March 29, 2020
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
Crater Health District Confirms Additional Cases of COVID-19
(Petersburg, Virginia) – The Virginia Department of Health’s Crater Health District (CHD) confirms additional COVID-19 cases from the counties of Greensville and Prince George and the cities of Emporia, Hopewell and Petersburg. The residents in each locality had different exposure to COVID-19, either through contact with a positive patient or out-of-state travel. CHD now has one death and fifteen positive COVID-19 cases: Greensville County (1), Prince George County (6), the city of Emporia (2) and the city of Hopewell (4) and the city of Petersburg (2).
“In each confirmed case throughout the district, the residents took the necessary steps to decrease the risk of exposure to those around them, “said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH. “We all have a duty to protect ourselves and those around us.”
“As more tests are conducted, we expect to see more confirmed cases in the Crater Health District, “said Dr. Alton Hart. “Crater Health District is working closely with our government leaders, local emergency managers, hospitals, and Ft. Lee as we share a united front responding to the impacts of COVID-19 in our community.“
People should avoid social gatherings of more than 10 individuals. If you are 65 years or older, or if you have a serious chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, compromised immune system), you should seriously consider staying at home. Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of exposure to an infectious person.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, CHD encourages the following:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- 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 if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.
As the COVID-19 outbreak expands, recommendations may change. CHD is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide the best possible guidance for the community.
For general questions about COVID-19, community members may call the VDH CHOVID-19 Hotline at 877-ASK-VDH3. For the latest on COVID-19, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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NOTE: These cases are not included on the statewide count on the VDH website. Cases are updated daily at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus, with the numbers as of 5 p.m. the evening before