Today, the Rappahannock Area Health District is reporting its first COVID-19-related death. Though not yet reported on the Virginia Department of Health website, this appears to be the 35th death in the Commonwealth of Virginia due to COVID-19.
The death is that of a male Spotsylvania County resident in his 60’s, who passed away March 29, 2020 at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. The positive result was returned March 31, 2020.
Those people in close contact with this individual while he was symptomatic will be contacted by the Rappahannock Area Health District and asked to monitor their symptoms and self-quarantine for two weeks from the date of exposure.
Additional information about this case may be released by the Rappahannock Area Health District as it becomes available.
“On behalf of Spotsylvania, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the county resident who died, as well as the entire community affected by this outbreak,” says Chairman of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors Gary Skinner (Lee Hill District). “Protecting the health and safety of our residents is our top priority, and we will continue working together with local and state health officials, as well as the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, to ensure our community continues to be informed and updated on this rapidly changing situation, and to ensure the needs of Spotsylvania County are met.”
The Rappahannock Area Health District is deploying all necessary resources in order to contain this outbreak and continues working closely with emergency management and healthcare partners.
In addition, the Rappahannock Area Health District has been working diligently to reach out to all identified contacts of people known to have tested positive for novel coronavirus, as well as interviewing affected people and giving instructions on how to protect themselves and others.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Stay at home to the greatest extent possible
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when you must be out in public
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
- Avoid contact with sick people
- If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ , http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/rappahannock/ and www.cdc.gov/covid19