Virginia child dies from COVID-19; “The pandemic is far from over,” warns the director of health

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RICHMOND, Virginia – The first child in eastern Virginia has died of complications from COVID-19, health officials said Thursday.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) officials did not provide any additional information to protect family privacy, but said the child was between 10 and 19 years old.

The child lived in the eastern region of Virginia, which includes the towns of Chesapeake, Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg as well as the counties of Accomack, Isle of Wight, James City , Northampton, Southampton and York.

The authorities offered their condolences to the child’s family and friends “at this time of great loss.”

“COVID-19 has taken thousands of lives from us, and every death is a tragedy,” Virginia Health Commissioner Norman Oliver said. “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. As we’ve seen in recent weeks, one COVID variant, the Delta variant, spreads more easily from person to person. We have made progress in recent months against this virus, but a tragic event like the death of this young child is a stark reminder that our work is not done. “

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VDH

The first child under 10 in the central Virginia area died of complications from COVID-19 in March 2021. A second child under 10, who lived in the Rappahannock area health district, died in July 2021.

A teenager, who lived in the Southside Health District, died of COVID-19 in September 2020, according to the health department. The Southside Health District serves the counties of Halifax, Brunswick and Mecklenburg.

A second death among 10-19 year olds has been reported in the Rappahannock / Rapidan health district, which includes Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock counties.

As of Thursday, more than 11,546 Virginians had died from COVID-19. Including:

  • 2 – 0-9 years
  • 6 – 10-19 years
  • 32 – 20-29 years
  • 100 – 30-39 years
  • 268 – 40-49 years
  • 854 – 50-59 years
  • 1,913 – 60-69 years
  • 2,989 – 70-79 years
  • 5,370 – 80 years and over

Almost 90 percent of coronavirus deaths in the state are people aged 60 or older.

Health officials continue to urge people to take the following precautions to “reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infections,” which includes COVID-19:

  • Get a COVID-19 vaccine. Click here to find a free vaccine near you.
  • Wear a mask in indoor public places, even if you are fully immunized. Virginia is currently experiencing high levels of the spread of COVID-19.
  • Practice physical distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others.
  • Avoid large gatherings, crowds, and poorly ventilated indoor spaces (air flow).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.



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