April 7, 2020
Media Contact: Robert Parker, public information officer, Western Region, robert.parker@vdh.virginia.gov
LENOWISCO HEALTH DISTRICT ANNOUNCES FIRST CASES OF COVID-19 IN SCOTT COUNTY
(WISE, Virginia) – The Lenowisco Health District today confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in the district. Both are residents of Scott County, one male and one female. These are the first cases in Scott County. Health department staff are conducting an investigation to identify those who had contact with the patients, assess their risk of potential exposure and provide medical and public health measures to protect individuals and the community. To protect privacy, no other patient information will be disclosed.
“As we enter our fifth week of this public health emergency, COVID-19 has spread to every health district, and nearly every corner of Virginia,” said Sue Cantrell, M.D., director of the Lenowisco Health District. “Each one of us must do everything we can to limit the further spread of illness. We know the most effective way to do this is to stay home as much as possible, and practice effective individual precautions, especially for hygiene and distance. That’s how YOU stay well, and how you protect those around you today, and those who will be around you tomorrow and the day after.”
To reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:
- Stay home as much as possible, except for essential travel;
- Stay home, especially 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 social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public;
- Avoid close contact with crowds of any size, and avoid any crowd of more than 10 people;
- When out in public, wear a cloth face covering.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information online, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
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(NOTE: These cases do not yet appear in the Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus. The data is updated each morning.)