health | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published June 10, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated June 10, 2021 at 4:43PM

Playing soccer at Four Mile Run Park in Arlandria. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne to receive Lifetime Valor Award — “In recognition of his retirement, we are pleased to honor Sheriff Dana Lawhorne with a Lifetime Valor Award at this year’s Valor Awards. Join us virtually, on June 22nd, to honor Sheriff Lawhorne’s 43 years of law enforcement service to Alexandria.” [Chamber ALX]

West End Business Association hosting 1 p.m. conversation with Mayor — “Take this opportunity to ask questions and connect with Mayor Justin Wilson about how he would continue to serve the city of Alexandria.” [WEBA]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 9, 2021 at 5:00AM

Winners of the 2021 Democratic Primary (left to right) Councilman Canek Aguirre, Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Mayor Justin Wilson, Alyia Gaskins, Sarah Bagley, Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, who won the 45th District primary, and Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-30) at a victory party at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray. (Photo via Alexandria Democratic Committee/Facebook)

McAuliffe, Ayala, Herring win statewide Democratic primary — “Former Virginia governor and longtime fixture as a national Democratic Party leader Terry McAuliffe won the state’s Democratic nomination for a second term as governor in Tuesday’s primary election, the Associated Press reported at 7:44 p.m. In the two other statewide races, the lieutenant governor’s contest was called by AP for Del. Hala Ayala. In the attorney general race, Del. Jay Jones conceded to incumbent Mark Herring.” [Patch]

Council candidates pose after Democratic primary — “Congratulations to our 2021 Democratic nominees for Alexandria Mayor (Justin Wilson) and City Council (John Chapman, Alyia Gaskins, Amy Jackson, Canek Aguirre, Sarah Bagley, and Kirk McPike), and the 45th House District (Elizabeth Bennett Parker)! Onward to November!” [Facebook]

News

Alexandria Health Department to unveil ALX Promise Gold accreditation program for businesses as COVID restrictions lift

By James Cullum

Published May 26, 2021 at 3:35PM

The Alexandria Health Department on Friday, May 28, is launching a new accreditation program for businesses to make visitors feel safe.

That’s the day that Governor Ralph Northam is lifting all COVID-19 restrictions throughout Virginia.

News

Alexandria’s COVID-19 deaths climb to 136, cases trickle to 11,825

By James Cullum

Published May 24, 2021 at 9:45AM | Updated May 24, 2021 at 1:28PM

Alexandria’s COVID-19 deaths have increased by one to 136, and the number of cases has reached 11,825, an increase of 26 cases since last Tuesday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

The city’s seven-day moving average is now 3.9.

News

No new coronavirus cases reported today in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published May 18, 2021 at 1:15PM

In a first for the city since at least the start of the year, there have been no new cases of coronavirus and no new hospitalizations reported in Alexandria.

The city’s count of total cases stands at 11,799, with total hospitalizations at 563, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

News

Alexandria lifts face mask mandate, aligns with state to eliminate distancing requirements on May 28

By James Cullum

Published May 17, 2021 at 10:45AM | Updated May 17, 2021 at 2:44PM

The Alexandria City Council on Saturday unanimously voted on Saturday to align the city’s face mask ordinance with the state’s guidance.

That means that Governor Ralph Northam’s recent lifting of the mask mandate applies to vaccinated city residents, and that any additional changes his office makes will not need local approval.

News

Alexandria prepares to move into broader vaccination age range

By Vernon Miles

Published May 13, 2021 at 2:30PM

Vaccination in Alexandria could open up for ages 12 to 15 soon after the Pfizer vaccine recently cleared federal approval.

In a recent update to the City Council, Alexandria Population Health Manager Natalie Talis gave an update on where the city is so far in vaccination efforts and what, including the vaccine age expansion, is ahead.

News

Alexandria City Council to consider adjusting face mask ordinance for everyone

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated May 10, 2021 at 10:02PM

Walking along the waterfront in Old Town. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 4:30 p.m.) The Alexandria City Council will consider adjusting the city’s face mask ordinance to evolve with Governor Ralph Northam’s executive order, which is continually being amended to loosen statewide coronavirus restrictions.

The ordinance states that all city residents under the age of five years old are required to wear face masks except while exercising, eating and drinking or if they have a verified health condition. The ordinance was approved last September and expires this September.

News

Inova Cares Clinic for Women opens in West End

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2021 at 11:05AM

Officials cut the ribbon for the new Inova Cares Clinic for Women at 4700 King Street. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The ribbon was cut at the Inova Cares Clinic for Women on Saturday, providing the West End with obstetrics and gynecological services.

The ribbon cutting was attended by a number of local politicians, including members of the General Assembly and Mayor Justin Wilson. Also unveiled was a new Inova Ewing Forensic Assessment and Consultation Teams department (FACT) to support domestic violence and assault victims.

News

COVID-19 update: 40% of residents got first vaccine shot, 29% got second shot

By James Cullum

Published May 3, 2021 at 9:45AM

About 40% of City residents have gotten their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, and nearly 30% have been fully inoculated.

Alexandrians can walk in to get their COVID-19 vaccine, as the city expects 12,650 doses this week, including first and second doses, according to the Alexandria Health Department.

News

ALXnow’s top posts this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published April 30, 2021 at 3:30PM

An Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

It was a busy week in Alexandria. Here are some of the highlights.

Governor Ralph Northam and U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona visited Alexandria this week. Northam stopped by Pacers Running in Old Town, and afterward met with Cardona, Mayor Justin Wilson, National Education Association of the United States President Becky Pringle and Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane at Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School. Cardona was at the school as part of his “Help is Here” school reopening tour.