JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. -- Authorities said there is "limited community spread" of COVID-19 on the Peninsula after a man in James City County died as a result of the virus Saturday.
Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting, James City County Administrator Scott Stevens, Newport News City Manager Cindy Rohlf, Poquoson City Manager Randy Wheeler, Williamsburg City Manager Andrew Trivette and York County Administrator Neil Morgan said in a joint statement the community must take "further steps to curtail the spread" after they learned of several more COVID-19 cases "within the region."
"Our first and most effective defense is to limit potential exposure," officials said. "In that respect, Peninsula residents are urged to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people. This includes church services, civic/social organization meetings, and public events and festivities."
Officials noted that critical tasks like grocery shopping, fueling your vehicle and other essentials should not be neglected.
"Remember to observe the hygiene steps of washing your hands frequently, sanitizing flat surfaces, and when possible avoid close contact," officials said.
Those county and city leaders noted that additional steps may be needed in the coming days as "local officials try to slow the rate of infection."
First COVID-19-Related Death in Virginia
Virginia health officials said a man in James City County died as a result of COVID-19 Saturday.
The victim is his 70s, who was hospitalized, died of respiratory failure as a result of the virus, officials said.
"The patient acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source," Virginia Department of Health (VDH) officials said.
The somber news marked the first death in the Commonwealth as a result of COVID-19.
"The Peninsula Health District has been working very closely to identify people who have been in potential contact with people known to have tested positive for coronavirus," officials said. "They are interviewing affected people and giving instructions on how to protect themselves and others."
Pam and I were deeply saddened to learn that a Virginian has died from #COVID19. The health of Virginians continues to be my absolute top priority. I will meet with local Peninsula officials tomorrow, and we will speak to the community about next steps.https://t.co/Q7GNEVDEeO
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 14, 2020
Gov. Ralph Northam released the following statement in response to the death:
“Pam and I were deeply saddened to learn that a Virginian has died from COVID-19, and we grieve for everyone this virus has touched around the world.
“The health of Virginians and our communities is my most important priority right now. As a Commonwealth, we have taken major, critical steps to stop the spread of COVID- 19. I have declared a state of emergency, closed K-12 schools across the state, restricted visitors at nursing homes and correctional facilities, limited state employee travel, and canceled large events.
“This is a public health crisis—we must all treat it as such.
“Again, I urge Virginians: take this seriously. Take basic health precautions, avoid large gatherings, telework if possible, and stay home if you are sick. That will stop the virus from spreading.
“It is all of our responsibility, yours and mine, to keep each other safe and healthy.
“You deserve to know next steps. I will meet with local officials on the Peninsula tomorrow, and we will speak to the community at 12:00 PM about additional measures we are taking to combat COVID-19.”
Virginia COVID-19 Cases
Of the 395 people tested for COVID-19 in Virginia, 41 people had tested positive for the virus as of Saturday. Officials noted public health officials are "reaching out" to anyone who is known to have been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
Earlier Saturday, health officials said a Chesterfield County man had tested positive for COVID-19. The patient, who is in his 60s, recently returned from a country with COVID-19 cases.
When he returned home, health officials said he stayed home and monitored his health.
“Confirming a case of COVID-19 in a Chesterfield resident does not come as a surprise given international travel from an affected area,” Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel said. “We have been on high alert for possible cases of residents with COVID-19 and are working hard to identify possible cases.”
The patient is "doing well" and "isolated at home," officials said.
The number of U.S. coronavirus cases, which have been reported in all states except West Virginia, swelled to 2,951 Saturday.
The death toll from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, rose to 57 Saturday.
Worldwide, the virus has infected more than 156,390 people and killed over 5,800, with the vast majority of them in China. Most cases have been mild, and more than half of those infected have recovered.
Safety Tips
VDH officials urged folks to abide by the following "effective behaviors" to "lower the risk of respiratory germ spread:"
- 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.
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COMPLETE COVERAGE: Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker