NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Department of Health released on Sunday three additional deaths related to the coronavirus.
Of the Peninsula residents, two previously tested positive and one was a newly tested positive case.
The three patients were all females in their 80’s and resided in Newport News, Williamsburg and James City County. One of which, was a resident of a long-term care facility.
“This is going to get worse before it gets better. We’re going to have unfortunately more deaths, and we’re going to have many more cases,” said Acting Director for the Peninsula Health District Dr. Steve Julian.
Julian said they have learned new things through their epidemiological tracing of the virus.
“We have found that these individuals are very social, they travel a great deal, they interact a great deal in the communities and district with each other. With social events from church to card games, there is an incredible amount of interaction that occurs on a routine basis. That’s important because that is how this viral illness is spread is person to person in close contact,” he said.
That emphasizes what health and state leaders have been preaching for weeks now. Urging people to stay at home, wash their hands, and continue practicing social distancing.
But, when we see people testing positive who are asymptomatic, Julian also wants to reinforce the impact this illness has on the younger generation.
“We really need everybody to understand that this is a World War 2 situation. Especially the young people need to understand that although they are at lower risk, they are at risk for the disease and more so they are at risk of giving it to their parents or their grandparents,” said Julian.
The City of Williamsburg released a statement Saturday afternoon regarding its first coronavirus related death.
“This is sad and difficult news for our entire community,” said Williamsburg Mayor Paul Freiling. “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the victim of this devastating virus.”
It is unknown how the three women contracted the virus at this time.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated as information becomes available.