March 28, 2020
Media Contact Will Drewery (757) 435-4428
Western Tidewater Health District Reports First COVID-19 Related Death
A Western Tidewater Health District man who recently tested positive for COVID-19 has died. The man in his 60s was a patient at a local hospital where he died due to respiratory failure. The patient had several underlying medical conditions, which exacerbated the effects of COVID-19.
“The staff of the Western Tidewater Health District is deeply saddened by the death of this patient,” said Dr. Todd Wagner district director. “This is another reminder of how important it is for us to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 virus.”
This new case will be included in the statewide case count tomorrow on the VDH website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
The Regional Call Center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For COVID-19 questions, call 757-683-2745.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Elderly and those at-risk should stay at home as much as possible; if not possible, avoid large gatherings
- Practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.
- 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.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Limit travel as much as possible.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/covid19 or www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.