December 23, 2020<\/p>\n
Virginia Department of Health Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Data Dashboard<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) added COVID-19 vaccine data to the\u00a0COVID-19 Daily Dashboard<\/a>\u00a0on two new tabs, Vaccine Summary and Vaccine Demographics.\u00a0 This new information will keep the public informed about the numbers of COVID-19 vaccines distributed and administered in Virginia. It will be updated daily.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 22, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Begins Receiving Moderna Vaccine This Week<\/b><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/b>The newest approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 is being delivered to health districts and health care facilities across the Commonwealth of Virginia this week. Both the previously approved Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccines are being distributed to 96 sites this week at geographically diverse locations.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 18, 2020<\/p>\n COVID-19 Outbreaks by Selected Exposure Settings (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/b>Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) launched a COVID-19\u00a0outbreak dashboard<\/a>\u00a0in response to the requirements of\u00a0HB5048<\/a>\u00a0of the 2020 Virginia General Assembly Special Session. The dashboard includes outbreaks that occurred in medical care facilities, residential or day programs licensed by VDH, Department of Social Services (DSS) or Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), summer camps, and kindergarten (K)-12th grade schools.\u00a0 Currently, outbreaks in long-term care facilities and K-12 schools are displayed in separate public dashboards by VDH. As of December 18, 2020, they will be incorporated into this dashboard.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 18, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Now Planning for 370,650 Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine By December 2020<\/b><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/b>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was informed late yesterday by Operation Warp Speed that, like other states, Virginia\u2019s estimated allocation of COVID-19 vaccine doses will be less than initially planned for the next few weeks. Virginia is now planning to receive 370,650 doses of vaccine in December 2020 from two manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna. This is down from the previously expected 480,000 doses.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 11, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health\u2019s COVIDWISE Exposure Notification App Joins National Key Server To Increase Effectiveness Across State Lines (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/b>Virginia\u2019s first-in-the-nation COVID-exposure notification app will now work across DC and all 15 states that have such an app. More than one in ten Virginians have downloaded and are using COVIDWISE, which notifies people if they have been physically close to someone who tested positive. COVIDWISE, Virginia\u2019s free COVID-19 Exposure Notifications app, is now participating with the Association of Public Health Laboratories\u2019 (APHL) National Key Server, allowing COVIDWISE interoperability with Washington, D.C. and other states\u2019 apps that also use the server. Now COVIDWISE can communicate with other state notification apps to share anonymous bits of information or \u201cexposure notification keys\u201d using a national server that will enable users to find out when they may have been exposed by users from other states.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 7, 2020<\/p>\n VDH Announces New Contact Tracing Prioritization and Reduced Quarantine Guidelines (Richmond, Va.)\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced because of substantial levels of COVID-19 community transmission, local health departments may need to prioritize contact tracing efforts for key elements of the population.\u00a0 During this time of significantly high case volume, traditional methods of contact tracing are less effective. This means that some local health departments, as necessary, may not be contacting everyone with COVID-19 infection or close contacts to someone with COVID-19 infection.\u00a0\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n December 4, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia\u2019s COVID-19 Vaccination Priorities Announced (Richmond, Va.)\u00a0\u2014<\/strong>\u00a0As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Virginia, implementing a successful vaccination program is critical to flattening the curve and stopping the spread of this virus. Based on new information provided on December 3 by the federal government\u2019s Operation Warp Speed, Virginia is now preparing to receive an estimated total of 480,000 doses of vaccine from two manufacturers (Pfizer and Moderna) by the end of December 2020.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n November 13, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Urges Caution Following Heavy Rains<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.)\u2014 Following heavy rain events in parts of the Commonwealth this week, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds people to take precautions to avoid flooded areas, and once the sun comes out, be aware of potential health risks before you participate in recreational water activities.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n November 10, 2020<\/p>\n Contracts Awarded for Virginia\u2019s OneLab Network to Expand Commonwealth\u2019s Public Health COVID-19 Testing Capacity (Richmond, Va.)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Department of General Services and Virginia Department of Health today announced the awarding of contracts to three laboratories to participate in Virginia\u2019s new OneLab Network to expand the Commonwealth\u2019s public health COVID-19 testing capacity. \u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 29, 2020<\/p>\n VDH Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers to Help Local Officials\u00a0<\/b>Encourage Safe Voting Practices on Election Day<\/b><\/p>\n (RICHMOND, VA<\/b>) \u2013 Hundreds of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers throughout the Commonwealth have volunteered with the state to help provide Election Day support for in-person voting during Virginia\u2019s COVID-19 public health emergency. MRC volunteers will help local election officials safely conduct in-person voting in their communities by encouraging appropriate COVID-19 precautions.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 23, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Announces New\u00a0<\/strong>Outbreaks in Educational Settings Dashboard<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n RICHMOND, VA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) COVID-19 data website now includes an\u00a0outbreaks in educational settings<\/a>\u00a0dashboard which shows a line list of outbreaks in Kindergarten-12th Grade Schools by school name with associated case numbers and deaths. It shows current and previous outbreaks of COVID-19 in specific schools in Virginia. The dashboard will help schools measure the extent to which the COVID-19 virus is spreading in their localities and guide possible responses to mitigate that spread.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 22, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Website Scheduled to be Offline Saturday, October 31 for Routine Maintenance<\/b><\/p>\n RICHMOND, VA<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will be conducting routine maintenance to the VDH external website (www.vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>) on Saturday, October 31, 2020 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM.\u00a0\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 22, 2020<\/p>\n VIRGINIA CELEBRATES FARM TO CACFP WEEK<\/strong> (Richmond, VA) \u2013 Food is a foundation of living well, which is more important now than ever. This year, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will recognize Virginia Farm to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Week October 18 through 24, with virtual activities throughout the Commonwealth. Farm to CACFP connects participants to nutrition education, Virginia grown foods, and gardening opportunities. Through these activities, CACFP participants will learn about Virginia agriculture while building knowledge of and interest in healthy foods.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 15, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory lifted for Middle Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna;\u00a0<\/strong>No advisories currently in place for Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2013 The advisory has been lifted for the Middle Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania. Algae blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algae growth. Most algae species are harmless, however some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Monitoring in response to algae blooms is set to resume on Lake Anna in May 2021.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n October 13, 2020<\/p>\n VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ISSUES FISH\u00a0<\/strong>CONSUMPTION ADVISORY FOR UPPER JAMES RIVER<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (RICHMOND, Va.) \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has issued an advisory on carp consumption due to elevated polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in carp caught in the Upper James River.<\/p>\n Recent fish tissue sample results from the Upper James River in 2018 and 2019 show PCBs levels in carp exceed the amount considered safe for long-term human consumption.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 28, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Announces New Pandemic Metrics Dashboard<\/strong><\/p>\n RICHMOND, VA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) launched a new\u00a0Pandemic Metrics Dashboard<\/a><\/u>, which shows a visualization of COVID-19 community transmission by region. Updated weekly, this dashboard will show: data trends for COVID-19 in specific communities; where the COVID-19 virus is spreading; and assist local and state governments in determining additional mitigation measures.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 23, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Remains in place for Middle Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna; Advisory\u00a0lifted<\/u>\u00a0for Upper North Anna Branch \u2013 In Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties (Richmond, Va.) \u2013The Middle Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties continues to experience a harmful algae bloom (HAB).\u00a0The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in this area until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.<\/strong>\u00a0Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The areas to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at\u00a0www.SwimHealthyVA.com<\/a>.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 18, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Confirms First Age 10 \u2013 19 Fatality Due to COVID-19<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n RICHMOND, VA<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that an adolescent resident in the Southside Health District who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. This is the first reported COVID-19 death of a child in the Commonwealth. VDH will disclose no further information about the teenager to protect privacy and out of respect for the patient\u2019s family.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 18, 2020<\/p>\n VDH Announces Results of COVID-19 Serology Study (Richmond<\/strong>, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced the results of its Coronavirus Serology Project that was conducted during summer of 2020.\u00a0 An estimated 2.4% of adult Virginians have antibody test evidence of a prior COVID-19 infection. The presence of COVID-19 antibodies was highest in Hispanic individuals (10.2%), residents of the Northern region (4.4%), and among those uninsured or insured through Medicaid (3.8%). Statewide, Hispanic ethnicity, residence in an apartment building or other multi-family housing unit, and reported contact with a COVID-19 case significantly increased the risk of having a positive antibody test. The project\u2019s findings will help Virginia address the COVID-19 pandemic by understanding risk factors and giving the public health system and hospitals information to plan for future health care needs.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 15, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Causes Fish Kill\u00a0<\/strong>in Indian Creek\/Hampton Flats in the City of Hampton \u00a0<\/em>(Richmond, Va.) \u2013 An ongoing harmful algae bloom of\u00a0Alexandrium monilatum<\/em>\u00a0is believed to have caused a fish kill in Indian Creek in the City of Hampton. The City of Hampton and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality investigated the fish kill that was reported over the weekend of September 12 and 13.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n September 8, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Remains in place for Middle Pamunkey and Upper North Anna Branches of Lake Anna; Advisories\u00a0lifted<\/u>\u00a0for Upper Pamunkey Branch and Terry\u2019s Run \u2013 (Richmond, Va.) \u2013The Middle Pamunkey and the Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties continue to experience a harmful algae bloom (HAB).\u00a0The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in these areas until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.<\/strong>\u00a0Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The areas to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at\u00a0www.SwimHealthyVA.com<\/a>.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n August 18, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Middle Pamunkey River; Upper Pamunkey (including (Richmond, Va.) \u2013The Middle Pamunkey Branch of Lake Anna, now in addition to the Upper Pamunkey Branch, Terry\u2019s Run, and the Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB).\u00a0The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in these areas until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.<\/strong>\u00a0Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The areas to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at www.SwimHealthyVA.com.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n July 22, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Enhances COVID-19 Data Reporting (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) began reporting all currently available COVID-19 datasets\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>including the addition of historical data\u00a0\u2014\u00a0<\/strong>through the Virginia Open Data Portal. The portal serves to extend access to VDH data that allows the public to interpret and analyze data. Located under the Data Download section of the\u00a0COVID-19 in Virginia<\/a>\u00a0webpage, the portal provides datasets for public use and download. Step-by-step instructions about how to navigate the pages and download the datasets are also provided by clicking on the Data Download button.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n July 22, 2020<\/p>\n Harmful Algae Bloom Advisory Issued for Upper Pamunkey (including Terry\u2019s Run) as well as Upper North Anna Branches \u2013 Lake Anna\u00a0<\/strong>In Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties (Richmond, Va.) \u2013 The Upper Pamunkey Branch, Terry\u2019s Run, and the Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna in Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algae bloom (HAB).\u00a0The public is advised to avoid contact with the lake in these areas until algae concentrations return to acceptable levels.<\/strong>\u00a0Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The areas to avoid can be seen on an interactive map at\u00a0www.SwimHealthyVA.com<\/a>.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n July 15, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health, University of Virginia Partner to Collect COVID-19 Health Data (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Integrated Translational Health Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV), in close collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has developed an online tool to collect COVID-19 related information from volunteers who are residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The iTHRIV research team is led by Don Brown and Johanna Loomba at the University of Virginia (UVA) with guidance provided by a cross-state group of advisors.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n July 14, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Expands COVID-19 Regional Data Reporting<\/strong> (Richmond, Va.) \u2014 Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) began providing the COVID-19 Key Measures for additional regions across the state: Central, Eastern, Northwest and Southwest. Previously, VDH only provided statewide and Northern Region key measures; data is now provided for all regions in the state. The new regional dashboards are available on the Key Measures\u00a0webpage<\/a>.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n July 10, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health to Add COVID-19 Contact Tracing Data<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) began reporting information related to efforts to notify people who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Information related to notification efforts \u2014 referred to as contact tracing \u2014 is available on the COVID-19 Data Insights webpage, located at\u00a0https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/coronavirus\/covid-19-data-insights\/<\/a><\/u>. The state-level data will be updated weekly on Fridays.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n June 29, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Urges Virginians to Engage with Legitimate Contact Tracers, Avoid Scams \u00a0<\/strong>(Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages all Virginians to respond and engage with legitimate contact tracing calls and emails while remaining vigilant against scams. Caller ID will read \u201cVDH COVID Team.\u201d\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n June 15, 2020<\/p>\n VDH<\/strong>\u00a0Office of Vital Records to Reopen Walk-In Customer Service Lobby, Expand Hours<\/strong> (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>To provide the public with same-day services, the VDH Office of Vital Records (OVR) will reopen its customer service lobby with expanded weekday hours starting June 17. The lobby is located at 2001 Maywill Street Richmond, VA 23230.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n June 15, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 Dashboard to Include\u00a0<\/strong>More Detailed Race and Ethnicity Data Starting Today<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.)\u00a0<\/strong>\u2014 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will change how race and ethnicity data are presented, beginning today. This update will provide a more detailed look at the effects of COVID-19 on minority populations across Virginia. VDH will combine race and ethnicity information into one category and will expand the number of racial identities from three to seven.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n June 12, 2020<\/p>\n The Virginia Department of Health\u2019s June 12 Data to Show a Sharp Increase in PCR Tests<\/strong> (Richmond<\/span><\/strong>, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Today, COVID-19 diagnostic testing data reported by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will reflect a sharp increase in PCR SARS-CoV-2 tests completed in Virginia.\u00a0 Today\u2019s testing report includes 43,000 PCR tests.\u00a0 Two laboratories began electronic reporting to VDH this week, allowing a backlog of negative tests to be included in today\u2019s testing report.\u00a0\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n June 8, 2020<\/p>\n Statement Regarding\u00a0Upcoming\u00a0Increase in COVID-19 Testing Data\u00a0for\u00a0June 9\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond<\/span><\/strong>, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Starting on June 9, the Virginia Department of Health\u2019s (VDH) COVID-19 data dashboard will reflect 13,000 additional tests that were backlogged. Over the next couple of days, this new information will be slowly added to the current data, which will result in an influx of results.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n June 4, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health<\/strong>\u00a0Shares Information on Publicly Available COVID-19 Tests<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) wants to ensure all Virginians, including those participating in ongoing protests, know how to access publicly-available COVID-19 tests. The nature of large protests means the virus may spread more easily there, especially if protesters are not wearing masks. VDH has communicated with Local Health Districts where protests have occurred. We are encouraging those districts to share information with protesters about community testing events and pharmacy locations where COVID-19 tests are available.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 30, 2020<\/p>\n Beach Monitoring Program Updates Status of Testing the Waters as More Beaches Open to the Public\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.)\u2014 The Virginia Coastal Beach Monitoring and Notification Program normally conducts weekly beach water samples mid-May through September, at 45 sites. When beach samples indicate an unsafe level of bacteria, the health department issues beach advisories to let the public know when there is a higher risk of waterborne illness.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 29, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Revises Method of Reporting Test Data (Richmond, Va.) \u2014\u00a0<\/strong>To provide more accurate information about COVID-19 testing at the community level, Saturday the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will begin reporting COVID-19 data on testing encounters by health district using more accurate ZIP Code information. The new data will impact 37,362 test results that were previously not assigned a health district designation because incomplete patient address information was reported to VDH.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 20, 2020<\/p>\n EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK IN VIRGINIA RECOGNIZES THE STEADFAST RESOLVE\u00a0<\/strong>AND PERSEVERANCE OF VIRGINIA\u2019S EMS PROVIDERS IN TIMES OF CRISIS (RICHMOND, Va.) \u2013 When Virginians make the call for help, they rely on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to respond quickly and to supply the best emergency prehospital care possible. During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, EMS providers delivering emergent care, while protecting the health and safety of their patients and themselves, is especially important. Last year, EMS providers responded to more than 1.66 million calls for help in Virginia, representing more than 4,500 incidents per day.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 19, 2020<\/p>\n First Virginia Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children\u00a0<\/strong>Associated with COVID-19 Reported<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.) \u2014<\/strong>The Fairfax Health District has confirmed a case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. This is the first case of MIS-C reported in Virginia. The child was hospitalized on May 5 and has since been discharged and is recovering at home. To protect privacy, no other patient information will be disclosed.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 14, 2020<\/p>\n Health Commissioner Announces 2020 Public Health Nurse of the Year (Newport News, Va.)\u2014 State Health Commissioner Dr. M. Norman Oliver today presented the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 2020 Public Health Nurse of the Year award to\u00a0Amber Harmon<\/strong>, who is a Senior Public Health Nurse in the Communicable Disease Department at the Peninsula Health District. Harmon\u2019s dedication, leadership, and her outreach to educate, volunteer and support the mission of public health has led to her recognition as the Virginia 2020 Public Health Nurse of the Year.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 14, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Releases Disaggregated Testing Data; No Differences in Trends<\/strong><\/p>\n (RICHMOND, Va.) \u2014 The Virginia Department of Health today released testing data broken out by PCR (diagnostic) and antibody (serology) tests. Antibody tests make up less than nine percent of overall tests. When these tests are removed from total results, there is minimal change in the percent positive of tests and no difference in overall trends.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n May 1, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health \u2013 Beach Monitoring Status Updates during COVID-19 Pandemic<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.)\u2014 The Virginia Coastal Beach Monitoring and Notification Program normally conducts weekly beach water samples mid-May through September, at 45 sites. When beach samples indicate an unsafe level of bacteria, the health department issues beach advisories to let the public know when there is a higher risk of waterborne illness.<\/p>\n Local Health Districts who conduct this monitoring have evaluated their resources and determined whether monitoring could be conducted safely by their staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n April 27, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Launches New \u201cCOVID-19 & You\u201d Web Page Tool<\/strong><\/p>\n (RICHMOND, Virginia) \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health\u00a0COVID-19 web page<\/a>\u00a0has added a new consumer education and information topics toolbar that offers website visitors a more interactive and personalized experience.\u201cThis COVID-19 & You tool serves to answer questions for the public regarding health concerns and issues by providing interactive experiences,\u201d said Suresh Soundararajan, VDH chief information officer. \u201cThe intent is to make the user experience better and more targeted for people looking for information regarding COVID-19.\u201d\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n April 22, 2020<\/p>\n COVID-19 Information Sharing Between Long-term Care Facilities (LTCF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)<\/strong><\/p>\n On Tuesday, April 21, Dr. Norman Oliver, Virginia State Health Commissioner,\u00a0 announced that Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in neighboring areas can share information on positive COVID-19 cases.\u00a0 This information includes case identification and contact investigation efforts.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n March 14, 2020<\/p>\n Commonwealth of Virginia Reports First COVID-19 Death in the Peninsula Health District<\/b><\/p>\n (Richmond, Va.)\u00a0 \u2014 Today, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Peninsula Health District reported the death of a hospitalized patient who previously tested positive for COVID-19.\u00a0 This event marks the first death in the Commonwealth of Virginia due to COVID-19.\u00a0more>><\/a><\/p>\n March 9, 2020<\/p>\n Virginia Department of Health Confirms Fourth and Fifth \u201cPresumptive Positive\u201d Cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Fairfax and in Spotsylvania County, Virginia<\/strong><\/p>\n (Richmond, VA.) \u2013 The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced that two Virginia residents in two different parts of the state have tested \u201cpresumptive positive\u201d for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These cases mark the fourth and fifth presumptive positive test results in the Commonwealth of Virginia.\u00a0
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\nData Dashboard Includes Information on a Variety of Settings\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
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\n<\/b>Virginia joins D.C., 15 other states participating in the unified server; COVIDWISE surpasses 885,000 downloads<\/i><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Virginia is Following Newly-Issued CDC Guidance<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Health Care Personnel and Long-Term Care Facilities Will Receive Initial Vaccine Doses<\/em>
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\n<\/strong>Three laboratories will participate in a new, formalized effort to support priority public health efforts<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nActivities Encourage Increased Awareness of Virginia Agriculture<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Roughly 2.4% of Adults Had Prior COVID-19 infection with Rates Higher among Hispanic Population<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>\u2014 May impact lower James and York Rivers, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean \u2014<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nIn Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties
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\nTerry\u2019s Run) and Upper North Anna Branches Advisories Remain in Place \u2013 Lake Anna In Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania Counties
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\n<\/strong>New Portal Provides Access to Datasets and Includes Historical Data<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact within Locations of the Lake<\/em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>\u201ciTHRIV Health Status Registry\u201d Will Support Clinical Research<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\nPreviously Only Statewide and Northern Region Key Measures Were Available<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Contact Tracers Will Not Ask for Social Security Numbers or Bank Details<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nHenrico Lobby Reopening with COVID-19 Precautions on June 17th<\/em><\/p>\n
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\nNew Numbers will Reflect Roughly 43,000 PCR Tests<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Updated Information Available Beginning May 30<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>May 17 \u2013 23 is National EMS Week<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n
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\n<\/strong>Annual award ceremony commemorates tribute to nurses<\/em><\/p>\n
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