Second Coronavirus Death Announced In Fairfax Health District

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Health Department reported a second death of a person who tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Friday. This is the third death tied to COVID-19 in Northern Virginia.

The health department says the patient was a man in his 60s who was exposed through travel and recently tested positive. The cause of death was identified as complications of COVID-19.

"This is a tragic loss and our hearts go out to his family and friends,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health for the Fairfax County Health Department. "This most recent death, along with the increasing numbers of coronavirus cases we are seeing, is a reminder that we all need to be diligent in doing our part to help slow the spread of virus in the community."

The Fairfax Health District, which covers Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City, reported 142 COVID-19 cases, the most of any Virginia jurisdiction, as of Friday.

Northern Virginia's other deaths involved a Fairfax County man and a Loudoun County Public Schools employee.

COVID-19 ranges from mild to severe respiratory illness, with older adults and individuals with serious chronic conditions at higher risk for severe illness. Symptoms (fever, cough and difficult breathing) can appear up to 14 days after exposure. The virus is thought to spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Fairfax County as they happen. Sign up for news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

A person experiencing symptoms should contact a doctor, who will decide whether to order a test. The person should call ahead before visiting a doctor's office to insure infection control protocols are in place. More guidance on testing is available from the health department.

The health department urges all residents to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, especially if you are an individual who is at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions.
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• 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.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.
• Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19.

Sign up for updates on the coronavirus by texting FFXCOVID to 888777, and call the health department information line with questions at 703-267-3511 from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.