Four COVID deaths reported

Local COVID-19 statistics reflect dramatic and sometimes puzzling shifts in recent weeks.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, Dickenson County reported 207 new cases in a week, from a pandemic-long total of 4,126 as of Oct. 4 to 4,333 Tuesday.

The county’s number of COVID-19-related deaths increased by four, from 59 to 63.

Nearby, Buchanan County’s total number of cases was reported to have increased by 308 in a week, from 5,463 Oct. 4 to 5,771 Tuesday. Russell County’s total case count reportedly increased by 153 in a week, to 8,524.

However, Wise County’s total case count was revised down by 379 during the week to 12,689. The reason for the revision was not immediately clear.