April 6, 2020
Media Contact: Lorrie Andrew-Spear, lorrie.andrew-spear@vdh.virginia.gov
Chesterfield Health District Confirms its First Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the City of Colonial Heights
(Colonial Heights, VA.) – The Chesterfield Health District announced that a resident has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the City of Colonial Heights, which is the first case recorded in that locality. The case is a resident of Colonial Heights in their 50s. The patient did not require hospitalization and is self-isolating at home.
“Confirming a case of COVID-19 in a resident of Colonial Heights does not come as a surprise given that we’re seeing evidence of community transmission in the greater Richmond metro area,” said Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel. “We’ve been working with individuals who test positive to limit the spread to others.”
Most patients 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 being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Do not leave home except for essential travel.
- It is especially important to stay home when you are sick.
- Practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others.
- 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.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- If you experience symptoms, call your doctor.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.
The Chesterfield Health District has activated a coronavirus hotline, which will be staffed M-F from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. to address questions from residents about the coronavirus situation. Community members may call: 804-318-8207. The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.