RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Gov. Ralph Northam has no plans to impose any new coronavirus restrictions in Virginia at this time but “all options remain on the table” in the midst of a third wave and spike in hospitalizations, according to a spokesperson in the governor’s office.
“As you know, Governor Northam has taken proactive action throughout this pandemic to combat the spread of COVID-19, including new statewide measures announced prior to Thanksgiving. It’s been a little over two weeks since these new measures went into effect—and health officials say it takes at least two to three weeks to see an impact,” the official in Northam’s office said in an email. “There will be no new restrictions announced today, but all options remain on the table going forward—particularly as we continue to evaluate the potential for a post-Thanksgiving surge.”
The spokesperson noted that the commonwealth’s per capita cases remain lower than most of the other states in the country, but acknowledged the administration’s concern over Virginia’s percent positivity rate and hospitalizations.
Virginia has had an average of 2,311 new cases per day in the last seven days, which accounts for a 27.1 rate per 100,000 residents.
“We’re seeing troubling increases in our percent positivity and the number of people hospitalized — that’s why the Governor continues to actively explore next steps,” the email continued.
There are 1,860 patients, who either have a confirmed case or a test result that is pending, in hospitals across Virginia, according to a database from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. While nearly 25,000 Virginians have been treated and released from the hospital since the pandemic began, there are currently 427 coronavirus patients in the ICU and 188 on a ventilator.
The state’s health department has reported 242,480 total cases and 4,113 COVID-19 deaths since March. The current positivity rate in Virginia using PCR testing is 8.3 percent, the highest it has been since August.
Northam provided an update on how Virginia plans to distribute the first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, with state health officials confirming during a press conference that the commonwealth will follow the recommendation of a federal advisory panel that voted the day before to put health care workers and nursing home residents at the front of the line.
- Nearly a year to the day after the Chinese city of Wuhan went into lockdown to contain a virus that had already escaped, President Joe Biden began putting into effect a new war plan for fighting the outbreak in the U.S., Germany topped 50,000 deaths, and Britain closed in on 100,000.
- Some Richmond Public Schools employees will have to wait just a little bit longer for their COVID-19 vaccination. RPS released a statement on Friday saying the Virginia Department of Health is pushing back appointments due to a national vaccine shortage.
- A petition demanding vaccinations for Chesterfield teachers returning to county classrooms has nearly 4,000 signatures. It's the latest move inside the battle between some county parents and the school board.
- Virginia health officials are working to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine while managing high demand. The state received 300,000 requests in one week but only around a third of that supply is available.
- Mayor Levar Stoney and Dr. Anthony Fauci spoke about how the federal government can help localities fight the COVID-19 outbreak during the United States Conference of Mayors' 89th annual Winter Meeting on Friday.
- Between 150 and 200 National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., to provide security for President Joe Biden's inauguration have tested positive for the coronavirus, a U.S. official said on Friday.
- A bill — still alive in the Virginia House of Delegates — would allow parents or guardians the right to reject a Covid-19 vaccine for their child — based on their religious beliefs.
- From answering 9-1-1 calls and health department hotlines, to passing out meals to families in need — Henrico's school nurses have adapted to whatever is needed while schools are in virtual learning.
- Dr. Danny Avula gave an update on Virginia's current vaccination efforts. Right now the state is distributing 105,000 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations each week, despite a much higher demand.
- Third stimulus check: GOP lawmaker wants $1,400 payment reserved for people who get COVID-19 vaccineOne lawmaker says he'll support $1,400 checks — but only for people who make the commitment and get the COVID-19 vaccine.
