CDC Advises All Three Residents of Big Stone Gap To Remain Socially Distanced Until Pandemic Is Over

ATLANTA — Citing concerns of a possible outbreak among the handful of residents that live in the rural southwest Virginia community, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising all three residents of Big Stone Gap to keep practicing social distancing through the rest of the pandemic, officials confirmed Friday. 

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“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but now is not the time to get complacent and let our guard down,” Jim Pulaski, a spokesperson for the CDC said in a statement, warning that any casual events, such as backyard barbecues, could turn into super-spreader events amongst the three-person population and risk complete eradication of the community.

“Any outbreak across southwest Virginia could have devastating consequences, which is why we’re advising Big Stone Gap’s sole residents—Tom Norton, Clay Wise, and Susan Laurel—to maintain at least six feet apart from each other until this thing is over. We know space is limited in that part of the commonwealth and that there’s only one grocery store to be shared amongst the three of you, but it’s imperative that we continue to adhere to the health guidelines that have gotten us this far.”

Pulaski went on to mention that a mega vaccination site was being constructed to ensure that the three civilians of Big Stone Gap are vaccinated within a timely manner.