3rd VA Presumed Positive Coronavirus Case Is Arlington Resident

ARLINGTON, VA — An Arlington County resident is the third presumed positive case of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. State health officials are working with the Arlington County Public Health Division to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual.

“The Virginia Department of Health, hospitals, and healthcare providers across the state have been preparing for the possibility of residents with COVID-19," said Dr. M. Norman Oliver, state health commissioner, in a release. "We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments to identify possible cases and prevent the spread of the virus. Our focus now is that the individual receive the care needed to recover, complete additional investigations, and protect the health of all Virginians.”

This is the third presumptive positive test result in Northern Virginia. On Saturday, a Marine who recently returned to the U.S. after traveling to Ethiopia on official business and a Fairfax City man who had been on a Nile River cruise were the first two confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the state.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus in Arlington, as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The Arlington resident with the presumptive positive test is in their 60s. After returning from international travel, the person had developed fever, cough and shortness of breath. The presumptive positive test result was returned Sunday evening and confirmation by the CDC is pending. The Arlington resident is receiving medical care.

“We are working closely with our health care partners and the state to monitor the patient and identify and work with their close contacts,” said Dr. Reuben K. Varghese, Arlington County health director. “Confirming a case of COVID-19 in an Arlington resident does not come as a surprise given international travel from an affected area. We understand the risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) increases among close contacts of infected persons.”

Health officials say the Arlington resident had limited contact with others during his illness and the risk to the community at large is low.

Health officials urge residents to take these steps to avoid the virus:

• 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 if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

Related:

• Coronavirus Guidance Offered In Arlington Schools Release
• First 2 Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Cases Reported In DC
• VA Officials Work To Limit Spread From 1st Coronavirus Cases
• Virginians Warned Of Scams Related To New Coronavirus

COVID-19 Fast Facts

• Coronavirus refers to a family of different viruses. For instance, the common cold is a coronavirus. So is SARS. COVID-19, however, is a novel strain.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread between people and animals.
• Symptoms include a fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• COVID-19 can spread between people who are about 6 feet apart from each other and through respiratory droplets (produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes), the CDC says.
• An infected person may not experience symptoms for up to 14 days.
• To combat infection, frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, sanitize frequently touched surfaces and objects, and stay home from work or school if you're feeling ill.