LENOWISCO HEALTH DISTRICT: HELP NEEDED FROM RESIDENTS TO PREVENT COVID-19 SPREAD IN THE COMMUNITY

July 21, 2020

Media Contact: Risk Communications Manager Lorrie Andrew-Spear, Lorrie.Andrew-Spear@vdh.virginia.gov 

LENOWISCO HEALTH DISTRICT: HELP NEEDED FROM RESIDENTS TO PREVENT COVID-19 SPREAD IN THE COMMUNITY

 –Area experiencing uptick in cases. —

(WISE, Virginia) – As cases of COVID-19 increase across the country, our area is also experiencing a rise in cases. The LENOWISCO Health District encourages all residents to remain vigilant in practicing good health habits to limit the spread of illness in our community. As of July 21, Lee has recorded a total of 44 total cases; Wise has 54; Scott has 30, and Norton has 5.

“COVID-19 has seen widespread community transmission across Virginia since March. The increase in cases locally highlights the need to remain vigilant,” said LENOWISCO Health District Director Sue Cantrell, M.D. “Increases can occur following close gatherings of crowds, travel to COVID-19 hot spots, and simply due to people in close contact in smaller groups and not wearing masks.”

For many residents, summer involves traveling out of the area. However, travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19. VDH advises all Virginians to stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential or if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you are traveling, use these guidelines to plan your trip to minimize the risk of exposure and illness: www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/coronavirus/travel-to-areas-with-widespread-ongoing-community-spread.

“We all have a stake in this, for the protection of ourselves and everyone else,” Dr. Cantrell continued. “Please wear a face covering when out in public. Avoid gathering in close groups, and stay six feet or more from others. There is no safe place. There is only safe behavior.”

When at home or while traveling, take these steps to lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19:

  • Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering;
  • Stay home 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 physical distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public; and
  • Avoid close contact with crowds.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information online, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco, www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

#     #     #