Holsworth: August 7, 2020, Virginia Covid-19 Update
Editor’s note: Bearing Drift is grateful to Dr. Bob Holsworth for permission to share his daily Virginia coronavirus updates. For more, follow him on Facebook.
1. New Daily High in Confirmed Cases
I noted yesterday that the previous two days where confirmed cases declined to 798 and 818 could likely be the result of a relatively low number of tests reported.
This turned out to be the case as the Virginia Department of Health reported a record high number of confirmed cases today, 2015.
The 7-day average of new cases – which smooths out some of the ups and downs – is 1142 with a test positivity rate of 7.3%.
The case increase was geographically widespread – all 3 major metros, Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, Pittsylvania, Mecklenburg, Washington, etc.
2. Hospitalizations: Highest Since May 31
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association’s (VHHA) daily report shows 1372 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, up from 1349 yesterday. This is the highest number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals since May 31.
3. Not a Good Week
Taken together, this week’s data point to very clear concerns.
– Weekly case average is up
– Hospitalizations are highest in more than 2 months
– Weekly deaths were highest in 2 months
– Virus has community spread outside the major metros
– More school systems are announcing a virtual start almost every day
At the moment, Governor Northam has imposed extra restrictions on Hampton Roads. But we are starting to see more localities, especially those awaiting an influx of college students, reduce the size of allowable gatherings from 250 to 50.
I think that it is becoming clear that the issues in the Commonwealth are not confined to Hampton Roads and that it would be useful to have more explicit state guidance about size of indoor gatherings, K-12 school reopening, college opening plans, and steps that can be taken to obtain better control of the virus.
