Coronavirus Exposure Possible At West End Alexandria Church

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Health Department says a coronavirus exposure may have been possible at an Alexandria church.

The message impacts anyone who visited Kidane Mehret Church's building or grounds on Aug. 14, 15, 16, or 17. Anyone who may have been exposed is urged to stay home and self-quarantine from others for 14 days from their last visit to the church. That includes avoiding visits from guests, not sharing items like towels and plates, staying at least 6 feet away from others, and wearing a mask when around people who have not had the same exposure. Individuals can call the health department at 703-309-8276 for further guidance.

During self-quarantine, individuals should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 illness. Potential symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle pain, or new loss of taste or smell. Anyone with chest pain or shortness of breath should call or text 911 immediately. Those with symptoms should contact their health provider for testing or check testings locations for uninsured patients. Patients without insurance can also call Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568.

Kidane Mehret Church is working with the health department on measures to protect their church community.

The health department has notified the public about two other incidents where all contacts of a confirmed case could not be identified. In late February and early March, the health department said someone who tested positive for the virus visited Immanuel Chapel of the Virginia Theological Seminary. Another possible exposure was identified at Murphy's Irish Pub in March.