COVID-19 detected in school staff

(Editor’s note: As of Monday, the Virginia Department of Public Health reported 42 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Middlesex County, with three Middlesex patient COVID-19-related hospitalizations and one death involving a Middlesex resident. The 42 figure represents 14 cases more than last week.)

COVID-19 cases remain at high levels across many states, with an upward trend in 18 of them. Florida, California and Louisiana have reversed their strongly positive trends, again demonstrating that we can protect ourselves against this virus by maintaining social distance, masking, avoiding crowds, hand washing and sanitation practices. Death rates remain high as a lagging indicator. We have more than 5 million cases in the United States, and more than 163,000 deaths. Well more than 90% of us remain naive to the disease.

In Virginia, the seven-day moving average of cases by date reported is currently more than 1,100. Percent positivity of tests is up to 7.6%. Community transmission levels in the eastern and far southwest regions are at substantial levels, and in the central and near southwest regions, the trend is moderate and increasing. We still have good hospital and ICU capability across the state, but a couple of hospitals have reported difficulty in obtaining supplies and PPE.

In the Three Rivers Health District, which includes Middlesex County, our new case counts have increased over the last week to 96. Over the last week, staff members of three different schools across our jurisdictions tested positive for coronavirus, and we experienced a large outbreak at a long-term care facility. This reflects increasing community spread across our jurisdictions. We all must mask in public, practice social distancing in all venues, stay out of crowds, wash our hands and practice good…