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]
COVID-19 booster shots: where to find them in Alexandria — “Boosters available in Alexandria help protect against omicron and delta variant infections, and lessen the symptoms if you do get sick.” [Patch]
Jury convicts marijuana trafficker of drug-related murder — “A federal jury convicted an Alexandria man yesterday of murdering another man in retaliation for robbing him of an ounce of marijuana, and trying to convince a witness to lie for him to cover it up.” [Department of Justice]
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.
The Alexandria Health Department says “individual actions” will slow down the spread, and urged “practical” safety precautions over the holidays.
In the meantime, the First Night Alexandria celebration on New Year’s Eve in is still on. The event brings thousands of people to Old Town for dozens of events and culminates with fireworks on the waterfront.
“First Night Alexandria is committed to keeping the health and safety of our community our top priority,” First Night Alexandria says on its website.
Alexandria’s transmission rate went from “Substantial” to “High” at the end of November, and AHD advises residents to limit the number of people at celebrations, take COVID tests, avoid travel and get booster shots.
“Cases have been increasing over the past few weeks following a post-Thanksgiving surge,” the city said in a weekly release. “Based on a recent AHD analysis of November cases, unvaccinated people are 4 times more likely to get COVID-19, and 5 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to fully vaccinated people. However, with the significantly increased transmission rates, there is also a rise in cases among those who are fully vaccinated.”
The seven day average of daily new cases is now 111, and the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 69, up from 25.3 last week. The seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is now 7.2%, up from 5.1% last week.
Contact tracing
The rise in cases has forced the health department’s contact tracers to shift their workload, and they will no longer make multiple attempts to reach residents who test positive.
“Currently, staff will only make one phone call with a voicemail and send one text message,” AHD said. “Residents are strongly urged to answer calls from AHD or to return them for guidance on next steps. Those who are positive should also begin calling their potential close contacts to let them know they may have been exposed and to get tested as soon as possible, regardless of vaccination status.”
Vaccine update
About 57% of Alexandria’s 5-17-year-olds (10,024 people) have been fully vaccinated, as have 73% (95,273) of residents older than 18, and about 84% (16,244) of seniors. Additionally, 35,886 residents have gotten booster shots.
There are still 32,493 unvaccinated residents.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
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.
Alexandria, which remains under a state of emergency until Jan. 22, 2022, experienced “Substantial” COVID-19 transmission from mid-October 17 until the end of November, before which it saw “High” transmission for two months.
The city saw “Low” and “Moderate” transmission levels from May to June this year — the lowest since the beginning of the pandemic. The only localities not experiencing “High” COVID transmission levels in Northern Virginia are Manassas Park and the City of Fairfax, which have maintained “Moderate” levels.
The Omicron variant and rising COVID numbers
Last week, VDH announced that it is monitoring the Omicron variant, and that it is tracking COVID-19 samples to detect it and other variants.
“Even with new variants, safety measures like wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance are highly effective,” the Alexandria Health Department said in a release. “Vaccination remains the most important tool to fight the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated should get a booster to maximize their protection against COVID-19.”
COVID numbers have risen sharply over the last week, with 251 residents infected since Dec. 1. The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 36, up from 7.8 last week. The seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is also up — now 4.3% versus 2.7% last week.
There have been 19 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools so far this month. There were 62 cases reported in ACPS in November.
Vaccine update
About 50% of Alexandria’s 5-17-year-olds (8,852 people) have been fully vaccinated, according to VDH.
Additionally, 73% (94,540) of residents older than 18 are fully vaccinated, as are about 83% (16,179) of seniors. Additionally, 28,845 residents have gotten booster shots.
There are still 34,954 unvaccinated residents, and the Alexandria Health Department says they account for a majority of new cases.
Meanwhile, the City now plans to reduce its COVID-19 updates from twice a week to once a week.
“With nearly 77% of Alexandrians ages 5 and up partially vaccinated and the 7-day moving average of positive cases at a third of the peak in early fall, the frequency of this COVID-19 news release will reduce to once per week,” the city recently announced.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
Via CDC/Unsplash
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.”
AHD continued, “During gatherings, take steps to increase ventilation and consider using masks or maintaining physical distance if unvaccinated individuals or people at high risk of severe illness are attending.”
Alexandria has experienced “Substantial” COVID-19 transmission since the week beginning October 17, before which the city saw “High” transmission for two months. The city saw “Low” and “Moderate” transmission levels from May to June this year — the lowest the city has experienced since the beginning of the pandemic.
There are still 37,404 unvaccinated residents, and AHD says they account for a majority of new cases.
COVID-19 in Alexandria
As of today (Wednesday, November 24), cases stands at 14,728, up 157 cases since this time last week, according to the the Virginia Department of Health. There have also been two more deaths since last week, bringing the death toll to 154.
The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 11.3, up from 9.5 last week. That’s still much lower than in mid-September, when the seven-day average was 36 cases for every 100,000 residents.
The seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is also up — now 3.2% versus 2.9% last week.
There have also been 62 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools in November. There were 77 cases reported in ACPS in October.
Vaccine update
About 38% of Alexandria’s 5-17-year-olds (6,735 people) have been fully vaccinated, according to VDH.
Additionally, 72% (94,456) of residents older than 18 are fully vaccinated, as are about 84% (16,195) of seniors. Additionally, 22,945 residents have gotten booster shots.
The City recently announced a number of upcoming vaccine clinics for residents, including children ages 5-11. Booster shots are also available for residents 18 and older.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
Via CDC/Unsplash
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.
“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has approved boosters for anyone ages 18 and older who has received their final dose of an mRNA vaccine, such as Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech, at least six months ago or their single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago,” the city said. “This follows the recommendations of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which met November 19 to review data regarding booster benefits and safety data from the previously approved groups and booster clinical studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the vaccines’ Emergency Use Authorizations as a preliminary step toward universal booster approval.”
Appointments for a vaccine booster can be made online and the AHD is hosting vaccine clinics at schools and other locations throughout the community — though the press release noted that booster appointments with the Health Department may be limited due to the department focusing on pediatric vaccines.
“Visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines for more information about vaccines in Alexandria,” the AHD said. “For questions or help finding a booster, contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 703 746 4988.”
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.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month approved the emergency authorization of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.
Alexandria has experienced “Substantial” COVID-19 transmission since the week beginning October 17.
By the numbers
As of today (Monday, November 8), the number of cases has climbed to 14,455, up 124 cases since this time last week. The death toll from the virus is now at 151, up from 149 last week, according to the the Virginia Department of Health.
About 91% of Alexandria’s 12-17-year-olds (6,638 people) have been fully vaccinated according to VDH. About 71% (92,255) of residents older than 18 have been vaccinated, as have about 82% (15,816) of seniors. Additionally, 14,995 residents have gotten a booster shot.
The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 11, down from 12.2 last week. There have also been about 163 cases reported in the last two weeks, and the seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is 3.3%, up from 2.7% last week.
There have been 28 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools in November. There were also 77 cases reported in ACPS in October.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
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]
Alexandria Film Fest and Symphony Orchestra collaborate — “In a unique arts-focused collaboration, the Alexandria Film Festival and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will present a performance in early November of six original short films screened with live music.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
NYC restaurants following Amazon to Crystal City — “JBG SMITH is bringing some of New York City’s most popular tastes to National Landing with the introduction of two landmark eateries to the neighborhood…” [JBG Smith]
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.
There has also been another death, and the death toll is now at 149, according to the the Virginia Department of Health.
By the numbers
The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 11, down from 13.9 last week. There have been about 174 cases reported in the last two weeks (versus 197 cases last week), and the seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is 2.9%, down from 3.1%.
There has been a shift from “High” to “Substantial” for a number of localities in Virginia over the past week, for Arlington County, Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Lancaster County, Middlesex County, Northampton County, Hampton County, Surry County, Charles City and Virginia Beach. The localities with “Moderate” transmission are now the City of Fairfax, Greensville County and Manassas City.
There have been 69 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools in October. There were also 64 cases reported last month in ACPS.
Vaccines and booster shots
In the meantime, the Alexandria Health Department recommends that anyone 12 and older should get the vaccine. AHD also says residents 65 and older, anyone living in a long-term care setting or anyone 18 and older with underlying medical conditions should get booster shots.
“Now, if you’re one of those folks who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC is recommending that you get a booster shot, regardless of your health condition or the setting that you work or live in,” said Natalie Talis, an AHD population health manager.
About 89% of Alexandria’s 12-17-year-olds (6,514) have been fully vaccinated according to VDH. That number has not been updated since last week.
Just over 69% (90,790) of residents older than 18 have been vaccinated, as have about 80% (15,602) of seniors.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
(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.
The number of cases for children under 12 is “unexpectedly” high, accounting for 287 cases in August and September, according to the Alexandria Health Department.
“Children under 12 years old are not yet eligible for vaccination, which is likely a contributor to this result,” AHD reported.
The death toll remains at 148.
The seven day average of daily new cases reported is 22, the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 13.9, down from 15.8 last week. There have been about 197 cases reported in the last two weeks, and the seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is 3.1%, according to the the Virginia Department of Health.
In the meantime, 100.5% of Alexandria’s 12-17-year-olds (7,376 kids) have gotten at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 88% (6,462) have been fully vaccinated according to VDH. Just over 69% (90,310) of residents over the age of 18 have been vaccinated, a have about 80% (15,551) of seniors.
How is 100.5% possible for Alexandria’s 12-17-year-olds? Natalie Talis, a population health manager with the Alexandria Health Department said that VDH uses National Center for Health Statistics population estimates, and that the vaccines administered exceed the population estimates.
“We have heard that VDH will start to use 2020 census data, but we are not sure when,” Talis said. “Any time population estimates are used, there is a risk of a discrepancy.”
There have also been 41 cases reported in Alexandria City Public Schools in October. There were also 64 cases reported last month in ACPS.
Alexandria has experienced high transmission since mid-August, while Manassas Park is the only locality in Virginia seeing moderate transmission. Arlington County, Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Charles City have moved from high to “substantial” transmission.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
Months after the majority of Alexandria residents were fully vaccinated, coronavirus precautions now turn toward booster shots aimed at keeping those vaccinations effective.
A Pfizer vaccine booster has already been approved and yesterday a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel authorized booster shots for Moderna’s vaccine.
In general, the boosters are being considered for those who received their second dose at least six months ago. The Pfizer booster is currently available for those 65 or older and those at heightened risk of COVID-19. The Moderna booster is being considered on similar guidelines.
