March 26, 2020
Media Contact: Will Drewery (757) 435-4428
First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Southampton County
A male in his 60’s from Southampton County has tested positive for COVID-19. While the patients address is in Southampton County, the patient currently resides at an assisted living facility in Northampton County, North Carolina. The patient was transported to a local hospital, for an unrelated medical emergency.
The Western Tidewater Health District (WTHD) is working a full contact investigation collaboratively with the Northampton County Health Department. WTHD will notify those with contact exposures and advise those persons of the precautions they should take.
“This case is a great example of the collaborative public health effort that occurs when we have patients that cross state borders,” said Dr. Todd Wagner, director of the Western Tidewater Health District.
Note: This case is not included in the totals posted today on the VDH website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- 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.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.
- Avoid crowds of more than ten people.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.
Residents should contact the information call center at (757) 683-2745 with questions about the COVID-19 situation.