Hundreds in MC infected, cases here up by 29 in a week

(Editor’s note: As of Tuesday morning, the Virginia Department of Public Health reported 440 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Middlesex County, up 29 from the previous week. There were 18 Middlesex patient COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 16 deaths involving Middlesex residents. The Virginia Department of Public Health cautions that because of limited testing, the actual number of cases in Middlesex County is likely much higher than reported.)

Three Rivers Health District, which includes Middlesex County, is now averaging around 70 new COVID-19 cases per day.

However, our hospital systems remain fully capable and are not in danger of being overwhelmed.

Expect big vaccination delays

This vaccination program will take many months, we expect it may be many weeks before everyone currently eligible and signed up can get an appointment.

Three Rivers Health District is in phase 1b. For details of vaccination phases, visit this website at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/#phase1b.

This vaccine is much more complex than any vaccine we have ever administered. It is fragile, there are Centers for Disease Control requirements that must be met, and there is a mandatory observation period after administration of at least 15 minutes to watch for severe allergic reactions. Current vaccines require two doses several weeks apart. This slows everything down.

There is a severe national vaccine shortage; we are getting less than 25% of the vaccine we are capable of administering every week. This is the current major limiting factor. We have been told to expect this to continue to last at least several weeks.

It may be weeks or longer before vaccination appointments become available for those who have registered for a vaccination.

Second doses are allocated based on the first dose; if you get your first dose of vaccine, we will call you when it is time for your second dose.

Despite these limitations, Three Rivers Health District jurisdictions compare very favorably with surrounding counties in vaccine doses delivered per 100,000 population. This data can be reviewed at this website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-summary/. 

As more information is available, CVS will provide details for vaccination sites at www.cvshealth.com.

How to sign up

Any eligible people who cannot receive vaccination through their health care system, or anyone with a COVID-19 related question, should call our Middle Peninsula COVID-19 resource center at 804-824-2733, or toll free at 888-202-5208, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Eligible individuals can also visit our Three Rivers Health District website to access an online survey to give us contact information and request an appointment at: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/.

Your name will be added to our lists and we will call you as soon as vaccine appointments become available.

Vaccine development

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a single dose product, is expected to be ready for FDA review and authorization within several weeks.

The COVID-19 virus continues to genetically drift.

The United Kingdom, South African, and Brazilian variants are all in the United States now.

They are more contagious and are expected to become the predominant strains in the future.

Vaccine effectiveness against these new strains is being evaluated. Proceeding with vaccination is recommended for all of us.

Volunteers needed

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), our volunteers, are absolutely critical to our efforts at all times.

We will need additional volunteers during the vaccine campaign, which will last for many months.

If you are interested in becoming an MRC volunteer, or have family or friends that are interested, visit www.vamrc.org to learn more.

Containment efforts

Community testing and testing in response to vulnerable facility outbreaks can be requested by facilities and jurisdictions by using commercial firms on contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Virginia National Guard.

Our containment team has resumed investigation of all new cases with contact tracing of all high risk exposures.

K-12 school status

Our Three Rivers nursing staff and our community partners are actively engaged in offering vaccinations to school faculty and staff. The vaccine shortage has forced us to prioritize our efforts to faculty and staff who are exposed to students and others in the line of duty. When we get more vaccine, we will vaccinate all school faculty and staff.

Schools have been able to continue offering in-person education under a hybrid model, with mitigations in place.

(Richard Williams is the director of Three Rivers Health District of the Virginia Department of Health. The district includes Middlesex County. Williams’ email address is richard.williams@vdh.virginia.gov.)