March 25, 2020
Media Contact: Larry Hill, Phone: 757-683-9175
Peninsula Health District Reports Two Additional COVID-19 Deaths
(Newport News, Va.) — Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported the deaths of two Peninsula residents. Both recently became ill and were admitted to a local hospital where they died. One patient was a female in her 80s and the other a female in her 60s. Both tests came back positive for the COVID-19 virus. The cause of death was respiratory failure.
How the patients acquired the COVID-19 is unknown at this time. The Peninsula Health District has launched an investigation to identify their whereabouts and close contacts. These cases were not included in the statewide COVID-19 positive case count today on the VDH website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
“We at VDH are so sorry to hear of the loss of more Peninsula residents. I want to express our sadness and let the families and friends of the patients know we are thinking about them during this difficult time,” said Peninsula Acting Health Director Dr. Steve Julian. “I want to remind our community about how important it is to follow the recommendations being provided to protect our elderly and those with underlying conditions. Everyone has a responsibility to protect each other.”
The Peninsula Health District Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. For COVID-19 questions, call 757-594-7069.
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 non-essential travel
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- 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 being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/covid19 or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.