Although hospitalization rates are low and hospital capacity is stable, coronavirus testing positivity rates are increasing in Alexandria. That indicates the virus is spreading even as more people are getting tested.
Alexandria’s 7-day average test positivity rate was as low as 3.6 percent in October, but it has crept up to more than 6 percent now. In Fairfax County, the 7-day average test positivity rate is up to 7.5 percent from a low of 3.4 percent in October.
“In October, our case volume began increasing considerably and we are now at the highest number of known cases we have seen,” Mayor Justin Wilson wrote in his December email newsletter.
Colder weather, recent rain and holiday season gatherings are combining to push people indoors, where it is easier for the virus to spread between people. In addition, an increasing number are returning to their workplaces.
Before the Thanksgiving holiday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam reduced allowed gatherings from 250 people to just 25 people and put in place other restrictions to promote health and safety, including additional enforcement of mask wearing in public places.
In October, the Alexandria Dept. of Health analyzed interviews with people who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and found:
- 44% lived with someone who recently had COVID-19.
- 25% went to their workplace.
- 10% went to a public event, social gathering, or entertainment activity, with most gatherings occurring indoors.
- 7% travelled outside of the Alexandria/D.C. area, with most travel in the U.S.
- 7% went to a restaurant or bar, with two-thirds eating indoors and one-third eating outdoors.
“The activities an individual participant reported may or may not have been the sources of COVID-19 exposure for that individual; however, they do demonstrate trends and suggest common links for people who become ill,” according to the Alexandria Dept. of Health.
Free COVID-19 Testing in December
Eight free testing events are scheduled in December. to meet demand from the holiday season.
All community testing events are walk-up only (no appointment necessary) and first come, first served. Bring an ID, an insurance card (insurance is not necessary, but bring your card if you have insurance) and a mask. Those under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The following events are scheduled for December in the City of Alexandria:
- 2 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Witter Field Parking Lot
- 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Armistead L. Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd.
- 9 – 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Casa Chirilagua, 4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.
- 2 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd.
- 2 – 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17 at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Rd.
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 at William Ramsay Recreation Center, 5650 Sanger Ave.
- 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21 at Armistead L. Boothe Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd.
In Fairfax County, there are multiple resources and places for COVID-19 tests, including free tests for those who are uninsured. Visit the Fairfax County COVID-19 test information page for more details.
