On March 20, Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) was notified of a confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) involving an individual at Crossroads Baptist Church in Bailey’s Crossroads, Va.

The individual is a male in his 40s who became ill with respiratory symptoms on March 12 while traveling out of state. The individual is currently hospitalized. Specimens were collected on March 18 for testing through a private laboratory.

A contact investigation is underway and FCHD is notifying all visitors to the church’s morning service on March 15, 2020 that they should self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Quarantining at home includes not going to work or school, and not attending public gatherings, or using public transportation or ride-sharing. While at home, contact with other family members should be limited.

Anyone who participated in the morning service on the date mentioned above should observe themselves until March 29, the time during which COVID-19 illness might occur if a person is infected as a result of this exposure. Contact your health care provider if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19.

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If symptoms develop, please contact your health care provider and describe the situation.

The Health Department recommends that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from respiratory illnesses:

• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, especially if you are an individual who is at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions.
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.
• Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19.

Stay Informed

This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available.