COVID-19 Response

City of Alexandria
COVID-19 Response Here is the latest information from the City of Alexandria in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be updated as new information becomes available. 

Statement from Alexandria Mayor Jeffrey W. Hall

To the Citizens of Alexandria:

Alexandria, along with the rest of Louisiana, the nation and the world, is facing an unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 coronavirus. This situation is very unique in that it is a biologically-driven process. It’s not like a storm that moves through in a day or two and it is over. We don’t know how long we will need to take precautions. And normally in the case of storms the city is working to bring people together, whether it is staging groups of emergency workers, encouraging neighbors to help each other or preparing evacuation centers to hold large numbers of people. In this case, we are working in the opposite direction, seeking to discourage groups of people and face-to-face interactions and encouraging what is being called social distancing. One thing that is the same, however, is our dedication and focus on doing everything we can to minimize local risks and to ensure the health and safety of our citizens and our employees.

To that end, we are temporarily suspending access to city facilities and canceling events that could attract crowds. Our actions are to ensure we are in compliance with all Executive Orders issued by Gov. John Bel Edwards as well as with the latest public health recommendations from the CDC and other health organizations.

While access to public facilities is temporarily being limited, please know that critical city services will continue uninterrupted. Utility services, including electric, water, gas and sewer services will continue as usual. Trash pickup will continue as scheduled and the city’s ATRANS buses will continue to operate. The Alexandria Police and Fire Department will be providing emergency services. The city remains open for business, and all city workers are expected to report to work daily. We’ll just be working to do more business online and via telephone calls with fewer face-to-face meetings.

I realize this is a challenging time for everyone. It is natural for people to be concerned because we are on a path we have not walked before. But we can and will get through this together. If we limit our interactions and follow stringent hygiene practices, including thoroughly washing hands for 20 seconds or more with soap and water, using tissues when sneezing or coughing and staying home and avoiding contact with others if you feel ill we can minimize the chances of spreading the illness. We just need to stay calm, stay informed and be mindful of protecting the health of ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors. It is an honor to serve as your mayor, and I appreciate your support as we work through this challenge together.

Jeffrey W. Hall

Mayor

Updates

City officials will regularly update this page with the latest information. In addition to this page, citizens are encouraged to follow the City of Alexandria Louisiana - Government page on Facebook for updates.
March 16 2 p.m.: Gov. John Bel Edwards updated his public health emergency proclamation (https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/ExecutiveOrders/No.27-Additional-Measures-Covid-19-Public-Health-Emergency.pdf) to include the following:

• Gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people.
• Casinos and bars will be closed.
• Restaurants will be closed to patrons eating on site. Take-out, drive-through and delivery orders are allowed.
• Movie theaters will be closed.

March 19 5 p.m.: Alexandria Police Chief Jerrod King and Alexandria Fire Chief Larry King announced that the lobby of the Public Safety Complex at 1000 Bolton Ave. is closed until further notice. Records requests should be made by telephone or via email as follows:

• Police Reports: Call 318-441-6413 or 318-441-6412 to speak with a records clerk who will advise how to access a particular report. Or email apd-records@cityofalex.com.
• Fire Reports: Call 318-441-6600 or 318-441-6607 to speak with an employee in Fire Records. Or email Nicole.riscili@cityofalex.com.

May 4 2 p.m.: State launches website to help prepare businesses to re-open: https://opensafely.la.gov/

May 13 1 p.m.: Video of press briefing regarding local COVID-19 coronavirus efforts and Phase 1 reopening: https://www.facebook.com/cityofalexandria/videos/266159287862209/ 

Phase 2 Update, effective June 5, 2020

·         City offices and buildings – City Hall and the Public Safety Complex reopen with limited access and safety restrictions in place. Utility Customer Service and Consolidated Complex buildings open with limited access and safety restrictions in place. Community Centers, meeting facilities and animal shelter remain closed.

·         City playgrounds, basketball courts, splash pads and pavilions – Remain closed.

·         City tennis courts – Opens Monday, June 8, with social distancing precautions in place.

·         City dog park – Opens Monday, June 8, with social distancing precautions in place.

·         City walking trails – Open, social distancing precautions in place.

·         City golf courses – Open, public must wear masks, must follow safety guidelines.

·         Bars – Closed effective July 13, but curbside and take-out service available.

·         Barber shops – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Beauty salons – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Concert and performing arts venues – Remain closed for concerts and live entertainment; limited availability to host meetings or exhibitions with safety guidelines.

·         Grocery stores – Open, public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Gyms – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Malls – May reopen with approval by State Fire Marshal for site reopening plan. Stores limited to 50 percent capacity; food courts to follow same guidelines as restaurants; children’s play areas to remain closed.

·         Massage parlors – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Museums – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Nail salons – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Pharmacies – Open, public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Randolph Riverfront Center – Remains closed.

·         Restaurants – Open, customers can eat outdoors on patios; to-go orders continue; dine-in services with modifications of 50 percent capacity to allow for spacing; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Nonessential businesses – Open with some exceptions; public facing workers must wear masks; no more than 50 percent of capacity in the store at a time.

·         Spas – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         State Office Buildings – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Tattoo parlors – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Movie Theaters – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Worship services – Open at a reduced 50 percent capacity with social distancing guidelines in place.

·         Zoo – Alexandria Zoo reopens June 17.

Phase 3 Update, effective September 12, 2020

Click this Phase 3 Guidelines link to see a complete guide to Phase 3 guidelines.

           City offices and buildings – City Hall and the Public Safety Complex open with limited access and safety restrictions in place. Utility Customer Service and Consolidated Complex buildings open with limited access and safety restrictions in place. Community Centers, meeting facilities and animal shelter remain closed.

·         City playgrounds, basketball courts, splash pads and pavilions – Remain closed.

·         City tennis courts – Closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Laura.

·         City dog park – Open, with social distancing precautions in place.

·         City walking trails – Open, social distancing precautions in place.

·         City golf courses – Open, public must wear masks, must follow safety guidelines.

·         Bars – Rules vary based on COVID rates in the parish. No alcohol sales after 10 p.m.

·         Barber shops – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Beauty salons – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Concert and performing arts venues – Remain closed for concerts and live entertainment; limited availability to host meetings or exhibitions with safety guidelines.

·         Grocery stores – Open, public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Gyms – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Malls – May reopen with approval by State Fire Marshal for site reopening plan. Stores limited to 75 percent capacity; food courts to follow same guidelines as restaurants; children’s play areas to remain closed.

·         Massage parlors – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Museums – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Nail salons – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Pharmacies – Open, public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Randolph Riverfront Center – Remains closed.

·         Restaurants – Open, customers can eat outdoors on patios; to-go orders continue; dine-in services with modifications of 75 percent capacity to allow for spacing; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Nonessential businesses – Open with some exceptions; public facing workers must wear masks; no more than 75 percent of capacity in the store at a time.

·         Spas – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         State Office Buildings – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Tattoo parlors – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Movie Theaters – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity; public facing workers must wear masks.

·         Worship services – Open at a reduced 75 percent capacity with social distancing guidelines in place.

·         Zoo – Closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Laura.

Utility Services

The utility customer service building at 625 Murray Street has limited lobby access with health care restrictions in place. Customers are encouraged to make utility payments online, by mail or at the drive-thru lanes. In addition, customers may make payments by check or money order at the utility dropbox. Cash payments should not be placed in the dropbox. Other business at the office, such as permit applications, may also be handled online or by telephone.

Customers should use the following contacts to get information:

• Utility Customer Service Main Number - 318-441-6310
• Planning Department Contacts:
• Building Permits - inquiries about permitting, picking up permits, paying for permits, submitting permits, contractor registrations, Alisha Vickers 318-473-1372, Alisha.vickers@cityofalex.com
• Scheduling Inspections - scheduling building inspections, scheduling trade permits, Nerri Brown 318-441-6333, Nerri.brown@cityofalex.com
• Building Code questions - any inquiries about residential and commercial building codes, Margaret Waring 318-473-1184, Margaret.waring@cityofalex.com
• Zoning Department - inquiries about Zoning Compliances, Home Occupations, Sign permits, Zoning Commission questions, Angela Guillot 318-473-1373, Angela.guillot@cityofalex.com or Ruth Basco 318-473-1371, ruth.basco@cityofalex.com
• Human Resources - 318-449-5021
• Engineering - 318-473-1170
• Community Development - 318-449-5072
• Business Office
  Property Tax Questions, Greg Bennett 318-449-5081, greg.bennett@cityofalex.com

Police, Fire Services

The Alexandria Police and Fire Departments are continuing to provide emergency services. APD has temporarily suspended providing public fingerprinting services and the Citizen’s Academy scheduled to start March 24 has been postponed and will be rescheduled later in the year. Alexandria Fire Department has suspended responding to general sick and unknown medical calls. The department will continue to respond to all life-threatening illness and in jury calls. Public Safety Commissioner Daryl Terry notes that providing emergency services is the top priority.

Public Transportation

The ATRANS bus service continues to operate as scheduled at this time, however the City Trolleys will not be in service until further notice.

Conducting Business with the City

In an effort to decrease the chances of spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus, the city is trying to minimize face-to-face public contact. Whenever possible, business should be conducted via email or telephone. For general information or to speak with a city representative please call 318-449-5000.

Other Resources

Other resources available regarding the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic include:

• Most recent City of Alexandria press releases https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/press-releases
• Louisiana Department of Public Health Coronavirus Page http://ldh.la.gov/Coronavirus/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html
• City of Alexandria CenlaReady Emergency Resources Page https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/cenlaready/
• City of Alexandria Small Business Resources https://www.cityofalexandriala.com/cenlaready/small-business
• United Way of Central Louisiana Coronavirus Relief Fund https://www.uwcl.org/coronavirus-response-fund
• Central Lousiana Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Response https://cometogetherlocally.com/cenlabusinessnow/
• Advice for those who lost health insurance due to COVID-19: https://www.facebook.com/louisiana.navigators/videos/1059193511128444/