Health and Medicine
NEWS RELEASE: Effective 5pm TODAY, Monday, March 16th, 2020, Centra will prohibit visitor access to all four hospitals – Lynchburg General Hospital, Virginia Baptist Hospital, Southside Community Hospital, Bedford Memorial Hospital and Gretna Emergency Department. Out of an abundance of caution for our patients and caregivers, routine visitors will not be allowed in Centra hospitals until further notice. Outpatients who have scheduled appointments in the hospitals will be allowed entry. Very narrow exceptions to this “no visitor” policy will be considered;• For obstetrical patients, one visitor will be permitted
• For pediatric patients, one visitor will be permitted (parent or legal guardian)
• Other exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Exceptions will be made for patients receiving end of life care
•Approved visitors as well as outpatients with scheduled appointments will be screened prior to entryWe understand this change will represent a significant hardship for both patients and families. This was a difficult decision, but one we feel is critically important to protect the patients who have entrusted us with their care, their families, our staff and the communities we serve. We want to assure both our caregivers and community that it is safe to visit Centra for scheduled appointments and procedures. We know the importance of loved ones being a part of the healing process. We will support and encourage inpatients to connect with family and friends by phone and through other technology, such as FaceTime or Skype.
Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie Carilion/G Marrano photo
The City of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic did their best on Friday to assure local residents they are closely monitoring any possible impact of the coronavirus here. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports on a news conference held just before the weekend:
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Gov. Ralph Northam on Sunday banned all public gatherings of more than 100 people statewide and ordered a two-week shutdown of municipal offices in an area of southeast Virginia that has been hit by a cluster of coronavirus cases, including the state’s first death from the virus.
Northam made the announcement after meeting with local officials in the Peninsula Health District, where eight people have tested positive for the virus, including one man in his 70s who died of respiratory failure caused by the virus. The peninsula covers Williamsburg, Newport News, Poquoson, James City County and York County.
“This is a very fluid and dynamic situation. We have not mandated a quarantine, but we are strongly encouraging and urging people to avoid public gatherings of any kind,” he said.
For people who live in the peninsula district, Northam said: “If you are planning an event with several people, you should cancel it — period.”
Local officials said municipal buildings throughout the district will be closed through March 30, but said local governments will continue to provide essential services, including police and fire response, and trash collection.
Dr. Thomas Franck, director of the Peninsula Health District, said officials have traced more than 200 contacts of people who have tested positive for the virus in the district and will continue to trace others “to ensure self-quarantine is taking place and to identify additional cases of the virus in the community.”
Local officials urged people in the district to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
The outbreak has caused more than 5,800 deaths out of 156,000 cases worldwide.
NEWS RELEASE: With the mandated closure of schools by Governor Northam on March 13, Roanoke County Public Schools will be implementing a program beginning Monday to deliver prepared bagged meals during the regular afternoon bus routes to any students who would like meal.
In addition, starting Tuesday, the school system will provide a prepared hot meal for pickup at eleven schools around Roanoke County each weekday from Noon – 12:30 p.m. Those schools are:
- Burlington Elementary
- Cave Spring Middle
- Clearbrook Elementary
- Glen Cove Elementary
- Glenvar High School
- Green Valley Elementary
- Herman L. Horn Elementary
- Masons Cove Elementary
- Mount Pleasant Elementary
- Oak Grove Elementary
- Penn Forest Elementary
Parents are asked to complete an online form at http://bit.ly/RCPS-COVID19 (click on meals) or parents can call their child’s school to inform the school system of their meal preference (hot pickup meal or drop off bagged meal). Each meal also will include a prepared bagged breakfast. All meals are free.
“We understand students depend on our schools as a reliable source of good nutrition. We are striving to make sure those students have a daily meal,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia health officials on Saturday reported the state’s first death from the coronavirus, a man in his 70s who died of respiratory failure after acquiring the virus through an unknown source.In a news release, the Virginia Department of Health and the Peninsula Health District reported the death of the man, who had been hospitalized.
“On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, we express our deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver.
In a statement, U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman said the death occurred in James City County. Health officials said they are reaching out to all identified contacts of people who have tested positive for coronavirus and giving them instructions on how to protect themselves and others.
Gov. Ralph Northam said he was “deeply saddened” to learn that a Virginia resident has died from the virus.
Virginia has reported 41 people have tested positive for the virus so far. Northam has declared a state of emergency, closed K-12 schools across the state for the next two weeks, restricted visitors at nursing homes and correctional facilities, and canceled large events.
“This is a public health crisis—we must all treat it as such,” Northam said in a news release.
He urged residents to avoid large gatherings, work at home if possible, and stay home if they are sick.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
The outbreak has caused more than 5,600 deaths out of 149,000 cases worldwide.
NEWS RELEASE: Out of an abundance of caution for public health, Montgomery County and the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg are continuing to urge residents to educate themselves regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and follow best practices when it comes to preventing the illness and avoiding exposure. As previously announced, officials from the three localities and local health, public safety and education agencies have proactively convened the Montgomery County Public Health Task Force in an effort to approach concerns related to COVID-19 in our community collaboratively and comprehensively. The Montgomery County Public Health Task Force is taking this time to plan and make decisions that may help decrease the chances of the virus spreading, as well as prepare the facilities in the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg to serve any community needs that may arise. The Blacksburg Recreation Center, Blacksburg Aquatic Center, Christiansburg Recreation Center and Christiansburg Aquatic Center will be closed to the public beginning March 15 through March 29, at a minimum. * All Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Blacksburg Parks and Recreation and Christiansburg Parks and Recreation community programs, fitness classes, senior programs, events, and youth and adult athletics will be canceled during this time. * All swim meets, swim lessons, events and fitness programs at the Blacksburg Aquatic Center and Christiansburg Aquatic Center will be canceled during this time. * All rentals at Montgomery County, Town of Blacksburg or Town of Christiansburg facilities, athletic fields and shelters are canceled. We will not be accepting rental requests during this time. * Parks and trails in all three localities will remain open, but we encourage residents to recreate at their own risk and to practice social distancing and good hygiene. * Citizens who planned on attending events and programs hosted by the three localities that required pre-registration or participation fees will be notified of the cancellation and will receive either a credit to their household account or a refund if the event or program will not be rescheduled. The decision to close these facilities is two-fold; it helps limit public gatherings and also provides time to sanitize and ready these critical buildings for other community needs. This time period is also consistent with Gov. Ralph Northam’s order that all K-12 schools in Virginia will be closed. Please continue to follow these tips to keep yourself and your family members safe: *Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In instances when soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. * Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. * Stay home when you are sick. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of( respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider or the Health Department immediately. Do not go to the emergency room until you have been advised to do so. The New River Valley Health District has activated a local public health hotline at 540-267-8240. The Montgomery County Public Health Task Force will provide updates as they become available via social media and online at www.montva.com/coronavirus.
NEWS RELEASE: Beginning Monday, March 16 all Roanoke County Public Libraries and Parks & Recreation facilities will be closed. Like Roanoke County Public Schools, they will remain closed through at least Sunday, March 29.
“This was not an easy decision to make. We know that our libraries and recreation facilities serve as community hubs for our citizens,” said Roanoke County Administrator Dan O’Donnell. “Health and medical officials recommend social distancing as a means to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. These precautionary measures are being taken to support the overall health and well-being of the community and for the safety of our citizens and staff.”
All programs and events at the Public Libraries and Recreation facilities this weekend will continue as scheduled. Beginning Monday, March 16 all programs and events will be cancelled. Digital library resources including eBooks and eAudiobooks will remain available through the library’s website.
For details regarding these closures and up-to-date information from Roanoke County, visit www.roanokecountyva.gov/coronavirus and the County’s social media outlets.
NEWS RELEASE: — Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Peninsula Health District reported the death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for COVID-19. This event marks the first death in the Commonwealth of Virginia due to COVID-19.
The patient was a male in his 70s who acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
“On behalf of the entire Commonwealth, we express our deepest sympathy for the family and loved ones of the patient who died, as well as the families of everyone who has been affected by this outbreak,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, M.D., M.A. “The health of our residents and the community is our top priority, and we will continue working together to care for the patients, protect the safety of health care workers, and protect the people in our Commonwealth.”
This case was recorded by VDH when it was first identified.
The Peninsula Health District has activated its incident management team and is deploying all necessary resources in order to contain this outbreak. Public Health officials are reaching out to all identified contacts of COVID-19 cases.
The Peninsula Health District has been working very closely to identify people who have been in potential contact with people known to have tested positive for coronavirus. They are interviewing affected people and giving instructions on how to protect themselves and others.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- 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.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.vdh.virginia.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House approved legislation early Saturday to provide direct relief to Americans suffering physically, financially and emotionally from the coronavirus pandemic. Passage came after President Donald Trump had declared the outbreak a national emergency, freeing up money and resources to fight it, and threw his support behind the congressional aid package.
From the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency,” unleashing as much as $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the crisis.
Trump also announced a range of executive actions, including a new public-private partnership to expand coronavirus testing capabilities with drive-through locations, as Washington tries to subdue the new virus whose spread is roiling markets, shuttering institutions and disrupting the lives of everyday Americans.
But he denied any responsibility for delays in making testing available as his administration has come under criticism for being too slow to respond.
Trump said, “I don’t take responsibility at all” for the slow rollout of testing.
As the House prepared to vote late Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi trumpeted the hard-fought package that will provide free testing, sick pay for workers, enhanced unemployment benefits and bolstered food programs.
“We did what we said we were going to do: Put families first,” said Pelosi, flanked by Democratic lawmakers, including many freshmen. The House passed the bill after midnight on a bipartisan vote, 363-40. It now goes to the Senate.
Trump’s tweet of approval instilled fresh energy in the measure, all but ensuring that wary Republicans would join with a robust vote.
“I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES!” Trump wrote, “Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!” On Saturday morning, he praised both parties: “Good teamwork between Republicans & Democrats as the House passes the big CoronaVirus Relief Bill. People really pulled together. Nice to see!”
The crush of late-day activity capped a tumultuous week in Washington as the fast-moving virus left ordinary Americans suddenly navigating self-quarantines, school closures and a changed way of life.
The White House was under enormous pressure, dealing with the crisis on multiple fronts as it encroached ever closer on the president.
Trump has been known to flout public health advice — and was eagerly shaking hands during the more than hour-long afternoon event — but acknowledged he “most likely” will be tested soon after exposures to individuals who have tested positive for the virus. The White House physician indicated later his interactions were low-risk and testing is not necessary.
Still, Trump said officials don’t want people taking the test unless they have certain symptoms. “We don’t want people without symptoms to go and do that test,” Trump said, adding, “It’s totally unnecessary.”
Additionally, Trump took a number of other actions to bolster energy markets, ease the financial burden for Americans with student loans and give medical professionals additional “flexibility” in treating patients during the public health crisis.
“Through a very collective action and shared sacrifice, national determination, we will overcome the threat of the virus,” Trump said.
Central to the aid package from Congress, which builds on an emergency $8.3 billion measure approved last week, are the free testing, sick pay and family leave provisions.
Providing sick pay for workers is a crucial element of federal efforts to stop the rapid spread of the infection. Officials warn that the nation’s healthcare system could quickly become overwhelmed with gravely sick patients, as suddenly happened in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the virus.
The ability to ensure paychecks will keep flowing — for people self-quarantining or caring for others — can help assure Americans they will not fall into financial hardship. The legislation also offers three months of paid family and medical leave. Small and mid-sized employers will be reimbursed through tax credits.
Pelosi negotiated the deal with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in days of around-the-clock negotiations with cross-town phone calls, even as Trump was speaking at the White House.
Voting in the Senate is not yet set, with senators out of town for the weekend. But Senate Leader Mitch McConnell canceled a plan recess week and senators were scheduled to return Monday. He said he expects most senators will want to “act swiftly.”
Both Mnuchin and Pelosi, who said she did not speak directly to Trump during the negotiations, promised a third coronavirus package will follow soon, with more aggressive steps to boost the U.S. economy, which economists fear has already slipped into recession.
The financial markets closed on an upswing after one of the worst nosedives since the 1987 downturn.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to be over it.
Trump said he was gratified that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tested negative for the virus, after the pair sat next to each other for an extended period of time last weekend at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club. A senior aide to Bolsonaro tested positive.
The White House physician said in a memo late Friday that Trump was also exposed to a second guest at the club dinner, “sharing the table with the president,” who has since tested positive for the virus. Still despite the incidents, the physician said Trump had only “LOW risk” interactions and testing “is not currently indicated.”
Trump’s daugher, Ivanka Trump, worked from home Friday after meeting with Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, now in isolation at a hospital after testing positive for the coronavirus. White House spokesman Judd Deere said she was evaluated by the White House Medical Unit.
Attorney General William Barr, who also met with the Australian official, stayed home Friday, though he “felt great and wasn’t showing any symptoms,” according to his spokeswoman Kerri Kupec.
Several lawmakers, including some close to Trump, have also been exposed to people who tested positive for the virus, and are self-isolating.
Among them are Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Rick Scott, who were at Trump’s club on the weekend. Graham announced Friday that he also met with the Australian official who has now tested positive. And GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who had previously isolated himself after a potential exposure at a conservative conference in Washington, said Friday he met with a Spanish official and is now self-quarantining.
Hospitals welcomed Trump’s emergency declaration, which they and lawmakers in Congress had been requesting. It allows the Health and Human Services Department to temporarily waive certain federal rules that can make it harder for hospitals and other health care facilities to respond to an emergency.
The American Medical Association said the emergency declaration would help ensure America’s health care system has sufficient resources to properly respond to the ongoing outbreak.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health, said more tests would be available over the next week, but warned, “We still have a long way to go.”
Mayor Sherman Lea at COVID news conference/G Marrano photo
Roanoke City officials and a Carilion Clinic infectious disease specialist gave an update on any local impact of the coronavirus this afternoon. Dr. Anthony Baffoe-Bonnie says Carilion does have coronavirus testing kits available but wouldn’t say if they have used any on patients. He again stressed hand washing and “social distancing” as effective ways to ward off COVID-19. Roanoke City is canceling most public assemblies for at least the next 30 days and has made the latest information available on the city website said Mayor Sherman Lea: