BATH COUNTY REGISTERS FIRST COVID-19 CASE

July 10, 2020
Media Contact: Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, robert.parker@vdh.virginia.gov

BATH COUNTY REGISTERS FIRST COVID-19 CASE

— COVID-19 has been reported in every city and county in Virginia —

(STAUNTON, Virginia) – A resident of Bath County has been confirmed to have COVID-19. This is the county’s first case, and with this confirmation, COVID-19 has now been reported in every Virginia county and city.

To protect privacy, VDH will disclose no further information about the patient.

“This is an unfortunate, but inevitable, outcome. It reminds us again of the importance of precautions and personal behavior in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, everywhere we go,” said Laura Kornegay, M.D., director of the Central Shenandoah Health District. “It really is up to each of us, and our behavior. What we do individually matters collectively.”

To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:

  • Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering;
  • 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;
  • Practice physical distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and
  • Avoid close contact with crowds of any size, and avoid any crowd of more than 250 people.

“Virginia has seen widespread community transmission of COVID-19 since late March,” said Dr. Kornegay. “And as testing opportunities have become more widespread across the commonwealth, it is inevitable that we will continue to see new cases.”

For the most accurate and up-to-date information online, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau,   www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

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