Stoney administration, Richmond City Health District offer COVID-19 update, prevention advice
The administration of Mayor Levar Stoney and leadership of the Richmond City Health District are working in lockstep to ensure the City of Richmond’s government and residents are prepared to minimize the spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
“My administration and I are in constant contact with state health officials, and we’ll be ready if the situation escalates,” said Mayor Stoney. “As always, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and go to the doctor if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.”
Though the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assessed the potential public health threat as high both globally and in the United States, the immediate health risk to the general American public is considered low at this time.
Currently, the Commonwealth of Virginia has zero confirmed cases. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has tested eight individuals for the virus, but all tests returned negative. The VDH is in constant communication with local health districts, authorities in other states, the CDC and other partners.
As part of the VDH’s public health response, local health departments are assessing the risk of persons who have recently returned from China and imposing active monitoring, supervision of self-monitoring or movement restrictions as necessary. As of March 1, there have been 279 travelers under public health monitoring in Virginia. 126 are currently under active monitoring.
Says Dr. Danny Avula MD, MPH, director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts of the Virginia Department of Health, “Our hope is that aggressive monitoring and other public health interventions will slow spread of the virus in the United States, allowing more time for vaccine development and possible antiviral treatments to be identified.”
“The health and wellbeing of the residents and workforce of the City of Richmond remain the top priority of the administration,” said Chief Administrative Officer Lenora Reid. “We are committed to providing a safe environment for all. To protect our residents and visitors, we are in constant communication with our health officials. We are confident that through preparedness for whatever to come, with the emergency operation procedures in place, continuity of city services will be maintained.”
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, cough and labored breathing. It causes mild illness in most patients, though it can manifest more severely in others. While people of all ages are susceptible to the virus, older people and patients with pre-existing medical conditions, including high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, appear to be more vulnerable.
The best defense against the virus is rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face and always cover coughs and sneezes to minimize airborne pathogens.
For reliable information on COVID 19, use the following resources:
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