Piedmont Health District announces first COVID-19 fatality

A man in his 70s died, VDH announced Monday afternoon

Published March 30, 2020 by Kate Andrews

A man in his 70s has died from causes related to COVID-19, the Piedmont Health District reported Monday afternoon. This is first coronavirus fatality in the district, which covers Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties southwest of Richmond.

With this death, the total of COVID-19-related fatalities statewide is 26, according to the Virginia Department of Health, although the number may be 28, due to two “presumed positive” deaths recorded last week in Henrico County. The state updates its coronavirus numbers each morning at 9 a.m., including all confirmed cases and deaths submitted by health districts and local health departments by 5 p.m. the previous day.

On Monday, the number of deaths announced was 25, and 1,020 positive cases statewide. Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday afternoon a stay-at-home executive order, allowing the state to enforce guidelines that limit gatherings to no more than 10 people, including at beaches and parks.