April 1, 2020
Media Contact: Larry Hill, Phone: 757-683-9175
Chesapeake Health Department Reports First COVID-19 Death
(Chesapeake, Va.) — Today, the Chesapeake Health Department reported the first death of a Chesapeake resident from COVID-19. The resident was a male in his 80s. The patient had underlying conditions and the cause of death was respiratory failure. This case appears to be travel related. To protect patient confidentiality, no further information about the patient will be provided.
“We mourn the loss of a member of our Chesapeake family due to this threatening pandemic. Our deep condolences to his family and friends,” said Chesapeake Health Director Dr. Nancy Welch. “This death and the other cases we are seeing in our city is a reminder of how important it is to be vigilant preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Everyone needs to do their part so we can stop the virus and go back to our normal lives.”
This new case will be included in the death 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/.