County records 126 cases, six more deaths

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wise County increased by 126 between Dec. 8 and Wednesday.

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 6,200 — up from 6,074 one week earlier.
The number of Wise County COVID-19 deaths increased by six, from 132 to 138.

As of Wednesday, 246 Wise Countians were hospitalized with COVID.
Statewide, the total number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began rose from 727,071 Dec. 8 to 738,649 Wednesday, an increase of 11,578. The number of “probable” cases in Virginia rose from 261,076 Dec. 8 to 267,596 Wednesday, an increase of 6,520.
During the same period, the number of confirmed deaths increased by 145 to 12,605. The number of probable COVID-19 deaths increased by 42 to 2,420.

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

VACCINATION

Almost 53 percent of Wise County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the health department.

About 45 percent of residents are fully vaccinated.

Nearly 13 percent have received a booster or third dose.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Nov. 12 that more than 83 percent of Virginia adults had received at least one dose, while 75 percent of adults are fully vaccinated.

Guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specifies that those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.