Fairfax Health District Reports 3 More Coronavirus Deaths

FAIRFAX, VA — On Wednesday, the Fairfax County Health Department reported three additional deaths due to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The health district, which includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church, confirmed five total deaths related to COVID-19. The health department also announced 43 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the health district's total to 288 positive cases.

The health department says the three hospitalized patients who died included a man in his 60s, a man in his 80s and a man in his 90s. All three were included in previous COVID-19 case counts.

"We are saddened by these additional deaths in our community caused by COVID-19,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health for the Fairfax County Health Department. "We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones."

As cases continue to increase, the health department is not providing case summaries for each individual with COVID-19. Locations of the cases are not disclosed.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County officials and counterparts in the National Capital Region released a joint statement urging residents to stay home except for essential tasks. Gov. Ralph Northam's "stay at home" order has some exceptions, including getting groceries or medicines, caring for a sick family member or friend, getting medical care, outdoor exercise, receiving essential social or government services, traveling to and from work or a place of worship and travel required by court order to facilitate child custody, visitation or child care.

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As of Wednesday morning, the Virginia Department of Health reported 1,484 positive cases of COVID-19 and 34 deaths. The positive cases jumped by 234 from the number reported Tuesday, while the number of reported deaths increased by seven from Tuesday. Statewide, 15,344 people have been tested, and 208 are hospitalized. There is no statewide data on recovered patients.

The Fairfax County Health Department has a testing information page to address questions about COVID-19 testing. The health department does not conduct testing but recommends individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 contact their doctor. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath and can appear up to 14 days after exposure.

Residents can get updates on COVID-19 by texting FFXCOVID to 888777. Questions can be directed to ffxcovid@fairfaxcounty.gov or the Health Department Call Center at 703-267-3511 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. More information is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/covid19.

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