The Rappahannock Area Health District is reporting its second COVID-19-related death. The announcement was made late yesterday. The death is that of a male Spotsylvania County resident in his 50’s.
“We are saddened by the news that Spotsylvania has lost another member of our community to complications of COVID-19 and we would like to offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this time of intense grief and sorrow,” says Battlefield District Supervisor Chris Yakabouski of the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors. “Any loss to our community is devastating, but it is especially tragic to lose an individual who positively impacted many young lives through his dedication to coaching youth soccer. Our hearts go out to the entire Fredericksburg Football Club family.”
It is standard protocol for the Rappahannock Area Health District to notify all identified contacts of people known to have tested positive for novel coronavirus, as well as interview those affected and give 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
On April 3, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending the use of face coverings in public to help slow the spread of the virus in asymptomatic individuals when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. More information can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html
This continues to be a rapidly developing 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