August 19, 2021
Cat Long, RHHDpr@vdh.virginia.gov, 804-363-0933
COVID-19 CHILD DEATH IN RICHMOND/HENRICO AREA
RICHMOND, VA – Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) received notice of a recent death of a child caused by COVID-19. The child was between the ages of 0-9. The death will be reflected on the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard tomorrow. To protect the privacy of the child’s family, RHHD will not be releasing any further details.
“Our hearts are heavy as we share this tragic and devastating news,” says Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director of RHHD. “We send our condolences to the family and are thinking of them in this incredibly difficult time.”
This is the second reported childhood death caused by COVID-19 in Richmond and Henrico and tenth in the state of Virginia.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to be the best way to protect our most vulnerable, including children too young to get vaccinated. To protect children from severe illness or death from COVID-19, RHHD recommends the following:
- Children 12 and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19
- Everyone who spends time with children under the age of 12 should be vaccinated against COVID-19
- Children should wear masks while indoors with individuals who are not a part of their household and should practice social distancing
- Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should follow self-isolation guidelines to avoid passing COVID-19 to children
For more information on preventing COVID-19, visit rchd.com or call 804-205-3501.