SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. -- Doctors and nurses at a Spotsylvania hospital recently celebrated the release of the county's first COVID-19 patient.
Video shows staffers at Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center sending off the man, who is holding balloons and a poster stating: you're going down in history.
A nurse who cared for the man said there were "days it did not look like he was going to recover -- and then he turned a corner."
A hospital spokesperson said patient and his family have become part of their family and they are excited for the next step in his recovery.
Eighteen people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Spotsylvania County as of Saturday morning, according to Virginia Department of Health data.
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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.
