NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release – Saturday, March 14, 2020
Contact: Virginia Department of Health
(877) 275-8343 <877-ASK-VDH3>
COVID-19 – Update for Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista.
Local Emergency Management officials continue to actively monitor the public health concerns related to COVID-19.
Recent local developments include:

• There are currently no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Rockbridge, Lexington and Buena Vista. The closest confirmed case to our area is in the City of Harrisonburg.
• Residents are asked to assist in limiting false rumors by referring to the VDH website to gain accurate information. All known cases and updated information can be viewed on the site. http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and- investigation/novel-coronavirus/
• By order of the Governor of Virginia, all K-12 Public Schools are closed until at least March 27th.
• VMI, W&L, SVU and DSLCC have made adjustments to their student schedules. Links are shown below for details and any updated information.
  o VMI-https://www.vmi.edu/cadet-life/health-and-safety/coronavirus- updates/
  o W&L-https://my.wlu.edu/emergency-management/2019-novel- coronavirus-(covid-19)
  o SVU – https://svu.edu/covid-19/
  o DSLCC – https://www.dslcc.edu/dslcc-health-safety
  • Rockbridge Regional Library – A restricted use policy has been implemented for at least two weeks. For more information, visit: https://www.rrlib.net/
• The Lexington/Rockbridge/Buena Vista Tourism offices will be closed until March 31st. For more information, visit: https://lexingtonvirginia.com/articles/travel-advisory
• Local Emergency Management officials are coordinating with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Carilion Clinic and Carilion-Stonewall Jackson Hospital, as well as local nursing homes in all three jurisdictions – to share information and continue collaborative planning and preparation.
• Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital (CSJH) has revised policies to safeguard the community. For details, please visit: www.CarilionClinic.org/coronavirus
  The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877- ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the COVID-19 situation. Health care providers requesting guidance are encouraged to contact the local Central Shenandoah Health District at 540-332-7830.
  Citizens are strongly encouraged to visit the Center for Disease Control website for detailed information on simple steps which can help protect themselves, their families, our neighbors and community. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  Additional resources are listed below.
  Virginia Department of Health Coronavirus Disease 2019 website CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 website
  CDC Situation Summary
  CDC Prevention and Treatment
  CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  New information will be released as it becomes available.