Health districts open virus info call centers

The public health districts serving the coalfield region have activated call centers to answer questions and provide information about the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Callers can receive information about symptoms, how to minimize the risk of exposure for yourself and your loved ones, local and statewide conditions, testing resources and how they are used, and what to do if you think you may be ill.

Call centers are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. The numbers are:

• Norton and Lee, Scott, Wise counties: 276/415-3430 (Lenowisco Health District, vdh.virginia.gov/lenowisco).

• Dickenson, Russell, Buchanan, Tazewell counties: 276/415-3430 (Cumberland Plateau Health District, vdh.virginia.gov/Cumberland-plateau).

Call centers will be staffed by employees from multiple health departments. If you get a busy signal, wait and call back in a few minutes. These numbers do not have voice mailboxes, so they cannot take messages. Call center staff also have updated information on general county services and resources, to assist residents who do not have internet access, and those with questions on county services.

Remember, call 9-1-1 only in the event of a life-threatening emergency. The COVID-19 outbreak has placed increased demand on emergency resources. You can help by calling 9-1-1 only for true medical emergencies.

Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. 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.

To lower the risk of spreading respiratory infections, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages everyone to:

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• If you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor.

• Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.

• Avoid crowds of more than 10 people.

For more information on COVID-19 and ways to protect yourself and those you love, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus and www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.