Reported Deaths From Coronavirus In VA Increasing At Faster Rate
VIRGINIA — The number of reported positive cases of the new coronavirus in Virginia increased by 312 in one day, with positive cases now at 3,645 as of Wednesday morning, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The positive cases of the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease, includes 615 hospitalizations, up from 563 hospitalizations on Tuesday.
The number of reported deaths from the coronavirus in Virginia has been growing at a higher rate over the last three days. Reported deaths has increased from 51 on Sunday to 75 on Wednesday, a 47-percent increase in a three-day period, according to Virginia Department of Health data. On Tuesday, the number of reported deaths stood at 63.
Thirty-two people have died from COVID-19 complications at the Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, a nursing home in Henrico County, and more than 100 others have been diagnosed with the disease, according to WTVR. Henrico County has reported far more deaths than any other jurisdiction in the state. It is not known whether all of those deaths are reflected in the Virginia Department of Health's latest numbers.
The Fairfax County Health District, which includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, continues to have the most cases in the state, with 570 positive cases reported in the district. Henrico County has 291 positive cases of the coronavirus, the second most of any jurisdiction in Virginia. Prince William County has the third most positive cases, at 263.
Hospitalization data from the Virginia Department of Health lags behind the numbers from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, which is reporting 649 people currently hospitalized who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Virginia State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver has said state data only reflects people who have either been discharged from a hospital after recovery or who have died.
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Among people who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are awaiting results, 468 are in intensive care units at hospitals across the state, according to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Among these people, 293 who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are awaiting their test results are on ventilators.
The total number of ventilators available for use at hospitals in Virginia is 2,574. Among coronavirus and other patients, 705 of those ventilators are in use, according to the association.
Virginia health officials are urging the following precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.
Jurisdictions across Virginia also are encouraging residents to make their own cloth face coverings to be worn when they go out to obtain essential services. This follows a recent directive from the Centers for Disease Control, which encourages citizens to wear cloth face coverings in public.
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This article originally appeared on the Fredericksburg Patch
