July 2, 2020
Media Contact: Caitlin Leonard – caitlin.leonard@vdh.virginia.gov – 757-518-2629
Increase in COVID-19 Cases among Young Adults Prompts Reminder to Follow Prevention Steps during this Holiday Weekend
(Virginia Beach, Va.) – Virginia Beach health officials are reporting an increase in the number of positive tests for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 among residents in the ages younger than 30 years. Since the last week in May 2020, COVID-19 cases among ages younger than 20 have increased by 240 percent and cases in ages 20 to 29 have increased nearly 250 percent.
“The increase in COVID-19 cases among young adults and teenagers is due in large part to participating in activities that involve large gatherings of people and not wearing a face covering”, said Norfolk/Virginia Beach Health Director Dr. Demetria Lindsay. “We have recent reports of exposures at local bars, family celebrations, and socializing with friends. We all have to take responsibility for the protection of ourselves and others,” said Dr. Lindsay. “Please wear a face covering when out in public and stay six feet or more from others. Avoid close contact even among non-household family and friends.” Businesses hosting crowds, such as bars and restaurants, are reminded to follow the Governor’s Executive Orders and the associated guidelines for safe operations.
Do not be a victim of COVID fatigue. If you travel, plan your trip to minimize the risk of exposure and illness. Guidelines for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19 are online at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/prevention-tips/
Parents, young adults and teens are encouraged to remain vigilant in taking the following precautions:
- Avoid large gatherings of people and sharing living spaces with people outside your immediate household.
- Practice social distancing: stay 6 feet apart from others whenever possible.
- Wear a face covering over the nose and mouth while in public, particularly indoors.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds; use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
- Stay home when sick, except when seeking medical care.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including in your home.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect touched surfaces frequently.
- Cover coughs and sneezes when not wearing a face covering.
Anyone who has been in a large gathering or other setting where social distancing and face covering were not being practiced should contact their healthcare provider or seek testing, say health officials. This is especially urged for persons who become symptomatic. There is no safe place. There is only safe behavior.
For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/ and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.