Holsworth: Nov. 1, 2020, Virginia Covid-19 Update

By Dr. Bob Holsworth

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.

Largest Case Numbers Yet

The case increases for the last 4 days have been 1429, 1456, 1551, and 1202. The 5638 cases constitute the largest 4-day total in Virginia since the pandemic began.

Fortunately, the test positivity ratio is still only slightly over 5% at 5.7%. I’ve also not seen a concomitant increase in statewide hospitalizations. I should note though that in the far Southwest, northeast Tennessee hospitals (that are reporting significant stress) often serve Virginians as well.

There is an obvious spike from Bedford-Roanoke out to the Southwest, but I’m also seeing consistent case increases in NOVA, RVA and Hampton Roads.

Given the situation that is developing across the country, these increases should raise a significant warning flag for government officials and citizens alike.