While nowhere near as intense as the Omicron wave of COVID-19 over the winter, coronavirus cases are definitely on the rise in Northern Virginia.
There have been nearly 500 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Alexandria over the past week, putting Alexandria at a "medium" level of transmission.
This means that people who are immunocompromised should consider taking extra precautions against the virus, including wearing a mask. In addition, everyone should try to stay in well-ventilated areas and take precautionary measures when in crowded areas, particularly indoors.
Virginia Dept. of Health
Alexandria's children ages 5 to 11 are eligible to get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, as long as it has been five months since their last dose.
The City of Alexandria provided this information regarding children's booster shots: "There are multiple options for getting 5-to-11 year-olds vaccinated and boosted, including AHD vaccine clinics, pharmacies and pediatrician’s offices. Since minors cannot consent to immunizations, a parent or guardian must provide consent either in advance or at the vaccination site, depending on the provider. To find appointments with providers such as pharmacies, visit vaccines.gov. For additional appointments at AHD and partner clinics, visit alexandriava.gov/Vaccines."
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminded people that those who are 12 years and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 years and older should get a second booster vaccine if it has been four months since their first booster.
