The number of COVID-19 cases in Alexandria is rising, according to state and federal data.
Officials in Alexandria reported that cases are now at a “medium” level after several weeks of very low transmission.
“Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by hospital beds in use by COVID-19 patients, new hospital admissions for those with COVID-19, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. While there has been no significant change in the two hospital measures, transmission in Alexandria has increased,” city officials explained.
Virginia Dept. of Health
Cases may be undercounted, as an increasing number of residents test at home and may not report those positive cases to local health officials.
Even as a judge earlier this week tossed out a federal mask mandate on public transportation, local officials are continuing to encourage people to wear masks. Keeping up with booster shots, social distancing and increasing ventilation are also still encouraged. In addition, the federal ruling does not mean that local officials are prohibited from making their own rules about where and when masks are required.
However, masks are now optional on DASH buses and on Metro trains and buses. There is no official mask mandate in Alexandria at this time, though individual businesses and private organizations may make their own rules.
