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The Southside Health District (SHD) has confirmed its first COVID-19 case in the district.

According to a release from the SHD the resident of neighboring Mecklenburg County is a male in his 50’s who had contact with a person in another part of Virginia who was diagnosed with COVID-19. SHD says the case was confirmed on Friday, March 20

The individual is isolated at home and monitoring his health.

To protect patient privacy, no further information about the patient will be provided the release stated.

There are currently no confirmed cases reported in Charlotte County.

“The Virginia Department of Health, hospitals, and health care providers continue to work together to identify COVID-19 cases in the community and across the Commonwealth,” said Southside Health District Director Dr. Scott Spillmann. “The health district is investigating this case and will identify and reach out to any close contacts of this resident who would require testing or monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.

As of Monday afternoon, Virginia had positively diagnosed 254 cases of the coronavirus with 38 hospitalizations and six deaths.

On March 11, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

On March 12, Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth.

During a Monday afternoon press conference, Governor Northam announced the closure of all K-12 schools for the remainder of the school year.

Further restrictions we also placed on businesses.

Most individuals 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 difficulty breathing. 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.