coronavirus | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published January 15, 2021 at 9:00AM

COVID-19 Deaths Now at 94 in Alexandria — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: 2,929 Alexandrians vaccinated; 3 additional deaths (94 total); Positive tests up 80 to 8,387 in the City (637 in last 7 days); 7-day Positivity Rate up to 10.5% 2 new hospitalizations.” [Twitter]

Northam Says Virginia Ready for Inauguration — “Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said his state is ‘ready’ as the FBI warned of possible violent demonstrations at capitols across the country, ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published January 13, 2021 at 9:00AM

Christ Church at 118 N. Washington Street in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Beyer Offers Condolences to Family of Fallen Capitol Officer — “Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick gave his life in the line of duty to keep us safe. I mourn his loss, and I send my deepest condolences to his family.” [Twitter]

Governor Making State of Commonwealth Speech Tonight — “Tune in tomorrow at 7:00 PM for my 2021 State of the Commonwealth address.” [Twitter]

News

Northam: Vaccine Event for ACPS Brings ‘Light at the End of the Tunnel’

By Vernon Miles

Published January 12, 2021 at 3:30PM

In contrast to the mainly virtual events of 2020, an in-person vaccination held at T.C. Williams High School today had an air of cautious optimism as Alexandria City Public Schools staff received the first round of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Governor Ralph Northam and Mayor Justin Wilson were in attendance, along with several others in the City Council and local leadership.

News

BREAKING: ACPS Delays Jan. 19 Reopening as COVID-19 Cases Rise

By James Cullum

Published January 11, 2021 at 4:30PM | Updated January 11, 2021 at 4:53PM

Alexandria City Public Schools has pushed back its planned partial reopening for young disabled students from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26.

Citing the increase in positive cases of COVID-19, the school system announced Monday (Jan. 11) that the students in kindergarten to second grade with disabilities instead go back to school on the date that is currently designated for special education students in grades 3-5, disabled students in grades K-5 and English learners in grades PreK-5.

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Three More COVID-19 Deaths in Alexandria, Cases Surpass 8,000

By James Cullum

Published January 11, 2021 at 1:30PM

Three more Alexandria residents have died from COVID-19, and the death toll from the virus now stands at 91. The city has reached 8,156 cases, an increase of 618 cases since this time last week.

The victims were two men and a woman, and one was in their 80s, another in their 70s and another in their 60s.

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Mayor: New Phase of Vaccine Opens to 1/4 of Virginians

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 10:50AM

After receiving approval from the state, Mayor Justin Wilson announced on Twitter than Alexandria is moving into the next phase of vaccine distribution.

The new wave of distribution, listed as 1B, opens up the vaccine to several new essential professions. Healthcare workers were able to recieve the vaccine under phase 1A.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 9:00AM

A man walks on a crane above construction in North Old Town Alexandria (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Black History Museum Asks for Help in Conservation Effort — “The Alexandria Black History Museum (BHM) is asking for help from the community. The museum hopes to apply for a conservation grant from the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM)… From Jan. 11 through 20, people can vote for their favorite artifact on the top ten list. The artifact with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award and $1,000 toward conservation work on the artifact.” [Zebra]

Nothing Bundt Cakes to Open on Duke Street — “Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening its first Alexandria location. The bakery will open at 4553 Duke St., replacing a Subway sandwich shop in the Shoppes at Foxchase in Alexandria’s West End.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

News

Superintendent Says Reopening Plan Uncertain, School Board Member Lorber Takes Fire for Comments

By James Cullum

Published January 8, 2021 at 2:30PM | Updated January 8, 2021 at 4:17PM

Students learning at home during the COVID-19 shutdown (Photo via ACPS/Facebook)

It’s uncertain whether Alexandria City Public Schools will open for in-person schooling on Jan. 19, despite a phased reentry plan that will be sent out to parents on Monday.

Superintendent Gregory Hutchings, Jr. told the School Board Thursday night that it is difficult to say with certainty that schools will reopen on Jan. 19 for young students with disabilities.

News

Mayor: Alexandria Faces $41 Million Budget Gap from COVID-19

By Vernon Miles

Published January 8, 2021 at 11:45AM

For the second straight budget cycle, the pandemic is rearing its ugly head in Alexandria.

In a virtual town hall last night, Mayor Justin Wilson offered a look at the behind-the-scenes back and forth between local, state and federal agencies as the city works to get some assistance to help cover an estimated $41 million shortfall.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 8, 2021 at 9:00AM

Looking east toward National Harbor from Waterfront Park in Old Town (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria Health Department Holding COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for High-Risk Groups — “The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is currently registering essential employees for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. The clinic is also open to residents with “underlying medical conditions and those over 65.” [Zebra]

New 12-Acre Park Coming to Mount Vernon Area of Fairfax — “By the end of this year, a new 12-acre park will open at the new North Hill development site. At a virtual meeting Wednesday evening, members of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) presented details on North Hill park.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

News

Alexandria Launches Free COVID Testing Kiosks

By Vernon Miles

Published January 6, 2021 at 11:45AM | Updated January 6, 2021 at 4:11PM

(Updated 4:10 p.m.) As part of a continued effort to provide widespread COVID-19 testing, the City of Alexandria and Alexandria Health Department are launching a partnership with private testing company Curative to provide free COVID testing kiosks.

The city said the new kiosks will replace community testing the city has been engaging in since last July.