March 24, 2020
Media contact: George Jones, 804-381-2622 and Danny Avula, 804- 382-3855
Two Henrico County residents succumb to COVID-19
Henrico County – The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has claimed the lives of two elderly Henrico County citizens who were residents of the Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. They were among other patients at the facility receiving treatment for the virus at a local hospital.
The Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center has worked closely over several days with the Henrico Health Department to confirm the virus and relocate the affected patients to the hospital for care. They are following health department guidance and taking necessary steps to protect the health and safety of their residents and staff.
Dr. Danny Avula, Director for Henrico and Richmond health districts, offers condolences to the families of the deceased residents. More than a week ago the health department began working with the facility to implement measures to control transmission, including establishing a dedicated ward for residents with symptoms.
The health department is continuing to collaborate with the facility to reduce risk of transmission, conduct contact investigation, and to implement control measures.
Older people are among the more vulnerable populations for developing severe illness from COVID-19. Individuals with underlying illnesses and compromised immune systems are also at higher risk.
We all can take steps to protect our health and the health of loved ones.
- Stay home if possible.
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Practice social distancing
- Call your healthcare professional if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you are sick.
For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, visit the VDH website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/.
Note: This case was not included in the statewide count earlier today. The count is updated at noon with numbers reported by 5 p.m. the evening before.