NOTE: We prepare this weekly report to make the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic, including risk levels in our local area, conveniently available to everyone in the Three Rivers area. COVID 19 community levels continue to fluctuate nationally at this time; COVID-19 cases appear to have decreased in Virginia and in Three Rivers. We will continue to monitor and provide a weekly report on COVID-19 threat levels.
COVID-19 Pandemic Status: COVID-19 cases are increasing nationally and in Virginia
COVID-19 cases have decreased slightly across the United States: currently the nation is averaging about 59,000 known cases/day.
Virginia COVID-19 cases have decreased significantly; latest available VDH data (now supplied weekly) shows the 7-day average is 1,507 cases/ day.
The Three Rivers case daily average has dropped to about 24 cases/day, according to latest available data.
By CDC criteria, and according to the latest available data, Gloucester, Mathews, Lancaster, Middlesex, and Westmoreland counties are at HIGH COVID-19 Community Levels. Northumberland, Richmond, Essex, King and Queen, and King William counties are at MEDIUM COVID-19 Community Levels. The CDC County COVID-19 County Check tool may be found here: www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/science/communitylevels. html
The 7-day average number of people hospitalized in Virginia with COVID-19 has decreased to 968.
What’s New/Important This Week
Omicron COVID-19 subvariants continue to be the cause of COVID cases across the United States. The XBB.1.5 variant is dominant in our region, causing about 50% of cases. All Omicron subvariants have mutations in their spike proteins which allow them to evade immunity, including monoclonal antibody therapies. None of them have thus far proven to cause more severe disease. Antiviral therapies such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio remain effective. The best way to protect yourself against the evolving COVID-19 virus remains vaccination.
CDC recommended actions at HIGH COVID-19 community levels:
Wear a mask indoors in public and on public transportation. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider taking additional precautions.
Please visit vaccinate. virginia.gov or call 1-877-VAX-IN-VA to find COVID-19 vaccination opportunities near you. Appointment opportunities in Three Rivers Health District vaccination clinics are available at the Three Rivers Health District Website under “Three Rivers Health District Vaccination Events”: www.vdh.virginia. gov/three-rivers/community events-resources/. Appointments are also available by calling (804) 815-4191.
2022-2023 Flu and Respiratory Diseases Season
The latest flu surveillance data continue to show Virginia at high influenza like activity levels. Influenza like activity appears to have peaked and continues to decline across the United States and in the Commonwealth, at least for now.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, according to national CDC data, has peaked and continues to decline.
The latest VDH Flu surveillance data can be viewed here: https:// www.vdh.virginia.gov/ epidemiology/influenzaflu in-virginia/influenzasurveillance/
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