County sees 17 more cases; neighbors record 175 cases

The number of new local COVID-19 cases continues to rise rapidly as the delta variant of the virus spreads.

Health officials say the overwhelming majority of new cases are striking people who have not gotten vaccinated.

As of Aug. 3, the Virginia Department of Health reported a total of 1,025 confirmed cases in Dickenson County since the pandemic began last year. As of Tuesday, the number had increased to 1,042.

The county’s number of COVID-19-related deaths remained at 19.

Nearby, Russell County has recorded a total of 2,380 positive cases since the pandemic began, an increase of 43 cases in one week. Buchanan County’s total case count was 1,637, an increase of 46 cases in one week. Wise County has reported a total of 3,469 cases, an increase of 86 cases in a week.
To look at the health department’s data, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov and go to the COVID-19 Data and Resources section.

VACCINATION

As of Tuesday, roughly 42 percent of Dickenson County residents had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the health department.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced June 21 that 70 percent of Virginians 18 and older had received at least one dose.

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.