One week, 157 new cases

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wise County increased by 157 between Nov. 11 and yesterday.

The Virginia Department of Health reported Wednesday morning that the county’s total confirmed cases in the months since the pandemic began had risen to 1,066 — up from 909 one week earlier.

Within the last week, the number of county deaths attributed to the virus increased by 11, from 12 to 23. However, the health department’s public data did not indicate a cause for the spike in fatalities.

The department reported that there are currently 35 COVID-19 outbreaks involving 805 individual cases within the Lenowisco Health District, which serves the counties of Wise, Lee and Scott along with Norton.

Among current Lenowisco outbreaks, five were attributed to long-term care facilities — although the only local facility that has self-reported an outbreak was Lee Health & Rehabilitation, in July.

Other current Lenowisco outbreaks include: Congregate settings, 16; correctional facilities, five; healthcare settings, two; K-12 schools, seven (although only one was specified as of Nov. 13, at Gate City Middle School).

Statewide, the total number of confirmed cases across several months rose from 179,686 Nov. 11 to 188,853 yesterday, an increase of 9,167. The number of “probable” cases in Virginia rose from 16,820 Nov. 11 to 19,980 Wednesday, an increase of 3,160.

During the same period, the number of confirmed deaths increased by 95 to 3,569. The number of probable COVID-19 deaths increased by 24 to 291.

To look at the health department’s data, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov and go to the COVID-19 Data and Resources section.

REMINDERS

The state health department reminds citizens that an executive order is in effect requiring people to wear cloth face coverings while they are in indoor public spaces.

“Cloth face coverings can help protect the people around you,” the department explains on its website. “Many people with COVID-19 have no signs or symptoms and can pass the virus to others without knowing it. When we talk, sneeze, or cough, tiny droplets that contain the virus can be carried into the air. Wearing a cloth face covering helps stop those droplets from going into the air or landing on surfaces.”

In other words, wearing a face mask is intended to protect not yourself, but those around you. Refusing to wear a face mask in a supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy or other indoor public setting means that you are putting those around you at greater risk.

Although the executive order has been in place for months, those traveling around Wise County continue to frequently encounter people who enter public indoor facilities without wearing a face covering. While most businesses have posted signs near entrances reminding patrons of the mask requirement, actual enforcement remains spotty at best.

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.

Anyone who is concerned about others not being required to wear a face mask indoors can file an online complaint by going to https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=Y4P9H7DTWA.