Health department: Region sees COVID-19 surge

COVID-19 cases “have been increasing steadily over the last four weeks” in Wise, Lee and Scott counties along with Norton, the Virginia Department of Health announced late this morning.

This week, the LENOWISCO Health District surpassed 1,300 virus cases since the pandemic began in early spring, according to a health department press release. The district has seen 27 virus outbreaks, 103 COVID-related hospitalization and 23 COVID-related deaths.

“Simple and effective personal precautions are the key to limiting the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Sue Cantrell, director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “Remember and practice the three Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance (six feet), Wash your hands. And keep in mind that your behavior can help protect yourself and others — or put you and them at increased risk. This is especially important for the elderly, or those with other medical complications or conditions. Please make the right choices to protect yourself and others, everywhere and all the time.”

VDH recommends the following precautions:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask when around others outdoors in public places, or indoors if you are with people who are not members of your household; that is, people who do not live with you. Wear your mask properly; it should completely cover both the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and allow you to breathe comfortably.

• Maintain good physical distance between yourself and others: six feet or more, or 10 feet or more if singing, shouting or exercising.

• Stay home if you are sick, or have been with someone who is sick.

• Wash and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently. Get a flu shot.

“We can still gather together with friends and family, socialize, exercise, worship and celebrate the holidays, if we commit to doing so safely,” said Dr. Cantrell. “It’s simple and easy to protect yourself, your loved ones and everyone around you.”

For more information on COVID-19, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/.