Virginia Coronavirus Update: 882 New Cases, 11 New Deaths

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Health reported 882 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, marking the third straight day with new cases below 1,000. Wednesday’s total of 129,289 marks an increase from the previous day's total of 128,407 cases. Eleven deaths were reported Wednesday. A total of 2,697 people have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and 10,008 people have been hospitalized.

Northern Virginia saw 166 new cases of the coronavirus, 36 more than the previous day. Elsewhere in the state, the southwest region reported 168 new cases, the eastern region reported 173 new cases, the central region reported 195 new cases and the northwest region reported 180 new cases.

There have been 1,694,203 PCR tests total tests completed so far in Virginia. The 7-day average of positive PCR tests is 7.6 percent as of Sept. 9.

According to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, there are 121 COVID-19 patients on ventilators and 252 in the intensive care units. Ventilator use among all Virginia hospital patients is at 19 percent, and ICU occupancy is at 78 percent. One hospital is reporting difficulty obtaining personal protective equipment in the next 72 hours.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health encourage residents to get an annual influenza (flu) vaccination to reduce the chance of getting the flu and spreading it to others.

“Getting a flu vaccination this year is more important than ever,” said Eleanor Cantrell, M.D., director of the Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “According to the CDC, COVID-19 will likely continue into the fall and winter and may overlap with the flu season. With the possibility of both viruses occurring in our communities at the same time, it is vital that everyone age 6 months or older get their yearly flu shot.”

Flu season generally peaks in December and January, according to health experts.

These simple steps can help stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick, which will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Here are the latest data updates for our coverage area between Tuesday and Wednesday:

• Alexandria: 3,546 cases, 302 hospitalizations, 62 deaths; increase of 35 cases
• Arlington County: 3,679 cases, 480 hospitalizations, 143 deaths; increase of 39 cases
• Fairfax County: 19,055 cases, 2,087 hospitalizations, 562 deaths; increase of 72 cases
• Fairfax City: 126 cases, 13 hospitalizations, seven deaths; increased of one case
• Falls Church: 66 cases, 11 hospitalizations, seven deaths; no changes
• Loudoun County: 6,273 cases, 399 hospitalizations, 118 deaths; increase of 50 cases
• Manassas: 1,842 cases, 128 hospitalizations, 24 deaths; increase of five cases
• Manassas Park: 587 cases, 53 hospitalizations, seven deaths; increase of five cases
• Prince William County: 11,364 cases, 876 hospitalizations, 188 deaths; increase of 111 cases
• Fredericksburg: 511 cases, 48 hospitalizations, four deaths; increase of 15 cases
• Spotsylvania County: 1,926 cases, 127 hospitalizations, 39 deaths; increase of 34 cases
• Stafford County: 1,799 cases, 145 hospitalizations, 13 deaths; increase of 20 cases