AHD Releases Summary of May 25 Coronavirus Testing Events

Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has released the results of the two coronavirus testing events held on May 25. Those testing events are seen as the first step as an approach on how to handle the pandemic in our area.

Of 2,953 participants at both testing sites, only 236, or eight percent, tested positive for the virus. Just 69 Alexandria residents, or two percent of participants, tested positive.

In the summary, AHD indicates it has found that Alexandria has the second highest testing rate in Northern Virginia. That means residents generally are able to access testing if needed. Currently, there are a number of sites in the city that offer testing for those without insurance. They can be found HERE.

With the information obtained and through the knowledge that most residents can obtain testing on their own, AHD plans to focus its work on helping the vulnerable members of the community. Their targets include long-term care facilities and low-income families.

The Strategic Action Framework

AHD plans to follow what they call a “Strategic Action Framework” to fight coronavirus in the city.

Its mission is support COVID-19 testing availability for all Alexandrians, especially for those at greatest risk for severe disease.

There are three objectives:

1) Reduce and eliminate infections, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19

2) Support medical practices and medical homes to expand their testing capacity, particularly for those without insurance

3) Inform all Alexandrians about availability of testing and care resources

Strategies to meet the objectives above are:

1) Recruit and retain clinicians, urgent care centers and Neighborhood Health to conduct testing

2) Coordinate and facilitate targeted community testing

3) Support long-term care and congregate living facilities as they test staff and residents; support the facilities as they act on results

4) Communicate with residents, community leaders and businesses about testing resources and medical homes

Public Health Justice Principles

The Public Health Justice Principles inform the Strategic Action Framework. These principles prioritize science-based recommendations, focus resources on saving lives, and engage and empower the residents most in need.

Note: This story has been updated.

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