Local, regional case numbers rise

Dickenson County has recorded 16 new confirmed COVID-19 cases within a week.

As of Oct. 20, the Virginia Department of Health reported a total of 121 confirmed cases since the pandemic began months ago. As of Tuesday, the number had climbed to 137.

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

Nearby, Russell County has recorded a total of 478 positive cases since the pandemic began, an increase of 64 cases in one week. Buchanan County has reported 263 cases, an increase of 24 in one week. Wise County has reported a total of 619 cases, an increase of 85 in one week.
The health department warned Friday that the counties of Wise, Lee and Scott and the city of Norton have experienced a surge of new cases.

To look at the health department’s data, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov and go to the COVID-19 Data and Resources section.

REMINDERS

“Simple and effective personal precautions are the key to limiting the spread of this disease,” said Dr. Sue Cantrell, director of the LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts. “Remember and practice the three Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance (six feet), Wash your hands. And keep in mind that your behavior can help protect yourself and others — or put you and them at increased risk. This is especially important for the elderly, or those with other medical complications or conditions. Please make the right choices to protect yourself and others, everywhere and all the time.”

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.

VDH recommends the following precautions:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a face mask when around others outdoors in public places, or indoors if you are with people who are not members of your household; that is, people who do not live with you. Wear your mask properly; it should completely cover both the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and allow you to breathe comfortably.

• Maintain good physical distance between yourself and others: six feet or more, or 10 feet or more if singing, shouting or exercising.

• Stay home if you are sick, or have been with someone who is sick.

• Wash and disinfect high-touch surfaces frequently.

• Get a flu shot.

“We can still gather together with friends and family, socialize, exercise, worship and celebrate the holidays, if we commit to doing so safely,” said Dr. Cantrell. “It’s simple and easy to protect yourself, your loved ones and everyone around you.”

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.