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Vol. 36, No. 42 | Richmond Suburban News | March 11, 2020
Local health director: VDH monitoring COVID-19 By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
DR. FRANCK
ASHLAND – Chickahominy Health District director Thomas Franck, MD, MPH, said Friday that the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness, called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Franck, who also serves as the acting director of the Hampton & Peninsula
Health Districts, noted that COVID-19 is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. “Cases of COVID-19 are being reported in a growing number of countries internationally, including the U.S.,” Dr. Franck said. “The number of states reporting confirmed cases is growing.” He said up-to-date information about Virginia is available at VDH’s website: vdh. virginia.gov/coronavirus. “People who have traveled to places
where there are many cases of COVID-19 may be monitored by health officials to protect their health and the health of other people in the community,” he added. In order to stay up-to-date on travel advisories, Dr. Franck advises checking the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s travel information page: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index. html. “Many community members are won-
dering what they can do to stay healthy,” Dr. Franck said. “The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to follow the same steps we recommend for preventing the flu and other respiratory infections: (1) Avoid close contact with people who are sick; (2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; see HEALTH, pg. 13
Democratic chair: party rises at the polls 2020 Hanover Idols By Melody Kinser Managing Editor HANOVER – Hanover County followed suit with the rest of the Commonwealth last week during the Democratic Presidential Primary. As Deputy Registrar Sheilah Ann Frattini said, the March 3 election “went off without a glitch.” Dan McGraw, chair of the Hanover Democratic Committee, said, “Super Tuesday was an example of the Democratic growth in the county. We had a record number of people at the primary in Hanover, far surpassing 2016 by more than 87%.” He said the participation “bodes well
for the fall when citizens have the opportunity to vote for positive change. The record number of people going to the polls is a reflection of our overwhelming desire to nominate the best person to defeat Donald Trump.” “I am very grateful for all of our committee McGRAW members and volunteers who have been knocking on doors, making phone calls, organizing Meet & Greet events, and donating time and money to grow the Democratic presence
in Hanover County,” McGraw continued. “Their efforts have paid off with tremendous turnout.” He said the committee is preparing for the Nov. 3 General Election “through grassroots activism. There are several social and action events every month. Our website is seeing an increase in the number of hits.” “Some people say that Hanover County is experiencing a ‘Blue Wave’, meaning that there is a significant increase in Democrats at the polls. If that is true, then I say, ‘Surfs up!’ ” Joseph R. Biden swept through Virginia, including Hanover County, see CHAIR, pg. 13
Joel Klein/The Local
Victoria Fink performs "Fear Future Husband" by Megan Trainor on Sunday in the Hanover Junior Idol competition at the Ashland Theatre. The Hanover Arts and Activities Center in Ashland sponsors the event. Proceeds benefit the center. The competition is organized by Lorie Foley and Sue Watson. Want to know who won? Turn to page 15.
A piece of jewelry is a piece of art Choose handmade jewelry by Dr. Kelly Hagan
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