Most county virus cases in Appy, BSG

After more than a week of holding steady, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wise County has increased by one to 23, according to a Wednesday morning update of Virginia health department data.

The number of local deaths also doubled, to two.

Thanks to a recently added feature, the health department’s virus website section now shows that 10 of the local cases are located in ZIP code 24216, Appalachia, and nine are located in ZIP code 24219, Big Stone Gap.

No cases are reported in East Stone Gap, Coeburn, Pound or St. Paul.

What the new feature does not report is case numbers between one and four — the amount in ZIP code 24293, the town of Wise, according to website data.

MORE TESTING

As virus testing increases locally, officials will watch for a possible increase in confirmed cases.

The state health department announced Friday that the Wise County Health Department has activated drive-up testing for COVID-19 in the building’s parking lot.

Testing is being conducted Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m. by appointment only, after being screened on the phone by a nurse.

To be tested, you must meet one of these priority testing criteria:

• Outbreak investigations.

• Selected contact investigations.

• Un- or underinsured persons with COVID-19 symptoms.

• Workers of congregate settings with COVID-19 symptoms (long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, prisons, jails, group homes).

People who are approved for testing will receive an appointment time. You must bring a valid ID to the testing site. To avoid lengthy wait times, please come to the site at your appointed time and bring your documentation with you.

To request a screening, call 276/328-8000.