RICHMOND, Va. -- GRTC reported its 18th positive COVID-19 case on Thursday, the second contractor employee to test positive for the virus.
The employee was last on duty at GRTC on July 23 and has been quarantined from GRTC. The employee has public-facing service functions, and the company said the case is not suspected in connection with any other employee or contractor cases.
With each positive case, GRTC continues to proactively identify any likely contacts to be notified, quarantined, and tested in accordance with guidance from the Virginia Department of Health. The full list of confirmed cases is available online.
GRTC is hosting its fifth voluntary, on-site, free COVID-19 testing event today for staff, conducted by SecureHealth, a regionally owned and operated urgent care provider. On-going and repeated testing will remain an important tool to aid in early detection of COVID-19 in the workforce for asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infections.
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.