VIRGINIA, USA — Health officials confirmed the first coronavirus case in Virginia Saturday.
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed a U.S. Marine at Fort Belvoir has tested positive for the covid-19 coronavirus.
Officials with the U.S. Dept. of Defense said the patient is currently being treated at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. The Marine recently returned from overseas, where he was on official business.
The Secretary of Defense has been briefed. The White House has been notified.
Health officials said the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital and the Virginia Department of Health are working cooperatively and following longstanding public health protocols.
VDH officials said its team is in close communication with federal, state, local, and private sector partners.
Health officials said they have not found any evidence of coronavirus spreading in Virginia and the risk remains low.
VDH has briefed Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and cabinet officials.
In a press release, health officials said people in Virginia and on military installations should take the following precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.