vaccine | ALXnow

Alexandria Hospital staff working overtime, visitation policy reverts back to 2020 posture

Published January 10, 2022 at 10:10AM

The number of COVID infections in Alexandria continues to rise at an alarming rate, as the number of reported infections has reached 23,325, an increase of nearly 2,500 cases in less than a week. In the meantime, staff at Inova Alexandria Hospital are seeing hospitalizations rise to 2020.

“The staff is working overtime,” Inova Alexandria Hospital President Dr. Rina Bansal told ALXnow. “We’re making sure that they’re not working overtime to the extent where it compromises their safety or patient safety.”

News

Nonprofits partner with health department and ACT for Alexandria for vaccine information campaign

By James Cullum

Published December 22, 2021 at 3:30PM

A number of local nonprofits are rolling up their sleeves to increase outreach for COVID-19 vaccines for children with families ages 5-11.

The “Sleeves Up, ALX: COVID-19 Vaccine Partnership Program” is a collaboration between ACT for Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department, which dispersed $145,657 in grant funding to increase awareness of booster shots with populations disproportionately affected by the virus and provide information for young families.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 21, 2021 at 5:00AM

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village At Cameron Run in 2021 (staff photo by James Cullum)

NOVA Parks Ice + Lights welcomes 50,000th visitor — “Ice & Lights in Alexandria was an all-new attraction for the public when it opened in 2019. New displays and attractions are added every year to keep it fresh and appealing.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Alexandria sees COVID cases surge, locals urged to reduce risks — “Those precautions, the city specified, include considering moving holiday celebrations virtual, testing, getting a booster shot and avoiding travel if possible.” [WUSA9]

News

Alexandria surges past 16,000 cases of COVID-19, with more than 800 new cases in a week

By James Cullum

Published December 20, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated December 21, 2021 at 9:06PM

In the last two weeks, Alexandria went from just over 15,000 reported cases of COVID-19 to surpassing 16,000 cases.

As of today (Monday, Dec. 20) there have been 16,075 reported cases of the coronavirus in Alexandria, and more of 800 of new infections have listed since this time last week by the Virginia Department of Health. There have also been 156 deaths from the virus.

News

Alexandria surpasses 15,000 cases of COVID-19, goes back to ‘High’ transmission rate

By James Cullum

Published December 7, 2021 at 2:30PM

Alexandria’s COVID transmission rate has risen from “Substantial” to “High”, as the number of reported cases has surpassed 15,000.

As of Tuesday, Dec. 7, there have been 15,056 reported cases of COVID-19 in the city, according to the the Virginia Department of Health. There has also been another death since last week, bringing the death toll from the virus to 155.

News

Traveling? Get tested before and after Thanksgiving, says Alexandria Health Department

By James Cullum

Published November 24, 2021 at 2:15PM

The Alexandria Health Department is advising residents to take COVID-19 tests before and after traveling this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“Everyone has a role in keeping COVID-19 out of holiday gatherings,” AHD said in a release, and advised unvaccinated residents to skip traveling altogether. “If travel is unavoidable, get a COVID-19 test 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after travel. Those who are fully vaccinated should still monitor themselves for symptoms after travel or large gatherings and get tested if needed.”

News

Alexandria now offering COVID-19 boosters for everyone over 18

By Vernon Miles

Published November 23, 2021 at 3:40PM

Healthcare providers, pharmacies and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) are now offering COVID-19 booster shots to all residents over 18 years old, the city said in a press release.

the press release notes that those receiving a booster shot can use either the Moderna or Pfizer booster, regardless of which vaccine they took.

News

With appointment system overload, City asks for patience making vaccine appointments for kids

By James Cullum

Published November 8, 2021 at 10:45AM

Students return to George Washington Middle School, August 24, 2021 (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

The Alexandria Health Department is asking for patience as Virginia’s vaccine scheduling system is backed up with demand.

“The City is aware that the state’s vaccine scheduling system may be overloaded with demand and service may be intermittent,” AHD said in a release. “Please be patient and continue checking back to schedule an appointment.”

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published November 4, 2021 at 5:00AM

City warns of vaccine scheduling issues — “The City is aware that the state’s vaccine scheduling system may be overloaded with demand and service may be intermittent.” [Twitter]

Kismet Modern Indian opens in Old Town Alexandria — “Kismet Modern Indian [opened] for takeout on Tuesday, Nov. 2 starting at 4 p.m. at Alexandria’s Tavern Square, 111 N. Pitt Street.” [Patch]

News

Alexandria transmission rate reduced from ‘High’ to ‘Substantial’

By James Cullum

Published October 25, 2021 at 10:45AM

Alexandria’s coronavirus transmission rate has shifted from “High” to “Substantial”, as the spread of the virus has slowed over the past week.

As of today (Monday, October 25), the number of cases climbed to 14,194, up 124 cases since this time last week. The seven day average of daily new cases reported is 18, down from 22 last week.

News

Alexandria surpasses 14,000 cases of COVID-19, numbers of unvaccinated sick kids ‘unexpectedly’ high

By James Cullum

Published October 18, 2021 at 10:55AM | Updated October 19, 2021 at 4:25PM

Kids playing near Alexandria City High School (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated at 425 p.m. Tuesday, October 19) Alexandria has reached yet another grim milestone, as the city surpassed 14,000 reported cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

As of today (Monday, October 18), the number of cases has climbed to 14,070, up 171 cases since this time last week.