Schools and businesses in Alexandria are essential in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Guidance listed on this page is designed to help businesses and school administrators continue to protect students, staff and the community against COVID-19. If you have further questions, please contact the Alexandria Health Department. 

Schools, services or facilities licensed or operated by an agency of the Commonwealth, and summer camps (See: Section 32.1-37) are required to report disease outbreaks to their local health department. COVID-19 outbreaks are usually defined as 3 or more associated cases within a 14-day period. If you are an administrator reporting a suspected outbreak, please complete this online form. 

• How to Identify an Outbreak of COVID-19 
• Template Line Lists (electronic and printable versions) 

For questions, email alex_schoolteam@vdh.virginia.gov, and a representative from AHD’s COVID-19 School Response Team will respond within two business days. 

Please also see the following VDH and CDC resources for additional guidance regarding COVID-19 prevention and mitigation practices: 

• CDC: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters 
• CDC: COVID-19 By County
• CDC: Ventilation Recommendations 
• CDC: Operational Guidance for K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe In-Person Learning 
• VDH: K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs 

Staying Healthy  

For questions about best practices in stopping the spread of COVID-19 among your customers and staff, please contact AHD. T

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has recommendations for businesses and organizations for how to maintain a healthy facility and prevent COVID-19. It is recommended these groups:

1.  Encourage vaccination.
2. Monitor COVID-19 hospital admission levels to guide prevention efforts.
3. Promote frequent hand washing.
4. Practice routine cleaning (and disinfect as needed).
5. Encourage employees to self-monitor for symptoms.
6. Incorporate ventilation into a mitigation strategy.

AHD requests that employers report outbreaks (3 or more associated COVID-19 employee cases) via the AHD Voluntary COVID-19 Outbreak Reporting form. For questions about best practices for COVID-19 prevention, please call AHD at 703.746.4988.

Staying Open 

Support is available for Alexandria businesses facing the operational and financial effects of COVID-19.  

• View resources from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership about disaster assistance, tax and regulatory changes, support for affected workers and how to support small businesses. 
• Learn about the Alexandria Business Outdoors program, which allows for business and retail to take place in on-street parking spaces, on sidewalks and in private parking lots, allowing for increased ventilation.  
• Restaurant owners and operators may obtain regulatory information and recommendations from the Alexandria Health Department Environmental Health Division 

VisitAlexandria is helping everyone experience Alexandria’s restaurants, shops, and attractions. See additional safety information here