COVID-19 cases have increased across the Three Rivers Health District, following a trend across Virginia and the rest of the U.S.

According to a release from district director Dr. Richard Williams, the 10 counties that comprise Three Rivers had a daily average of 45 cases per day during the past week, up from the 31 cases per day reported last week and 23 cases per day the week before that.

The Virginia Department of Health online dataset of cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities shows a steady increase in cases in Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Tuesday, Jan. 10. From Dec. 1-8, Gloucester had 43 new cases, Mathews had five, and Middlesex had eight. During the crossover week, between Thursday, Dec. 29 and Thursday, Jan. 5, Gloucester had 90 new cases, Mathews had 22, and Middlesex had 26.

Altogether, from Dec. 1 to Jan. 10, Gloucester has had 349 new Covid cases, Mathews has had 76, and Middlesex has had 88.

The good news is that these case numbers have not been associated with an equivalent increase in hospitalizations or deaths. While Gloucester had four hospitalizations due to Covid during the timeframe mentioned, the county had no deaths from the virus, and Mathews and Middlesex had no new hospitalizations or deaths during that period.

After weeks of being listed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as having low Covid community levels, two of the three counties, Mathews and Middlesex, were listed as high on Tuesday, while Gloucester was listed as medium.

The seven-day average of Virginians hospitalized with COVID-19 increased to 1,103 per day during the past week. Last week, that average was 846 people per day, and the week before, it was 717.

The CDC advises that people in localities where the community levels are medium or high should wear a high-quality mask or respirator when in public indoor spaces, avoid non-essential indoor public activities if they are at high risk of getting very sick, and self-test and wear a mask when indoors with someone who is at high risk for getting very sick.

In addition, people should avoid contact with those who have COVID-19 or who are suspected of having it and isolate if they themselves have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

Finally, people should stay up-to-date with their vaccines.

Vaccinations available

The Mathews County Health Department is having a Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to noon today, Thursday, Jan. 12 at 536 Church Street. It is for ages 6 months and older.

Testing

Local health departments have take-home COVID-19 tests available. Appointments for rapid or PCR tests may be made by calling 804-815-4191.