Child Dies Of COVID-19 In Rappahannock Area Health District

VIRGINIA — A child in the Rappahannock Area Health District died due to complications from COVID-19, according to a report from the Virginia Department of Heath. It is the second time in Virginia that a child under 10 years old died with COVID-19.

The death was reported in the Virginia Department of Health's data on Thursday, July 8. The child's name has not been released in order to protect the family's privacy.

Dr. M. Norman Oliver is Virginia's state health commissioner. "We extend our condolences to the family of this child in this time of great loss," he said. "Across the country, COVID-19 continues to cause illness and death."

In the Rappahannock Area Health District, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George, more than 250 people have died due to complications from COVID-19. In that area, Caroline County has the highest death rate with 13 deaths per 10,000 people, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

"We urge everyone age 12 and older who is eligible to get vaccinated to do so as soon as possible," Dr. Oliver said. "We have made so much progress in these past months against this virus, but a tragic event like the death of this young child is a stark reminder that our work continues."

The Rappahannock Area Health District is offering at least one vaccine clinic in each of its localities next week. Pre-registration for the clinics is recommended, but not necessarily required.

• Monday, July 12
  • Spotsylvania County Health Department
  • 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • To register, call 540-507-7400
• Tuesday, July 13
  • Fredericksburg Health Department
  • 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • To register, call 540-899-4142
• Tuesday, July 13
  • King George County Health Department
  • 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • To register, call 540-775-3111
• Wednesday, July 14
  • Caroline County Health Department
  • 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
  • To register, call 804-633-5465
• Wednesday, July 14
  • Stafford County Health Department
  • 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
  • To register, call 540-659-3101

Dr. Oliver also urged those who are not vaccinated to continue wearing masks to prevent the spread of the virus. "Even as many of the restrictions of the past year on gathering and mask-wearing are no longer in place, we urge everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and those around them."