A man in his 70s is the first coronavirus victim in Prince William County.
Dr. Allison Ansher, director of the Prince William Health District reported the death Friday afternoon.
The patent was in a hospital at the time of his death, however, Ansher declined to name the facility. She also declined to say when the patient was diagnosed with coronavirus.
“To respect the privacy of the individual and be sensitive to the family, no more information about the deceased will be given,” she said.
There are 44 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Prince William County, and three in Manassas. Statewide, 604 cases have been reported with 14 total deaths.
A total of 7,337 people have been tested in the state.
Nationally, the CDC reports the pandemic is just ramping up in the U.S. As of today, nationwide, there have been 85,356 reported cases and 1,246 deaths.
The Prince William Health District reminds residents to take precautions to avoid the spread of the disease:
Most commonly, symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms generally appear within 14 days of being exposed to a person infected with the virus. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To decrease the potential for the virus to be transmitted, the Prince William Health District recommends:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water format least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer only if soap and water is not available.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Cover our mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
· Practice social distancing by staying six feet or more away from others.
· If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home unless you need medical care. Call your healthcare provider prior to going to their office.
· Avoid non-essential travel, public gatherings, particularly if you have chronic medical conditions at any age, pregnant, or are elderly.
· Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition or if you develop a fever, new or worsening cough.
For COVID-19 questions, call the Prince William Health District public information line at 703-872-7759. Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
