A Prince William County area Coronavirus patient passed away on Friday, according to officials from the Prince William Health District.

The patient was a man in his 70s with pre-existing chronic medical conditions, and the cause of death was respiratory failure caused by COVID-19.

This is one of 15 deaths linked to the Coronavirus in the Commonwealth of Virginia. On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health reported a total of 604 confirmed cases of COVID-19 statewide, with 83 hospitalizations.

“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones,” said Prince William Health District Director Dr. Alison Ansher. “In order to help limit the spread of the virus in our community, please practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water and cover your cough and sneezes.”

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms generally appear within 14 days of exposure to a person infected with the virus. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

“Earlier today, one of Prince William’s own has been lost to the coronavirus. I am heartbroken for the family, friends, and community he will be leaving behind,” said Occoquan District Supervisor Kenny Boddy. “This pandemic will continue to touch the lives of every single resident in Prince William County and beyond, and we must continue to do everything in our power to combat this pandemic. Every single one of us has a role to play in ensuring that we limit the spread of the virus, offer mutual aid to our fellow residents, and give our healthcare professionals the time they need to test and treat the most at-risk.”

To decrease the potential for the virus to be transmitted, the Prince William Health District recommends:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based sanitizer only if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
• Practice social distancing by staying six feet or more away from others.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home unless you need medical care. Call your healthcare provider prior to going to their office.
• Avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings, particularly if you are pregnant, or elderly have chronic medical conditions.
• Call your healthcare provider if you have concerns about COVID-19 and your underlying condition, or if you develop a fever, new or worsening cough.