In November, as case counts and positivity rates began to rise, we took additional measures to stem the spread of the virus throughout the Commonwealth. In general, Virginians cooperated with those measures. Unfortunately, the surge that began many weeks ago is continuing across the Commonwealth. All five health regions are experiencing increases in new COVID-19 cases, positive tests, and hospitalizations. Virginia is averaging more than 4,000 new COVID-19 cases per day, up from a statewide peak of approximately 1,200 in May. Virginia’s PCR percent test positivity rate is at 11.1 percent, an increase from 6.5 percent approximately one month ago. As of December 10, 2020, all but one health region reported a PCR test positivity rate at or above ten percent. Hospitalizations have increased by approximately 83 percent in the last four weeks. COVID-19 ICU hospitalizations have been increasing for 33 days and the statewide rate (4.4 per 100,000 persons) has exceeded the threshold of concern (3.5 per 100,000 persons) for the rate of confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations. Since this pandemic began in March, we have learned that socialization with persons outside of your household and sustained activities in indoor settings contribute significantly to the transmission of the virus. Virginians must continue to practice the measures that we know work to stem the spread of the virus: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, avoid gatherings, and wear face coverings both indoors and outdoors. Therefore, additional measures are necessary to protect public health and stem the spread of COVID-19.

This new covid-19 Tracker is mainly for the Three Rivers Health District.