Justin Wilson | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published May 11, 2020 at 9:00AM

Governor Asked Northern Virginia Leaders for Letter on Stalling Reopening — “He asked for this formal communication to demonstrate unity across the diverse Northern Virginia region, which is critical to a continued successful mitigation strategy… He appreciates their willingness to work with him on this responsible, data-driven and health-based approach.” [Washington Post]

City Sets Up Frozen Meal Delivery System For Residents Aged 60+ — “Spouses of individuals over age 60 and disabled adults living with someone aged 60 and older also may be eligible. Meals are prepared by Jeffery’s Catering and delivered twice a week by Senior Services of Alexandria. A total of 14 meals are delivered each week. For more information call 703-746-5999.” [Facebook]

News

Cases Now at 1,193 in Alexandria, City’s Hispanic Population Leading Case Count

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2020 at 6:30PM | Updated May 11, 2020 at 5:09AM

COVID-19 cases in Alexandria (ALXnow)

There are now 1,193 cases of COVID-19 in Alexandria, an increase of 51 new or probable case since yesterday.

No new deaths have been announced and there have been 30 fatalities due to the virus in the city. Additionally, the city’s Hispanic population now leads with positive cases at 515 and four reported deaths.

News

Mayor, Regional Leaders Ask Governor to Stall Reopening Plan for Northern Virginia

By James Cullum

Published May 10, 2020 at 5:00PM

A Neighborhood Health COVID-19 testing facility outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson joined Northern Virginia elected leaders Sunday in asking Governor Ralph Northam to carry out his phased reopening plan for the state by regions until the rate of infections meets an acceptable threshold.

The May 10 letter penned by Wilson, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, Arlington County Chair Libby Garvey, Loudoun County Chair Phyllis Randall and Prince William County Chair Ann Wheeler asks the governor to adjust his reopening in the region.

News

The High Cost of Combating COVID-19 in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published May 8, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated May 8, 2020 at 2:26PM

A young boy is tested for COVID-19 at a Neighborhood Health testing facility outside Casa Chirilagua in Arlandria (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria has spent $5 million on new expenses to combat COVID-19 related problems, and in a town hall last night, Mayor Justin Wilson said he expects that number to double by the end of the pandemic.

“[We’ve] spent $5 million on COVID expenses,” Wilson said. “That’s things like hotel rooms for quarantine, hazard pay, things like that; a lot of emergent expenses.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 6, 2020 at 9:00AM

‘Le Refuge’ Restaurant Founder Passes Away — “Jean-Francois Chaufour was born in born in Tavers, France June 7, 1952. He and his wife, Francoise, both hailed from the Loive Valley area and came to the United States together in 1976 and started working as servers in the metropolitan area. After many years of hard work and saving, they pursued the American dream of opening their own establishment.” [Zebra]

Beyer Provides COVID-19 Updates — “I’ve compiled a series of summaries of financial assistance (direct payments, unemployment, paid leave, & more), plus housing, food, and small business resources.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 4, 2020 at 9:00AM

Mayor, Sheriff Hand Out Diplomas to High School Seniors — “Yesterday, we announced three more deaths [from covid-19]. We have 26 deaths in the city. Every day, it’s another shoe falling. But this, this is something so positive.” (Washington Post)

Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Creating Local Business Grant Program — “AEDP will pull $2 million out of its ‘Alexandria Investment Fund,’ local incentive cash for retaining and attracting businesses, and then pair that money with federal funding the city received through the CARES Act.” [Washington Business Journal]

News

As Infected Toll Rises, City Frustrated With Defiance of Social Distancing Restrictions

By Vernon Miles

Published May 1, 2020 at 11:30AM

A busy and bustling Old Town isn’t usually a cause for concern, but during Mayor Justin Wilson’s town hall last night (Thursday), several people said they’ve been alarmed at seeing large numbers of people going around with business as usual in Alexandria.

The continued travel correlates with the increasing amount of new cases popping up in Alexandria, with roughly 50 new cases popping up per day over the latter half of this week. One commenter during the town hall said Old Town looked like a fair last weekend.

News

City Council Passes ‘Hunker Down’ Budget With ‘Dreams Deferred’

By Vernon Miles

Published April 30, 2020 at 11:40AM

At the end of an exhausting emergency budget cycle, the City Council praised the work of staff for throwing together a $753.3 million fiscal year 2021 operating budget that fills a steep funding shortfall without curtailing city services.

In a 45 minute Zoom meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the budget with little discussion, following a week without any additions or deletions.

News

Six Coronavirus Outbreak Sites Identified Across Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published April 24, 2020 at 11:30AM

In a video town hall last night (Thursday), Mayor Justin Wilson said there were five outbreaks — places where the virus was spread between several people — in Alexandria. A Virginia Department of Health update this morning (Friday) pushed that up to six.

“Four of those are in long-term living facilities,” Wilson said. “One is in an educational facility.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 22, 2020 at 9:00AM

Goodwin House Conducting Virtual Job Fair for Servers at 1 p.m. — “When you join our team, you’ll also be working at one of the Top Workplaces in the Washington, D.C. area according to The Washington Post. Our pay is highly competitive, we offer outstanding benefits and we provide opportunities for growth and excellent perks such as access to our swimming pools and fitness facilities.” [Indeed]

Old Town Sign to Stay on Theater — “Patagonia will “fix up” the sign so it looks a little bit better and to prevent further water damage to the marquee. Patagonia will put up its own sign underneath the marquee.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

Mayor Marries Couple in Socially Distant Ceremony — “Alanis sang about rain on your wedding day. I’m not sure she envisioned THIS.‬ ‪It was such an honor to put on real pants (first time in weeks!), grab my mask and walk to Parkfairfax to marry a wonderful couple whose original plans were scrambled.‬ ‪Congrats!‬” [Facebook]

‘Mind The Mat’ Hosting Virtual Meditations at 9 a.m. — “Join MtM Monday-Friday mornings for this free 15 minute guided mediation to start your day off right.” [Facebook]