April 14 — The number of cases increases to 248 (Third and fourth fatalities reported)
• April 15 — The number of cases increases to 273 (Fifth and sixth fatalities reported)
• April 16 — The number of cases increases to 303 (Seventh fatality reported)
• April 17 — The number of cases increases to 321
• April 18 — The number of cases increases to 354
• April 19 — The number of cases increases to 383 (Eighth fatality reported)
• April 20 — The number of cases increases to 421 (Ninth and tenth fatalities reported)

According to the city:

If You Have Symptoms of COVID-19

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are coughing, fever of over 100.4 F, and shortness of breath. Use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker to review your symptoms. If you are concerned you may have COVID-19, call your healthcare provider to ask whether you should come for an exam or test before visiting in person, or consult a list of resources for patients without a primary care physician or health insurance (also available in Spanish, Amharic and  Arabic). Most people who get COVID-19 recover on their own at home and do not need testing or treatment. Anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness should isolate themselves; avoid contact with other people; wash their hands frequently; and disinfect surfaces regularly.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and believe you’ve been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Alexandria Health Department does not provide COVID-19 diagnosis or testing. If you need a letter about your health status, contact your healthcare provider. If AHD has contacted you directly for active monitoring or quarantine, AHD can provide a letter for your employer clearing you to return to work once that is complete.

Protect Yourself and Others, Especially Vulnerable Community Members

• Stay Home. Do not leave your home unless it is essential, such as to purchase groceries or obtain medical care. It is especially important to stay home if you are feeling sick, and to avoid close contact with people in your home who are sick.
• Practice physical distancing. Stay at least 6 feet apart from other people whenever possible.
• Cover Your Face. If you must leave your home and cannot stay at least 6 feet apart from other people, use a cloth face covering.
• Wash Your Hands. Rub hands together with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use Hand Sanitizer. If you can’t wash your hands, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as you would wash your hands, rubbing them together for 20 seconds.
• Don’t Touch Your Face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Use Your Elbow. Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
• Disinfect Surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Manage Stress. The CDC recommends taking breaks from exposure to the news; take deep breaths or meditate; try to eat healthy; get sleep or rest; make time to do activities you enjoy; and connect with others to share your feelings.