First Coronavirus 'Community Spread' Case Reported In Virginia

JAMES CITY COUNTY, VA — Virginia is seeing its first cases of "community spread" of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in an area around Williamsburg where the first person in the state died Saturday from the disease, according to government officials. As of Saturday evening, James City County, with a population of about 67,000, had eight confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

At around noon Sunday, the Virginia Department of Health increased the number of confirmed cases to 45 from the 41 cases reported Saturday. One new case was reported in Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, Prince William County and Virginia Beach, according to the health department.

The cluster of cases in James City County area is being investigated as the number of cases in Northern Virginia continues to grow. A Springfield teacher is among four additional patients who tested presumptive positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Fairfax County Health Department announced Saturday.

The Lynbrook Elementary School teacher is one of three individuals in the same household who are close contacts to a person with COVID-19. That case was announced on March 12. All three individuals are isolating at home and doing well, the health department said.

The Alexandria Health Department announced a second presumptive positive case of the coronavirus on Sunday. The presumptive result must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement comes after Alexandria City Council approved a local emergency declaration Saturday.

In southeastern Virginia, county administrators and city managers in the region issued a joint message Saturday night urging residents to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people, including church services, civic and social organization meetings, and public events and festivities.

"We have learned about several more incidents of Coronavirus COVID-19 within the region, including one death, confirming a limited community spread," the county and city leaders said in the joint message. Community spread is when people are infected without knowing how they became infected.

The area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Peninsula Health District, includes James City County, Williamsburg, York County, Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson.

"We as a community have the obligation to take further steps to curtail the spread," the county and city leaders said. "Those critical needs such as grocery shopping, fueling your vehicle, and other essential tasks should not be neglected. Remember to observe the hygiene steps of washing your hands frequently, sanitizing flat surfaces, and when possible avoid close contact."

The man who died in the region was his 70s who acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19. Health officials said Sunday they are still investigating how the man contracted the disease.

“On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, we express our deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak,” State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver said in a statement. “The health of our residents and the community is our top priority, and we will continue working together to care for the patients, protect the safety of health care workers, and protect the people in our Commonwealth.”

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On Friday, the City of Williamsburg partially activated its Emergency Operations Center as the coronavirus COVID-19 situation continues to escalate in the region. A partial activation allows for specific employees to respond and manage the emergency.

Dr. Denise Toney, director of the state Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, said Sunday at a press conference that Virginia currently has the capacity to test between 370 and 470 people, although the state has placed new orderes for its with the CDC.

To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including the coronavirus, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following behaviors:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• 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 if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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