Teacher Among 4 More Fairfax County Presumptive Coronavirus Cases

SPRINGFIELD, VA — A Springfield teacher is among the 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 says.

The fourth new patient is a person in his 70s who traveled on a Nile River cruise, similar to a Fairfax City couple who tested presumptive positive. The man sought medical care on March 10 and was hospitalized. He is now doing well and is isolating at home.

The four additional cases in Fairfax County brings the total to 10 presumptive cases in the county and Fairfax City. The results came after specimens were sent to the Virginia state laboratory for testing. Presumptive positive results must be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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The health department is investigating whether there is risk of exposure related to the Lynbrook Elementary School teacher. Upon identifying individuals at risk, the health department would contact those individuals with guidance.

"At this time, there is no evidence of sustained community spread of the novel coronavirus and the risk to the general FCPS community remains low," said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of health with the Fairfax County Health Department.

A March 14 letter to families from Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand addresses the teacher's COVID-19 case, the first case tied to the school district. Fairfax County Public Schools are closed through April 10.

"The staff member is recovering at home and we wish our staff member a quick recovery," wrote Brabrand.

As of Saturday, the Virginia Department of Health confirmed 41 presumptive positive cases in the state. The state also reported its first COVID-19 death, which involved a man in his 70s, who was hospitalized after testing positive for the coronavirus, died Saturday. That case was one of eight in James City County.

The Fairfax County Health Department is working to identify individuals who had close contact with people who tested presumptive positive with COVID-19. Anyone identified as a close contact is directed to self-quarantine and actively monitor for fever and respiratory symptoms. An individual who shows symptoms will undergo testing.

COVID-19 ranges from a mild to severe respiratory illness, including some cases that have led to death. According to the CDC, symptoms are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and these symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure. COVID-19 is thought to spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The Fairfax County Health Department is urging residents to follow these measures to mitigate the spread of respiratory illness:

• Individuals at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions should avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, or places where large groups of people congregate, such as ticketed events (such as theaters, concert halls, and sporting events).
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• 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.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.
• Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19.

Trusted information on COVID-19 is available from the Fairfax County Health Department, Virginia Department of Health and CDC. Residents can call Fairfax County's coronavirus information line with questions at 703-267-3511 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.