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Lawmakers and healthcare experts share COVID-19 concerns on the Peninsula

"This is a public health crisis," Rep. Luria said. "This is a national emergency that will require people to make personal sacrifices, change their normal routine."

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Representative Elaine Luria and several state and local officials held an update on coronavirus concerns on the Peninsula Tuesday morning.

They're seeing the spike in coronavirus cases happening on the Peninsula, and know that two people recently died because of the virus. So, several of them gathered outside of Riverside Regional Medical Center to speak to the press to ask people to do their part to protect the community.

"This is a public health crisis,” said Luria. "This is a national emergency that will require people to make personal sacrifices, change their normal routine."

She said she wants to remind everyone to listen to all health care advice like social distancing and keeping group gatherings to 10 people or less. 

Luria said, "The guidelines that are being issued by the CDC, Virginia Department of Health and each individual's healthcare provider are incredibly important."

"First and foremost, that you stay home, do not go out into the community," said Delegate Michael Mullin.

Doctor Steve Julian, the acting director of the Peninsula Health District,  said, "Care coordination and communication is key."

He shared that departments are working together to protect Americans. However, they want healthy people, and people who may be sick with mild symptoms, to avoid running to the hospital immediately.

If you have any questions, Julian suggests calling the regional hotline first at 757-683-2745.

"The worst thing you can do is if you're feeling well is come out and come to the emergency department,” said Dr.Julian.

One big reason for this is because there are a limited number of coronavirus test kits available right now.

"We have several hundred currently on hand,” said Riverside Regional Medical Center’s Executive Director of Support Operations, Mark Rath. So, the hospital won't test every person for the virus immediately. 

Delegate Shelly Simonds shares everyone's concern, but she reiterated that "we are not at the point where we are doing community-wide testing."

Instead, health officials will screen the person for other illnesses first, which is why so many leaders are repeating the basic strategies you can do to help contain the coronavirus.

Rath said the area has had a number of cases of the virus because there are a lot of travelers who come through it and there also is its aging population to consider. People in that group are at higher risk for it.

"So, I think when you combine all those factors you just inevitably get that hot-spot,” said Rath.

With that in mind, Rath said the hospital wants people to stay calm and call the regional hotline before coming to the hospital if they have less serious symptoms.

"If you're well enough, if you're an outpatient, if you're able to go home, then we are asking you that you go home,” said Rath.

If you believe you've come into contact with someone, who has symptoms of Coronavirus, call the regional call center for COVID-19 at 757-683-2745.

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