COVID-19 cases rise by 10 in seven days

Dickenson County has recorded 10 new confirmed COVID-19 cases within a week.

As of Oct. 13, the Virginia Department of Health reported a total of 111 confirmed cases since the pandemic began months ago. As of Tuesday, the number had climbed to 121.

The county continues to report one COVID-19-related death.

Nearby, Russell County has recorded a total of 414 positive cases since the pandemic began, an increase of 59 cases in one week. Buchanan County has reported 239 cases, an increase of 30 in one week. Wise County has reported a total of 534 cases, an increase of 40 in one week.
To look at the health department’s data, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov and go to the COVID-19 Data and Resources section.

REMINDERS

The state health department reminds citizens that an executive order is in effect requiring people to wear cloth face coverings while they are in indoor public spaces.

“Cloth face coverings can help protect the people around you,” the department explains on its website. “Many people with COVID-19 have no signs or symptoms and can pass the virus to others without knowing it. When we talk, sneeze, or cough, tiny droplets that contain the virus can be carried into the air. Wearing a cloth face covering helps stop those droplets from going into the air or landing on surfaces.”

In other words, wearing a face mask is intended to protect not yourself, but those around you. Refusing to wear a face mask in a supermarket, convenience store, pharmacy or other indoor public setting means that you are putting those around you at greater risk.

Although the executive order has been in place for months, those traveling around Dickenson County continue to frequently encounter people who enter public indoor facilities without wearing a face covering. While most businesses have posted signs near entrances reminding patrons of the mask requirement, actual enforcement remains spotty at best.

Anyone who is concerned about others not being required to wear a face mask indoors can file an online complaint by going to https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=Y4P9H7DTWA.