Rappahannock Health District Suspends In-Person Clinical Visits

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Rappahannock Area Health District has suspended in-person clinical services due to a health district staff member testing positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the health district said Monday. The health district will not be offering in-person clinical services from Tuesday, May 19 to Thursday, May 28 due to its reduced staffing levels.

Deep cleaning will be taking place at the affected health departments within the next 24 hours, the health district said. RAHD has offices in Caroline, King George, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford.

The health district also is undergoing a case investigation to identify all staff members and patients who may have been exposed. The health district's employees are reaching out to these patients directly to provide guidance. Several other staff members have been tested for the virus and the results are pending, the health district said.

"Even though our area has entered Phase 1 of the reopening process, COVID-19 is still actively spreading in our community," RAHD Acting Health District Director Dr. Donald Stern said Monday in a statement. "It remains of the utmost importance that everyone follow public health precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.”

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Staff who may have been exposed have been required to quarantine for two weeks.

Clinical services, including maternity care, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and family planning services, will be delivered through telemedicine where possible, and patients will be referred to appropriate community partners or neighboring health districts as necessary.

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

• Stay at home if you are sick or experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
• Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.
• Wear a mask or cloth face covering to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets to others.
• 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.

Patients with questions or concerns can call the RAHD COVID-19 call center at 540-899-4797.

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