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Prayers go out to the first Franklin resident who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), as was announced on Monday in this newspaper’s social media. The news was likely no surprise to everyone. After all, it was only just this past week that a former Southampton County man developed the same predicament and was brought for treatment to Southampton Memorial Hospital. Naturally, we also call for prayers that that person will have a full and speedy recovery.

Be assured those two individuals won’t be the only ones to have become infected in Western Tidewater.

By following Gov. Ralph Northam’s urgent call to stay home, maintain the social distance with other people and, of course, practice good hygiene, we all can do our part to minimize the effect.

Yes, this is April Fool’s Day, but the virus and its impact on our lives are not jokes. No matter how healthy you are now, please don’t get kid yourself you are somehow immune. More has to be learned in order to determine who the virus affects and how.

Apropos of this, kudos to Bon Secours Mercy Health — the parent company — for suspending the statements and billing for the time being of anyone with COVID-19 related treatment. That will be a help to patients and families alike in this most stressful time.