Chickahominy Health District Announces First Positive Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in New Kent County

*Note: This case is not yet reflected in the updated statewide count at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.

March 27, 2020

Media Contact: Caitlin Hodge, Caitlin.Hodge@vdh.virginia.gov

Chickahominy Health District Announces First Positive Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in New Kent County

(New Kent, VA.) – The Chickahominy Health District (CHD) announced today the first COVID-19 case in New Kent County. The individual is a female in her 20s who has been monitoring herself at home, and whose symptoms are resolving.

CHD is working with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide the best possible guidance for the community. For public information, residents may call the health district’s Coronavirus Hotline: 804-365-3340, which can answer calls Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm. Health Care providers may call 804-365-3341 during the same time period.

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“Social distancing is one of the most effective strategies in lessening the impact of an epidemic such as COVID-19,” said the Chickahominy Health District Director, Dr. Thomas Franck. As of today, people should avoid social gatherings of more than 10 individuals. If you are 65 years or older, or if you have a serious chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, immune compromise), you should seriously consider staying at home. “We all have a responsibility and duty to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our community from this novel coronavirus.”

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, please follow the steps below from the CDC website to help protect other people in your home and community:

  • Stay home, except to get medical care.
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
  • Wear a face mask when you are around other people (closer than 6ft) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing, then wash your hands.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items.
  • Clean your hands often.
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces frequently.
  • Monitor your symptoms and following care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department.

For more information: 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.