April 6, 2020
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov
First Confirmed Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Dinwiddie
(Dinwiddie, Virginia)- The Crater Health District (CHD) announced today a resident of Dinwiddie County has tested positive for coronavirus 19 (COVID-19). The female is in her 30s and hospitalized. This marks the first positive COVID-19 case in Dinwiddie County.
“We continue to collaborate with our city, county and community partners to respond to cases throughout the Crater Health District. We are monitoring patient updates and identifying their close contacts,” said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH. “The health department carries out in-depth interviews with confirmed cases and works with our healthcare partners in efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and across the Commonwealth.”
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 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, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days after exposure to an infectious person.
“We all need to monitor ourselves for symptoms and practice social distancing as much as possible,” said Epidemiologist Senior E. Katrina Saphrey, MPH.
To lower the risk from spreading respiratory germs, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Stay home as much as possible, especially when you are sick.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- 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.
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.
The Crater Health District has activated coronavirus call center, staffed Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. to address questions from residents. Community members may call the Crater Call Center at 804-862-8989 or 877-ASK-VDH3, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For more information on COVID-19, please visit the following websites: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
NOTE: This case is not yet included on the statewide count on the VDH website. Cases are updated daily at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus, with the numbers as of 5 p.m. the evening before.