First 2 Coronavirus-Related Deaths Reported In Arlington

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington Health District confirmed Sunday the first two deaths in Arlington County related to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, according to a county release.

The first patient is described as a 72-year-old with chronic medical conditions. The patient had been ill with the coronavirus for a few weeks. The second patient is described as a 60-year-old with chronic medical conditions, who had been identified with COVID-19 last week.

“We are saddened by the deaths of two Arlington County residents related to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to their loved ones,” said Arlington Health District Director Dr. Reuben Varghese. “These deaths, along with the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases we are seeing in the region, are a reminder that we all must be vigilant to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The health of our residents is our top priority and we know our residents and our community share that priority. We ask that everyone do their part to prevent germ spread: practice social distancing, wash your hands, and cover your coughs and sneezes.”

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a "stay at home" order Monday as cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, topped 1,000. The "stay at home" order calls for residents to stay home except to obtain food and other essential services, obtain medical care, travel to and from work, take care of other individuals or animals, visit a relative, travel to and from an educational institution, volunteer with a group providing charitable or social services, or exercise outdoors with social distancing.

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.

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 new 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.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know