April 3, 2020
Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov
Chickahominy Health District Reports First COVID-19 Related Death
The Chickahominy Health District is reporting the first COVID-19 related death of a resident, a woman in her 80s. No additional information is being provided about this individual.
“Our hearts and our prayers go out to her family and friends,” said Chickahominy Health District Director, Dr. Thomas Franck. “This death, along with the increasing number of coronavirus cases being discovered in the community, is a reminder that we all share a responsibility in slowing the spread of this virus. It is crucial that we all follow special precautions to protect our loved ones as well as our community – this is especially important for protecting those who are at a higher risk, such as older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.”
To decrease the potential for the virus to be transmitted, the Chickahominy Health District encourages everyone to:
- Stay at home to the greatest extent possible.
- Practice social distancing by avoiding gathering in groups of any size and maintaining at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and then wash your hands.
- 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.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Stay home and away from all others when you are sick.
- If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.
For general questions about COVID-19, community members may call the health district’s hotline: 804- 365-3340, which is staffed M-F from 8am – 4:30pm (starting April 6, hotline hours will be extended to M-F from 8am-6pm). For the latest on COVID-19, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
Note: This fatality has not yet been included in the statewide count. The count is updated daily with numbers recorded by 5 p.m. the evening before.