PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. – State health officials are encouraging anyone who attended Tuesday night’s school board meeting in Pittsylvania County to watch for COVID-19 symptoms.

The advisory was issued after someone in attendance tested positive.

The meeting drew a large crowd of protesters to the county’s policy requiring masks inside school buildings. Among the speakers was 5th District Congressman Bob Good, who likened the mask mandate to child abuse.

The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is advising anyone in attendance at the School Board meeting on August 10 to self-monitor for symptoms through August 24.

Those who attended should consider limiting exposure to others and should consider being tested for COVID-19. The test is best administered at least five days after a possible exposure, which would be August 15.

Attendees are encouraged to monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19 infection for the next 14 days, through August 24. Symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of taste or smell.

Individuals who develop symptoms that could be COVID-19 infection should contact their healthcare provider and strongly consider being tested for COVID-19.