CENTRAL VIRGINIA (WRIC) — In a press conference Wednesday morning, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and the Virginia Department of Health confirmed another coronavirus case, later identified as a Hanover teen, bringing the state total to nine.
The Chickahominy Health District said Wednesday that a teen who lives in the area recently returned from an international trip “to an area with ongoing community transmission” of COVID-19. Upon his return to the United States on March 4, the teen followed guidelines from health officials to stay home and monitor his health for two weeks.
The teen, who does not attend school, developed coronavirus symptoms on March 8 and was tested in Richmond by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services.
The positive test results are still considered presumptive as officials await confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The teen “is currently doing well and is isolated at home,” according to the health district.
The Chickahominy district includes Hanover County, Charles City, Goochland and New Kent
“Discovering a case of COVID-19 in our community does not come as a surprise given international travel from an affected area,” Chickahominy Health District Director Dr. Thomas Franck said.
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“We are fortunate that the resident followed our public health advice in accordance with the latest guidelines by staying home and limiting contact with others; consequently, we believe the risk to the general community remains low,” Franck continued.
Gov. Northam said Virginians should expect the number of cases to keep increasing. The governor cited his experience as a doctor and addressed Virginia’s “unique” response to the pandemic.
“We are working with the Bureau of Insurance, to determine how Virginia health insurers can relax co-pays and testing costs related to COVID-19,” Northam said Wednesday.
Residents in the Hanover area, like Syndey Cossaboon, says the pandemic s worrisome to her health and her family’s well-being.
“I work with a lot of people,” she said. “I’m shaking hands and talking to people and meeting people, meeting in a lot of public places, and I also live with my grandmother who’s a senior and hear they are the most susceptible so I’m a little concerned I may pass that on to her unknowingly and that could cause some serious problems for us.”
To keep germs from spreading, the Virginia Department of Health recommends you do the following:
- 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.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
WATCH: Full briefing on Virginia’s coronavirus response with Northam, health officials
