First county virus case reported

Some say that all good things must come to an end.

After nearly three months of being a blank spot on Virginia’s COVID-19 map, Dickenson County now reports one confirmed case of the coronavirus. It was announced Tuesday morning in a Virginia Department of Health release.

Now, only two Virginia counties, Bath and Bland, have yet to report a confirmed case.

“Virginia has seen widespread community transmission of COVID-19 since late March,” said Dr. Sue Cantrell, director of the Cumberland Plateau and Lenowisco health districts. “And as testing opportunities have become more widespread across the commonwealth, with faster turnaround times for test results, it is inevitable that we will continue to see new cases.”

Up to this report, the Cumberland Plateau district had reported 36 cases — 18 in Buchanan County, eight in Russell and nine in Tazewell.

“Wherever you are, we know the risk of COVID-19 is there, too,” Cantrell emphasized. “Remember that the best protection for each of us comes from personal precautions, including hygiene and physical distancing. That’s how you protect yourself and those around you. Remember, there is no safe place. There is only safe behavior.”

TESTING

The Dickenson County Health Department offers free drive-through COVID-19 testing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 1-3 p.m.

To be tested, you must meet Virginia Department of Health priority criteria. You must call in advance for a screening and to schedule an appointment before coming to the health department office.

To request a screening, call 276/926-3146.

STAY SAFE

To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:

• Stay home as much as possible, especially if you are at higher risk of serious illness. If you must go out in public, wear a cloth face covering.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.

• Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.

• Avoid close contact with crowds of any size, and avoid any crowd of more than 50 people.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information online, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/cumberland-plateau, www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.