Current COVID-19 DASH Cases*
| Work Location | DASH Notified of Positive Result | Employees in Close Contact | Close Contacts Notified | Cleaning/Disinfecting Completed |
| Bus | 04/13/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 05/05/20 | 0 | N/A |
Yes |
| Bus | 05/19/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 06/01/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 06/24/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 07/12/20 | 2 | Yes | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 07/29/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 08/21/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 08/21/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 09/04/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 09/26/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 11/19/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 11/25/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 11/29/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 12/12/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 12/21/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 12/29/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 12/31/20 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 12/31/20 | 2 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 01/01/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 01/02/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 01/04/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 01/04/21 | 1 | N/A | Yes |
| DASH Facility | 01/04/21 | 1 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 01/05/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 03/15/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 03/29/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 05/22/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 05/24/21 | 5 | N/A | Yes |
| Bus | 06/23/21 | 0 | N/A | Yes |
| *This chart has been edited based on mandatory COVID-19 workplace safety requirements of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Safety and Health Codes Board. | ||||
Updated 6/20/2021
The CDC has issued new guidance regarding wearing face masks at outdoor bus stops. Masks are no longer required at outdoor areas of conveyance and transportation hubs, such as outdoor bus stops. Masks are still required onboard public transit, including DASH buses.
Updated 5/26/2021
A report from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) highlighted the continued impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Due to the pandemic, many vulnerable individuals are not accessing mental health services. The City shared the findings of this report in a recent release, as well as information about its Wellness Resource Guide and 24-Hour Crisis Lines.
Updated 5/14/2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance that fully vaccinated individuals may not need to wear a face mask in public in all circumstances. However, this guidance does not impact public transit, due to the federal mask mandate for public transportation. Face masks remain required on public transportation and within transit hubs such as bus stops, train stations and airports. Face coverings are required at DASH bus stops and onboard DASH buses.
Updated Updated 4/20/2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated guidance about social gatherings. CDC recommends not to gather with people outside of the household, even when fully vaccinated. Attending social gatherings increases the risk of being exposed to the coronavirus. The CDC Personal and Social Activities webpage offers guidance for how to be safer in specific settings, including restaurants and bars, hosting gatherings and cook-outs, attending an event or gathering, using gyms or fitness centers, going to a nail salon, visiting a library, traveling overnight, and visiting parks. Whether vaccinated or not, consistently wearing a mask in public spaces, maintaining 6 feet of physical distance, and self-isolating if sick remain the best ways to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Updated 4/1/2021
To increase access to COVID-19 testing, the hours of the Curative Testing Kiosk at Charles E. Houston Recreation Center will be extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning April 5. To register in advance for a COVID test, visit curative.com.
Updated 3/24/2021
Governor Northam announced changes to Executive order 72 today that will take effect on April 1. These changes impact limits on the number of people gatherings and dining both indoors and outdoors. For the full announcement from the City of Alexandria, click here.
Updated 2/25/2021
Governor Ralph Northam announced that changes to the mitigation measures detailed in Executive Order 72 will go into effect on Monday, March 1, due to slowly dropping numbers of COVID-19 cases. These modifications have no expiration date, but will be updated as changes are warranted. For the full notice from the City of Alexandria, click here.
Updated 2/22/2021
City residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to check the City’s list of employers who are hiring, which is updated weekly. The City’s Workforce Development Center also hosts virtual workshops, Meet the Employer events and shares resources to help job applicants through the virtual hiring process. For the full notice from the City, click here.
Updated 2/17/2021
The City’s moratorium on foreclosures and evictions has been extended through June 30. This moratorium applies to most Federal Housing Administration-insured or Home Equity Conversion mortgages. For the full notice from the City, click here.
Updated 2/8/2021
Beginning Monday, February 8, masks are required on public transportation by federal law. Any passenger awaiting, boarding, travelling on or disembarking a bus must wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose. Passengers who refuse to wear a mask will not be permitted to ride DASH. For more information about this policy, visit: dashbus.com/maskmandate. DASH will continue to maintain a supply of masks onboard buses for passengers without masks.
Updated 1/29/2021
The Virginia Department of Health shares information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution including how many doses have been administered online.
Updated 1/21/2021
On January 21, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel. The order includes a mask requirement that applies to airports and commercial aircraft, bus, train and rail stations, and public transit.
Updated 12/30/2020
Health officials in Colorado have confirmed that a new strain of the coronavirus first documented in the United Kingdom has been found in Colorado. A second case of the strain has been reported. While this new strain has not been found in Virginia, public officials warn there are indications that it is highly transmitable. Contract tracing investigations are still ongoing and officials are investigating other potential cases of the new strain.
Updated 12/28/2020
The City encourages all residents to attend a virtual discussion about the COVID-19 vaccine with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday, January 8, 2021, 2:45-4:30 p.m. This event is being hosted by Governor Ralph Northam’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Equity, and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Cancer Center, in collaboration with faith leaders from the “Facts & Faith Fridays” group. This event is free, but registration is requested.
Updated 12/23/2020
The City of Alexandria highlighted new and existing resources to help individuals or families cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in it’s Weekly Resource Update. One of the resources highlighted this week is a free, year-long Virtual Housing Expo. The expo will feature workshops and educational content focused on preparing participants to move, buy, sell or rent amid the pandemic. You can read the full update here.
Updated 12/10/2020
Governor Northam announced new measures to combat the coronavirus Thursday that include a stricter mask mandate and a curfew that will require most Virginians to stay home between midnight to 5 a.m. You read the full announcement here.
Updated 11/17/2020
The City of Alexandria has shared information about the impact of new statewide COVID-19 restrictions on City services and offices, as well as contactless payment and hardship waivers for real estate taxes. You can read the full update here.
Updated 11/12/2020
ALIVE! Truck-to-Trunk will distribute emergency groceries at two drive-through sites on Saturday, November 14, 8:30-10:30 a.m., in the parking lot of Cora Kelly Elementary School (3600 Commonwealth Ave.) and parking lot B-1 of the Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Campus (3320 Bisdorf Drive). To minimize risk of possible exposure to COVID-19, attendees are asked to drive through and remain in their cars and stay home if they feel sick. Walk-up customers are permitted but should maintain 6 feet of physical distance, wear face masks, and bring carts or reusable bags to carry food home. Additional food assistance resources are available for Alexandria residents.
Updated 11/6/2020
AHD and the City recently conducted a targeted COVID-19 testing event in partnership with Neighborhood Health, Alexandria’s federally qualified health center. A total of 95 residents were tested at Charles Houston Recreation Center on November 5, with assistance from AHD’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers. In addition to testing, each participant received a packet of health and support service information. AHD will continue to identify future sites and coordinate targeted testing events. Neighborhood Health is a provider of primary care and COVID-19 testing for residents with or without insurance. Make an appointment online or call 703.535.5568.
Updated 10/30/2020
AHD reminds residents that a City ordinance requires face masks to be worn in indoor public places, and outdoor public places where physical distance cannot be maintained. This ordinance expands on the state executive order that requires masks in most indoor public settings. The City’s website details the requirements for masks and what to do if a violation is observed.
Updated 10/23/2020
As a result of new legislation signed by Governor Northam, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) COVID-19 data website now includes a “COVID-19 Outbreaks in Kindergarten-12th Grade Schools” dashboard. This dashboard shares a list of public and private K-12 schools in Virginia at the locality level that are currently experiencing or have experienced a COVID-19 outbreak.
Updated 10/16/2020
Residents who have lost employment due to COVID-19 are encouraged to review the list of employers who are hiring, which is compiled by the Alexandria Workforce Development Center (WDC). This list is updated with new job opportunities every Monday.
Updated 9/24/2020
Studies show that communities where English is not the first language have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. The City offers a catalog of multilingual resources, containing informational and educational signs, flyers and videos, that are available in Amharic, Arabic, Spanish and Farsi. This helps to ensure that all of Alexandria’s residents have access to information about how to stop the spread of COVID-19, what to do if they are sick, and the resources available when they need assistance. A “translate” button is also available at the top of the COVID-19 webpage, which can translate all the information provided into 11 languages. All multilingual signs and flyers are available for download and print, or reproduction can be requested.
Updated 9/8/2020
The City of Alexandria recently shared information about helpful resources for residents facing eviction due to COVID-19. The City has requested that landlords make every effort to work with tenants who are unable to pay rent. Landlords are not permitted to shut off utilities or lock residents out without a court order. Residents can ask the court for a delay of eviction due to lost income as a result of COVID-19. Read the full release here for more information about legal services and tenant rights.
Updated 9/2/2020
Governor Northam’s office announced today that Virginia will remain in Phase III of the Commonwealth’s Forward Virginia Plan. This means that public health and safety measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 will not relax ahead of Labor Day weekend. You can read the City’s release about the announcement here.
Updated 8/21/2020
The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has determined that there may have been a COVID-19 exposure at Kidane Mehret Church on August 14-17. Anyone who entered the church or its grounds during that time period may have been exposed. AHD urges anyone who visited the church, located at 75 S. Bragg Rd, to self-isolate for 14 days and call 703 – 309 – 8276 for further instructions. The city’s news release regarding the exposure has resources in both English and Amharic.
Updated 8/10/2020
The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has published an expanded analysis of data on COVID-19 cases in Alexandria. In addition to the monthly ZIP code data analyses AHD has published since May, the new analysis summarizes current data and changes for race, ethnicity and age groups. Relevant charts and key takeaways are also available. While everyone is at risk of contracting COVID-19, the virus is disproportionately impacting vulnerable communities due to underlying systemic issues. Despite the fact that Latinx people make up less than 17% of the City’s population, they represent roughly half of the cumulative cases. Similarly, the number of black and white patients are roughly equal even though there half as many black residents.
Updated 8/5/2020
The Virginia Department of health has created an app to help stop the spread of COVID-19. COVIDWISE, a mobile phone application, can notify you if you’ve likely been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. The application is free and protects users’ privacy. You can download it from Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Updated 8/3/2020
The City of Alexandria shared an update featuring COVID-19 testing and some primary care resources for vulnerable residents regardless of ability to pay, insurance or immigration status. The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and Alexandria Health Department (AHD) are committed to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and want to ensure that vulnerable Alexandrians know what resources are available to them. You can learn more about these resources, including programs and clinics, here.
Updated 7/31/2020
The Alexandria Health Department has published its Strategic Action Framework for vaccine distribution. While there is not currently a COVID-19 vaccine available, more than 150 attempts are under development around the world. Several of these attempts have moved on to human trials to test their efficacy against the coronavirus. AHD’s Strategic Action Framework outlines the City’s plan to make such a vaccine available and accessible to Alexandrians once an effective vaccine is created.
Updated 7/15/2020
The City of Alexandria has shared an update on COVID-19. Alexandria has 21 new cases and no new fatalities. This brings the total number of cases in Alexandria to 2,486 and the number of fatalities to 57. Additionally, the City has shared that the FDA has added more brands to it’s list of hand sanitizer products to avoid. These products contain methanol, which is toxic and can potentially cause harmful side effects. You can read the city’s full update here.
Updated 6/26/2020
WMATA will reopen 15 metrorail stations on Sunday, June 28. These include the Van Dorn Street and Eisenhower Avenue stations. WMATA bus service will resume at these stations on Monday, June 29. Read the full announcement from WMATA here.
Updated 6/24/2020
Governor Northam’s office has announced that all of Virginia will enter Phase III of the the state’s reopening plan on Wednesday, July 1. DASH will continue to monitor ridership and is prepared to adjust service to accommodate increasing ridership as more people return to work and businesses reopen. Face coverings remain required on all DASH buses until further notice.
Updated 6/12/2020
According to Governor Northam’s office, Northern Virginia will enter phase II of the state’s reopening plan effective Friday, June 12. DASH will continue to monitor ridership and is prepared to adjust service levels to accommodate increasing ridership as more non-essential employees return to work. We will continue to encourage physical distancing on all DASH buses and face coverings will remain required until further notice.
Updated 5/26/2020
Governor Northam’s office announced that Northern Virginia can begin phase I of the state’s plan to reopen effective Friday, May 29. However, face coverings will be required inside stores and restaurants as well as on public transit.
Updated 5/15/2020
Based on guidance from the Alexandria Health Department, the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) will require all passengers to wear face coverings while using DASH buses beginning Monday, May 18, 2020. The measure will help protect DASH employees and passengers from contracting the COVID-19 virus and is consistent with the actions of the agency’s regional transit partners, including WMATA, Frederick Transit, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County Transit. This precaution will remain in effect until further notice. You can find more information about this policy at dashbus.com/maskpolicy.
Updated: 05/12/20
Governor Northam signed Executive Order 62 on May 12. This order extends Northern Virginia’s physical distancing and stay-at-home restrictions until May 28.
Updated: 05/04/20
Governor Northam announced that he anticipates easing some public health restrictions related to COVID-19 on May 15. The return to regular pre-coronavirus business operations and practices will occur in phases. However, the initiation of the first phase of the process depends on two weeks of declining numbers of new COVID-19 cases in Virginia. Virginia’s current stay-at-home order was recently extended to May 15 and remains in place.
Updated: 04/27/20
DASH has implemented temperature screenings for all DASH employees at the beginning of their shifts. We strongly encourage all DASH operators and passengers to wear masks when riding the bus.
Updated: 04/20/20
The City of Alexandria has shared the following updates resources for coping with COVID-19. The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership has an updated collection of COVID-19 resources for businesses, including information on disaster assistance; tax and regulatory changes; support for affected workers; government response; how to support local small businesses, and more. Visit Alx at Home to experience Alexandria’s restaurants, shops and attractions while staying at home. From virtual shopping at local boutiques to restaurant delivery to virtual ghost tours, see more than 100 ways to support the independent businesses that make Alexandria so special. The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s COVID-19 Updates and Resources webpage provides links to webinars and updates on the operating status of local businesses, and links to other resources.
Updated: 04/12/20
The Alexandria Health Department has issued new guidance for individuals who feel ill.
Updated: 04/07/20
The City of Alexandria Health Department has confirmed the first death of an Alexandria resident due to complications caused by COVID-19. We are deeply saddened by this loss within our community and our thoughts are with the patient’s loved ones. DASH joins city and state health officials in urging the public to recommit to staying home and practicing physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Updated: 03/30/20
As of March 30, Virginia Governor Northam has issued a Stay at Home order in Virginia effective March 30 at 8 p.m. through June 10. Maryland Governor Hogan has issued a stay at home order for Maryland residents as well.
Updated: 03/23/20
Governor Northam announced that all Virginia schools will be closed for the remainder of the school year. In addition, new occupancy restrictions will be implemented for non-essential businesses. DASH joins Governor Northam in encouraging all Virginians to practice social-distancing.
Stay home. Slow the spread. Reserve public transit for essential travel only. Together, we can fight COVID-19.
For updates and the most current information about our response to the coronavirus outbreak, including service changes, visit: dashbus.com/covidmods.
The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) recommends that all community members change their daily behavior to reduce risk from COVID-19, particularly to protect our most vulnerable populations. The City of Alexandria has already taken proactive measures to further reduce risk and encourages all organizations and individuals to take necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) strongly urge everyone to follow state orders to STAY HOME except for essential trips such as food purchases and medical care, and keep six feet apart from others when in public. The Alexandria Health Department has produced a short video showing how to make and use a cloth face covering correctly.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan have declared states of emergency. Currently, Governor Northam’s office advises against large public gatherings and urges event organizers to cancel or postpone such events for the next 30 days.
General Information:
The CDC has issued detailed guidance for travelers; businesses and employers; schools and childcare; and community and faith-based organizations. Learn how you can protect your home and business. View one-page overviews of steps to take for homes, schools, businesses and commercial establishments. Social distancing doesn’t mean being anti-social. Learn how to avoid stigma and discrimination related to COVID-19.
To receive text message alerts from the City related to COVID-19, text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777. For more information about the COVID-19 coronavirus and how you can help protect yourself and those around you, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus . For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at 703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virginia residents can also call the Virginia Department of Health public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions about the novel coronavirus situation. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, call or text 911.
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