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The Franklin City Health Department (FCHD), which is an extension of the Western Tidewater Health District, has reported it’s experienced an outbreak of COVID-19. Two employees within FCHD have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Health district staff is notifying any patients that may have been exposed to the positive staff employees. Staff members who were exposed have been notified, and appropriate measures have been taken to ensure they do not pose a risk to anyone else.

“Public health officials have been on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic since it began and are certainly not immune or protected from the effects of this highly infectious disease,” said Dr. Lauren James, interim district director.

She continued, “This incident serves as a reminder that we as healthcare professionals must continue to be cautious as we go about our daily duties and interactions with the public.”

Due to the outbreak, the FCHD will be closed until Jan. 11. Any person who had an appointment during this time will be notified to reschedule their appointment. Curbside service for vital records will be made available at the Southampton County Health Department; call 757-653-3040 for this service.