Majority in Three Rivers have had at least one shot

(Editor’s note: As of Monday afternoon, the Virginia Department of Public Health reported 571 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Middlesex County. There were 24 Middlesex patient COVID-19-related hospitalizations and 20 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.)

Case numbers across the United States have improved; the current case rate in the U.S. is about 35,000 per day seven-day rolling average. Only two states are reporting increasing case rates.

Virginia is improving as well, our new case rate is about 500 per day, seven-day average.

Three Rivers Health District, which includes Middlesex County, is stable; our new case rate is averaging only about 10 cases per day.

Across Virginia, about 48% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. In Three Rivers, about 55% of our population over age 18 have received at least one dose. Over 79% of our Three Rivers residents aged 65 and older have received at least one dose.

Vaccination update

Everyone aged 12 and older is now eligible for vaccination in Virginia. The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use in adolescents age 12-15 at this time. Teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and provide proof of age such as a driver’s license or birth certificate if seeking vaccination outside the school setting. Pfizer vaccine is available at Walmart, Walgreens, and Rite Aid pharmacies.

Virginia transitioned to phase two on April 18. For details of vaccination phases, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/#phase1b.

Vaccine demand has fallen dramatically; in Three Rivers, our administration capacity is about 5,000 vaccinations a week; currently we are delivering less than 1,500…