Stafford County now leads the Rappahannock area with the most number of coronavirus cases with 13.
There’s now a total of 20 cases reported by the Rappahannock Health District. The second case of coronavirus has been reported in Fredericksburg, but there are no additional details about the patient, said city spokeswoman Sonja Cantu.
Meanwhile, teasing for the disease continues to lag in the region. As of today, officials are between three and seven days behind, as they’re just now reviewing results from tests taken at the end of last week and from the beginning of this week.
“As the numbers continue to increase you will see the reason many are concerned with how quick this could escalate,” said Cantu.
Statewide, a total of 9,166 people have been tested so far, with 739 positive cases. A total of 95 cases require hospitalization and there have been 17 deaths in Virginia (an increase of 3 since yesterday).
Across the U.S., there 104,671 positive cases (an increase of 21,126 from yesterday). There are 1,711 deaths (an increase of 510 from yesterday) and 2,465 have recovered (which is an increase of 523 since yesterday).
Tomorrow, Sunday temperatures will rise into the mid-70s, with mostly cloudy skies and the chance of showers and thunderstorms. The forecast has area officials reminding people that even if the weather outside is warm, to keep their social distancing measures in place.
“Social distancing is even more important than ever, especially with the good weather weekend, people are wanting to get outside and enjoy the spring days. If you are going out you must practice social distancing indoors and outdoors. We have data to show that this technique works to slow the progression of the virus as it spreads” said Cantu.
In addition to continuing to be vigilant about proper, frequent hand washing (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) covering your cough with a tissue, or coughing into your sleeve, there’s’ a new warning out for people who have been outside their home and potentially exposed to the virus.
“When separating or readying clothes to wash, do not shake or jostle clothing, this can make any virus particles become airborne for up to 3 hours and lodge in your nose and potentially infect you,” added Cantu.
Last night, Prince William County reported its first coronavirus victim — a man in his 70s who was hospitalized. There are 56 reported cases in Prince William and four in Manassas.
