The Virginia Department of Health has announced that a child in the Eastern region of the state between the ages of 10 and 19 has died from complications of COVID-19.

No further information about the child was released in order to protect privacy and out of respect for the patient’s family, said a press release from State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver.

“COVID-19 has taken thousands of lives from us, and every death is a tragedy,” said Oliver. “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.”

Oliver emphasized that the Delta variant of the virus spreads more easily from one person to another. While there has been progress against the virus, he said, “a tragic event like the death of this young child is a stark reminder that our work is not done.”

Oliver urged everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, he encouraged residents to wear a mask in indoor public settings, even if fully vaccinated; practice physical distancing; avoid large gatherings; wash hands often; and clean and sanitize frequently touched objects.

Finally, Oliver suggested that people should stay home if they’re sick, avoid contact with sick people, cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

More COVID-19 information is available at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.