Petersburg, Virginia COVID-19 UPDATES (Updated 3/12/2020)

The City of Petersburg is encouraging City employees and community members to heed necessary precautions to minimize the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Currently, there are multiple confirmed cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is in constant communication with Petersburg administrative leaders, local health districts, the CDC, and other partners.

The best defense against the virus is rigorous personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face and always cover coughs and sneezes to minimize airborne pathogens.

Travel abroad and Spring Break

With Spring Break near, it is important for families to become familiar with guidance and travel warnings posted on the Centers for Disease Control website. If you are traveling to a country with a Level 3 Travel Health Notice, the CDC guidance states: “Travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning to the United States and practice social distancing.” CDC TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Keep your child home when sick

If your child has symptoms of illness that would prevent participation at school, then please keep your child at home and call the school to report that your child is sick. Returning to school too soon may delay recovery from illness and may potentially expose others.

- Fever: Children should not be in school if they have a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and should stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours without medication. During influenza season, children with a fever and other flu-like symptoms may be asked to stay home longer.

- Vomiting and diarrhea: Children should not attend school if they are vomiting or have diarrhea. Children are asked to stay home until 24 hours after the last time they vomited or had diarrhea.

RESOURCES: 

Health District COVID-19 Video: Click Here

World Health Organization Videos: Click Here

Resources for Faith-Based Leaders: Click Here

Links to more resources on COVID-19:

•    Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

•    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

•    World Health Organization