Loudoun Public School Staffer Dies From Coronavirus: County

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The Loudoun County Health Department reported Thursday the county's first death from the new coronavirus, or COVID-19 — a staff member with Loudoun County Public Schools. The victim, a woman in her 70s who had been hospitalized, died Wednesday night.

The health department said the woman's close contacts were previously investigated and that it has reached out to those contacts. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.

The death is the second one reported in Northern Virginia. The first Northern Virginia death caused by the coronavirus was a Fairfax County man in his 60s who was hospitalized and died last Saturday. He was exposed to COVID-19 through contact with a previously reported case.

"I am not sharing her name or specific remembrances because it is my sense that she would prefer it that way, but she is someone who loved and was loved," Eric Williams, superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools, said Thursday in a message to the Loudoun County public school community. "She is someone who felt joy and sorrow. She is someone who poured her whole self into contributing to our community."

Williams said children are receiving numerous messages through social media and the news relating to the coronavirus. There are resources available through the LCPS Pupil Services website and the National Association of School Psychologists that may be helpful for parents in speaking with their children.

Six Loudoun County Public Schools staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Loudoun County Public Schools.

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On Monday, the schools system said a staff member at Waxpool Elementary School in Ashburn was receiving medical care after testing positive for the coronavirus. The school system also announced last Saturday that a staff member associated with both Liberty Elementary School in South Riding and Pinebrook Elementary School in Aldie was receiving medical care.

The four other Loudoun County Public Schools staff members who tested positive were reported to be resting at home.

“We are saddened by the first confirmed death of a Loudoun County resident due to COVID-19. Our hearts go out to her loved ones,” Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend said Thursday in a statement.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. The coronavirus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

To lower the risk of transmission, the Loudoun County Health Department recommends the following:

• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, especially if you are an individual who is at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions.
• 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 except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or a new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.

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