Second Loudoun Coronavirus Case Linked To Georgetown Church

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A second Loudoun County resident, a man in his 40s, has tested presumptive positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Loudoun County Health Department said Thursday. The department also said there are two other tests awaiting results from the Virginia state laboratory and an unknown number of outstanding tests awaiting results from private labs.

The presumptive positive test result for the second case was returned to the Health Department late Wednesday evening.

This man, who was identified through a Loudoun County Health Department follow-up investigation, is known to have had close contact with the first person in Loudoun County who tested positive for the coronavirus. The resident was subsequently tested for the novel coronavirus by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services in Richmond.

The first case in Loudoun, another man in his 40s, is believed to have come in contact with the rector of Christ Church Georgetown who tested positive for the coronavirus. The rector said his condition is improving after he became D.C.’s first resident to test positive for the new coronavirus, WTOP reported Wednesday.

In a letter addressed to the Christ Church Georgetown community, the rector described his life in the days since first developing symptoms as tiring but said he is on the road to recovery, according to WTOP.

Stay up-to-date on the new coronavirus in Virginia. Get Patch news alerts.

The positive test result for the second Loudoun patient is considered a presumptive positive, pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient is currently doing well and is isolated at home. The patient said he has had no contact with the Loudoun County Public Schools system.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:

• 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.
• 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.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid non-essential travel.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Thursday afternoon as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the state, with the Virginia Department of Health confirming 17 presumptive positive cases Thursday morning.

RELATED:
Loudoun Schools Closed Through March 20 Over Coronavirus Concerns
Coronavirus: Loudoun Officials Cite Billing Issues, Stockpiling