COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is the highly contagious virus that has ravaged Virginia and the nation since March. As a medical professional, I know how crucial it is to dedicate every resource I have as a State Delegate to fighting this outbreak and protecting vulnerable Virginians. Here you can find essential resources and updates that can help the Commonwealth get through these trying times together, as one community.

The Basics

No matter where you are, there are basic steps everyone must take to slow the spread of the virus, save lives, and avoid overwhelming our healthcare system:

1. Practice Social Distancing: Even as our economy begins to reopen, it’s important to continue practicing social distancing in order to avoid another dramatic spike in infections. That means only leaving your house or apartment for essential work, shopping, and travel, and staying six feet away from others when you do.
2. Wear a Mask: Face masks or coverings are required in Virginia’s public spaces. That includes restaurants, stores, government offices, and public transit. While N95 masks are the best to have, surgical masks and bandannas work too. If you want to make your own mask, follow these medically accurate instructions on how to DIY. Remember: even the best mask is no substitute for staying at home as much as you can.
3. Quarantine vulnerable populations. Those with chronic health conditions as well as those over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and the complications that come with it. Public health experts recommended that anyone in those vulnerable populations self-quarantine to the best of their ability.
4. Wash your hands and disinfect often. Keeping your hands clean as well as household surfaces and clothing can help prevent possible transmissions.
5. Stay up to date with relevant information. You can head to this web page or to the myriad resource pages available here to find official information from government agencies, public health authorities, and other trusted sources.