As a proactive measure to ensure good health and well-being among ARHA staff and residents, we are monitoring news and updates on the Coronavirus, which the World Health Organization has declared a Public Health Emergency.

The Alexandria Health Department and Virginia Department of Health reports that they are closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (termed "COVID-19" previously “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, China and reported in December 2019. Infections with COVID-19 are being reported in a growing number of countries across the world, including the United States.

The Virginia Department of Health said health officials statewide are monitoring developments surrounding the outbreak of the new pneumonia-like virus from China, with multiple people in Virginia being monitored for symptoms.

How Can I Protect Myself, My Family and My Business?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. However, everyday preventive actions help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19 as well as influenza and the common cold, including:
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information on notifications and updates, follow:
- The Alexandria Virginia Health Department, please visit their site at this link here
- The State of Virginia Department of Health, please visit their site at this link here 
- The World Health Organization’s rolling updates and announcements, please visit their site at this link here