RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond officials provided an update on response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a news briefing Wednesday afternoon.
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Health Director Dr. Danny Avula and Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras spoke.
Richmond School Board members decided students will not go back to the classroom this fall with an 8-1 vote Tuesday night.
As a result, students will partake in online learning in September since board members said the risk for in-person classes greatly outnumbered the benefits.
Board members said they will closely watch the situation and discuss updates as RPS moves forward in the reopening process.
A decision will later be made as to proceed for the second semester of the school year.
Kamras said this was a challenging decision for everyone involved and the School Board took into consideration all of the feedback that the District received from the community, parents, and teachers.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- 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.Avoid non-essential travel.