COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. – The first coronavirus case has been confirmed in the City of Colonial Heights, the Chesterfield Health District announced Monday.
The Colonial Heights resident is a patient in their 50s. The patient did not require hospitalization and is self-isolating at home, health officials added.
“Confirming a case of COVID-19 in a resident of Colonial Heights does not come as a surprise given that we’re seeing evidence of community transmission in the greater Richmond metro area,” said Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel. “We’ve been working with individuals who test positive to limit the spread to others.”
The Chesterfield Health District includes Chesterfield County, Powhatan County, and the City of Colonial Heights health departments.
The Virginia Department of Health announced Monday that there were 108 COVID-19 cases in Chesterfield County.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- 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.