No Official Coronavirus Outbreak In Rappahannock Health District

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – Fredericksburg City officials noted Monday afternoon that the Rappahannock Area Health District – which includes the city of Fredericksburg and Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline counties – is one of two health districts in the state without an official outbreak of the new coronavirus.

In his daily video update, City of Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones said there are almost 287 positive COVID-19 cases in the health district, as of Monday as noon. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus. The only other health district in the state is West Piedmont, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Health districts in white are those that do not have an official coronavirus outbreak.

Get more news related to the new coronavirus in Virginia by signing up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

Mary Washington Healthcare is offering testing by appointment only at three locations within the health district:

• Fredericksburg: 2300 Charles Street
• Stafford Hospital: 101 Hospital Center Boulevard
• King George: 11131 Journal Parkway

Decisions for testing are made by primary care doctors, emergency room doctors or urgent care providers. If you meet the criteria for testing, a providers with put in an order for a COVID-19 test at one of these sites.

Chief Jones also discussed ways of discussing the pandemic with children in a way that can help them understand what is going on.

"Discuss what is happening honestly but simply, don't overwhelm them with too much information," he said. "Monitor your child's reactions over time. They may change and that may be something you need to be keyed in on and understand."

Jones also suggested maintaining a consistent daily schedule in order to help children stay on track with activities such as writing and doing creative projects. In addition, it's important to tell children about the first responders and people working on the frontlines to keep them safe.

"Tell them during the crisis to, 'Look for the helpers,'" Jones said. "That's what Mr. Rogers always said."