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COVID-19 outbreak at Franklin Health Department causes temporary closure

Posted at 7:12 PM, Jan 04, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-04 19:12:43-05

FRANKLIN, Va. - The Franklin City Health Department has experienced an outbreak of COVID-19, officials say.

Health officials say two employees within the health department have tested positive for COVID-19. Health district staff are in the process of notifying any patients who may have been exposed to the positive staff members.

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, according to the department.

“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. James 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 Franklin City Health Department will be closed until Monday, January 11. Those who had an appointment will be notified to reschedule their appointment.

Curbside service for vital records will be made available at the Southampton County Health Department, please call (757) 653-3040 for this service.