News | ALXnow - Part 990

Morning Notes

Published March 12, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated March 12, 2020 at 10:12AM

Senior Communities Taking Extra Precautions — “In Alexandria specifically, we are screening visitors as they come in the door. We’re checking temperatures, [and] doing questionnaire work.” [WAMU]

NOVA Shifts to Remote Learning — “With growing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19, Northern Virginia Community College, NOVA, is shifting to remote learning for all students beginning March 18. All classes will be cancelled March 16-17 to allow for the transition, according to a statement from the school.” [InsideNova]

Alexandria Resident Tests Presumptive Positive For Coronavirus

By James Cullum

Published March 12, 2020 at 12:45AM | Updated March 12, 2020 at 6:32AM

Virginia Theological Seminary (Photo via Virginia Theological Seminary/Facebook)

An Alexandria resident has tested “presumptive positive” for the COVID-19 coronavirus, the Health Department announced on Wednesday night.

In a late-night press release, the city said that the resident tested positive after being in close contact with an infected Washington, D.C. resident who spent time at the Immanuel Chapel of the Virginia Theological Seminary. The city said that worshipers and visitors to the chapel between Feb. 26 and March 4 should monitor themselves for symptoms.

Expansion, Changes Planned for Campagna Center in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published March 11, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated March 12, 2020 at 12:31PM

Model of new Campagna Center addition (photo via Winstanley Architects & Planners)

(Updated 3/12/20) The Campagna Center in Old Town could be getting a facelift and a new addition as the local early learning organization struggles to find a way to make good use of their historic, but in many ways outdated, building.

Plans submitted to Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review show a new expansion of the building at 418 S. Washington Street.

Police: Three Arrested for West End Carjacking, Armed Robbery

By James Cullum

Published March 11, 2020 at 3:15PM

Police car lights (file photo)

Two men and a juvenile have been arrested for an armed robbery and carjacking near the Mark Center in the West End last month.

At around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, an Alexandria man and woman were parking his car in the 5500 block of Forrestal Ave. when they were reportedly approached by four males wearing ski masks. According to police, the suspects opened the driver and passenger-side doors, punched the victims multiple times, and threatened to shoot them.

City Council Sets Tax Rate Cap, Adds Cushion For Budget Deliberations

By James Cullum

Published March 11, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated March 11, 2020 at 2:17PM

Alexandria City Councilman John T. Chapman (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $1.155 real estate tax rate cap per $100 of assessed value — potentially a 2.5 cent increase — for the proposed city budget.

City Councilman John Taylor Chapman proposed that council approve a half cent more than the $1.15 rate proposed by City Manager Mark Jinks last month. That half cent equates to $2.1 million, which Chapman says is a cushion that will allow council to add budget items without making cuts.

March150 Returns to Torpedo Factory in Old Town for 10 Year Anniversary

By Vernon Miles

Published March 11, 2020 at 11:30AM

Annual art exhibition March150 is coming back to the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union Street) this Saturday with a celebration of the show’s 10 year anniversary.

The multimedia exhibit in the Target Gallery of the building will feature over 200 works from artists in Alexandria and throughout the D.C. area. An opening reception is scheduled for this coming Saturday, March 14.

City Readies for Imminent Coronavirus Outbreak

By James Cullum

Published March 11, 2020 at 10:00AM | Updated March 11, 2020 at 10:18AM

The coronavirus is coming to Alexandria, if it’s not here already, and the Alexandria Health Department is asking residents to wash their hands and to be mindful as the city prepares to keep its services running with fewer staff.

“We know we’re going to get it here. It’s just a matter of time when we get it here,” Alexandria Health Department Director Dr. Stephen Haering told city council on Tuesday night.

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 11, 2020 at 9:00AM

School System Gives Parents Update on Coronavirus — “We are finalizing our operational and instructional plan should we need to close for any length of time… Anyone with a fever should stay home from school for at least 24 hours after the fever has gone without the use of medication. Individuals who need medical care should contact their primary care physician. Anyone who has come into contact with anyone confirmed with coronavirus should contact the Alexandria Health Department. Potentially impacted schools will be thoroughly cleaned overnight.” [ACPS]

CVS to Waive Prescription Delivery Fees — “CVS Health announced Monday that beginning immediately, the drugstore chain will ‘waive charges for home delivery of prescription medication,’ including locations in Alexandria… With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraging people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, this is a convenient option to avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills of prescriptions.” [Patch]

City: Coronavirus Patient Visited Virginia Theological Seminary

By ALXnow.com

Published March 10, 2020 at 9:10PM

Virginia Theological Seminary (Photo via Virginia Theological Seminary/Facebook)

A person who tested positive for the coronavirus spent time in a chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary, the City of Alexandria announced Tuesday night.

In a press release, the city said that worshipers and visitors to Immanuel Chapel between Feb. 26 and March 4 should monitor themselves for symptoms.

Inova Plans to Open Oakville Triangle HealthPlex in Fall 2023

By James Cullum

Published March 10, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated March 10, 2020 at 5:18PM

Inova Alexandria Hospital (Image via Inova Alexandria Hospital/Facebook)

Inova Alexandria Hospital plans to accommodate development at National Landing and Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus by expanding it services with a new HealthPlex in the city’s Oakville Triangle neighborhood.

The proposed facility will offer emergency room services, an outpatient care center and medical offices. Construction is expected begin next year, and the facility is slated to open at the corner of Fannon Street and Richmond Highway in the fall of 2023.

Alexandria Man Arrested for Sex With 16-Year-Old He Met on Snapchat

By James Cullum

Published March 10, 2020 at 3:15PM | Updated March 10, 2020 at 3:56PM

A 59-year-old Alexandria man has been arrested and is in a North Carolina jail for alleged sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl.

John DiGeronimo, an electrical engineer who worked at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, is accused of dropping off packets of pornography — depicting the the 16-year-old engaging in sexual activity with a much older man in front of her high school — in front of her house and in front of her boyfriend’s house.