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The original item was published from 4/15/2020 4:05:56 PM to 4/15/2020 4:07:17 PM.

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Posted on: April 15, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Loudoun Publishes Guide to Stop the Spread of COVID-19; Urges Residents to Self-Monitor

Image of information about the Stop the Spread Guide

Loudoun County encourages members of the public to remain vigilant in taking the necessary steps to care of yourself, your families and others in the community as the virus that causes COVID-19 continues to spread throughout our region. 

Each member of the community has a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19, a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. To assist residents with identifying the signs of illness and knowing what do to if they become sick, the county has published a guide; Steps to Slow the Spread of COVID-19. The guide lists steps that will slow the spread of COVID-19 in Loudoun and will help protect everyone, including seniors and those with underlying medical conditions.

Physical distancing remains critical for everyone, whether ill or not. Residents should stay home to help slow the spread of COVID-19, except when leaving the house for essential activities, such as going to work, shopping for groceries, going to the pharmacy and exercising. When leaving home, people should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others and wear cloth face coverings to protect those with whom you come into contact while out and about. 

The guide also provides important steps for notifying anyone with whom you have had close contact and other actions to take in the event you or a family member becomes sick, whether or not a COVID-19 test was taken. COVID-19 is everywhere in our community and all areas in Loudoun are at risk.  Residents are encouraged to follow these instructions to self-monitor illness and to inform close contacts if they become ill.

  • If you develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your doctor or an urgent care center to discuss.
    • if you do not have access to a healthcare provider, contact the INOVA Loudoun Patient Access Center at 855-464-3627.
    • If you do not have insurance, contact SimplicityHealth in Sterling at 571-665-6500. Information is available through Cover Virginia for uninsured Virginians.
    • You should not go to any emergency room unless it is an emergency, for example, you are having difficulty breathing.
  • Stay home.  Avoid contact with others, do not share personal items, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible. 
  • Monitor your health. Call 911 if you develop trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or bluish lips or face. 
  • Wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth, when around other people. 
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces every day
  • Do not leave home until fever-free for 72 hours (without medication) and at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
  • Inform close contacts. Talk to everyone who has been within 6 feet for more than a few minutes while you were sick, including the 48 hours before you developed symptoms. Encourage them to stay home for 14 days and provide them the following guidance for those who had close contact with someone who is sick.
    • Stay home for 14 days since you last interacted with the ill individual. Avoid contact with others even though you may feel well. Do not share personal items, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom, if possible.
    • If you become sick, stay home, keep your distance from others, and inform close contacts you are sick.

Some important facts to remember about COVID-19: 

  • Symptoms can include fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher), cough or trouble breathing.
  • Illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
  • Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people will have mild illness and be able to recover at home.
  • Persons can be infected with COVID-19 and pose a risk to others without noticing any symptoms.
  • Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19. Seek care early.

Stay informed

Loudoun County encourages residents to stay informed about COVID-19.

  • Visit loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19. 
  • Text LCCOVID19 to 888777 to receive text alerts from Loudoun County about COVID-19. 

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email

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