Spotsylvania County Reports First Death From Coronavirus

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Virginia Department of Health’s Rappahannock Area Health District has confirmed its first death from the new coronavirus, or COVID-19 — a resident from Spotsylvania County in his 60s. The results of the man's coronavirus test came back positive Tuesday, two days after he had died at the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

The people in close contact with the man while he was symptomatic will be contacted by the Rappahannock Area Health District and will be asked to monitor their symptoms and self-quarantine for two weeks from the date of exposure, the Spotsylvania County government said Wednesday. In its own announcement released earlier Wednesday, the health district did not disclose whether it was conducting an investigation into who may have come into contact with the man.

The Rappahannock Area Health District serves residents of the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

“On behalf of Spotsylvania, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the county resident who died, as well as the entire community affected by this outbreak,” Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Skinner said Wednesday in a statement.

Skinner said the county will work with the Virginia Department of Health and the Rappahannock Area Health District "to ensure our community continues to be informed and updated on this rapidly changing situation, and to ensure the needs of Spotsylvania County are met.”

The Rappahannock Area Health District said the death is not yet reflected on the Virginia Department of Health's website that was updated Wednesday morning. That list is based on cases and deaths recorded by 5 p.m. the evening before, the health district said.

On Wednesday morning, the Virginia Department of Health reported 1,484 positive cases of the coronavirus and 34 deaths. The positive cases jumped by 234 from the number reported Tuesday and the number of reported deaths increased by seven from Tuesday.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Rappahannock Area Health District Acting Director Dr. Donald Stern. “This is a sad reminder that COVID-19 can be a serious illness. It is vital that we take all precautions to limit the spread of this virus to protect ourselves and those around us from illness.”

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As of Wednesday morning, the Rappahannock Area Health District reported 41 positive cases of the coronavirus. Stafford County has 28 reported cases, followed by Spotsylvania County with eight cases, King George County with four cases and the City of Fredericksburg with one case.

To lower the risk of spreading the coronavirus, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:

• Stay at home to the greatest extent possible.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when you must be out in public.
• 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 only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.

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