Virginia reported 73,878 new COVID-19 infections over the past week, bringing the cumulative total during the pandemic to 1,525,591, the Virginia Department of Health reported Friday.
The infection pace has begun to slow across the state since an all-time peak in coronavirus cases a few weeks ago — fueled by the highly-transmissible omicron variant.
New River Health District Director Dr. Noelle Bissell said her district has hit its peak as new infections have decreased. She said she expects to see a significant decline in cases next week after observing the way surges and declines have worked elsewhere in the world.
“I do think there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Bissell said. “Omicron is circling everywhere and it is going to run its course. I think it will push us to that next stage.”
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District Director Cynthia Morrow said she is “cautiously optimistic” that her district hit its peak last week. But she also said the weather may have limited access to testing, which could have lowered the number of confirmed infections.
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Although cases are starting to slow and infections have proven to be milder than previous variants, hospitals are still strained across the state.
Carilion Clinic, Centra Health, LewisGale Regional Health System, the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Sovah Health released a joint public service announcement Tuesday. The health systems urged people to continue to social distance, wear masks, wash their hands and receive a vaccine.
“We’re treating more hospitalized COVID-19 patients than we ever have — the vast majority of whom are unvaccinated,” the statement read. “In addition to treating preventable illness, this takes beds and resources away from other sick patients who desperately need that scarce resource.”
Virginia’s near southwest region, which includes hospitals from Lynchburg to the Roanoke Valley, had 517 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of Friday, including 110 in intensive care. Last Friday, there had been 535 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the region, including 109 in ICUs.
The state reported 640 more hospitalizations over the past seven days, increasing the total number of people hospitalized during the pandemic to 47,546, although the VDH website notes that hospitalizations are underrepresented.
Virginia reported 275 new virus-related deaths over the past seven days, for a total of 16,127 since the start of the pandemic.
As of Friday, 78.8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of Virginia’s adult population had been fully vaccinated.
Everyone aged 5 or older has been approved to receive a vaccine, which are available at the community vaccination center in the former Sears store at Valley View Mall, located at 4812 Valley View Blvd. People can make appointments at vaccinate.virgina.gov or by calling 877-829-4682. Walk-ins are also open for adults and children.
The health department opened a community testing center at Valley View Mall. Tests are administered by appointment only and can be scheduled at vase.vdh.virginia.gov/testingappointment.
Morrow said the demand for testing has started to decline, so the center has plenty of tests available and typically no wait.
The Roanoke Times contributed to this report.
Weekly COVID-19 data
The Roanoke Times reports regional COVID-19 data weekly. This data is as of Jan. 28.
Statewide cases over the past 7 days: Up 73,878 to 1,525,591
Statewide hospitalizations: Up 640 to 47,546
Statewide deaths: Up 275 to 16,127
Percent of adult population that is fully vaccinated: 78.8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}
As Mississippi moves complete-pace ahead on Senate Invoice 2095, also regarded as the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, Oxford CBD oil sellers chime in on the legislative proceedings.
On Wednesday, the Mississippi condition household voted 104-14 to move a invoice to create a professional medical cannabis system. The invoice has been sent back to the point out Senate where Mississippians wait around to see irrespective of whether senators will concur with the monthly bill as it is.
The present clinical marijuana monthly bill is a different legislation than Initiative 65 that a massive amount of Mississippi voters accredited of in November 2020. The initiative was meant to have produced a system by the middle of 2021, but it was struck down by the Condition Supreme Court docket who ruled the ballot procedure as out-of-date.
The ruling also left Mississippi without a way for people to petition to set concerns in front of voters. Following the court docket ruling, legislative leaders appointed a committee to produce a professional medical marijuana bill.
Condition Governor Tate Reeves has been vocal about his troubles with professional medical cannabis, calling the preliminary proposal “recreational.” Reeves has proposed reducing the sum of cannabis to 2.8 grams in contrast to the 5 grams proposed in Initiative 65.
As the monthly bill passed through the State Senate, the cannabis amount was transformed to the place a human being with a prescription could acquire up to 3.5 grams per day, 7 times a week. That was the moment again reduced in the Point out Household to 3 grams, which was nearer to Reeves’ proposed amount.
Your CBD Store operator Glynis Stitts said while she may well concur with Reeves and applauds him for creating a few revisions to the monthly bill, Reeves naturally considers the substance to be a drug and refuses to even more educate himself.
“All of his arguing factors come from fearful ignorance relatively than info we have from almost two a long time of legislation,” stated Stitts. “We do not decide oranges on their vitamin C information and we do not quarrel more than pharmaceutical distribution by bodyweight. We need to just take the plant as a full into thing to consider by generating a authorized current market for it.”
The medical cannabis software is intended for people with debilitating clinical conditions this sort of as most cancers, sickle cell disorder, glaucoma or dementia. In accordance to Stitts, controlling the dosage amount of money isn’t possible mainly because a patient’s ailment could worsen at any time which would phone for a increased dosage of clinical marijuana.
” … he is striving to be the Governor and Health practitioner by managing the quantity just one can get as an alternative of enabling the doctor to do their task,” she explained. “If a medical professional above-recommended a medicine his or her license is at stake and qualified physicians choose their oath very seriously and don’t possibility that prospect.”
Despite the fact that the recent bill is much reduce than what Mississippians and point out senators proposed, it is a great midpoint, mentioned Tony Barragan, proprietor of Hemp Ville CBD.
“I believe three [grams] is a great commence,” mentioned Barragan. “I think it is a excellent mid-point for every person, together with the Governor, and I think it is a great level to study. I consider [Representative Lee] Yancey reported it ideal when he said, ‘Let us let science satisfy with politics.’ I could not agree a lot more. I assume we will need to allow this thing choose its course and if we discover that there is sufferers that see it is not sufficient hashish, we can address it in diverse means.”
An additional change observed the removal of the condition Department of Agriculture from any position in working the professional medical marijuana program at Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson’s request.
Barragan mentioned the agriculture department would’ve been a fantastic asset due to their knowledge with a state approach for the Mississippi Hemp Cultivation Act, which was signed into regulation on June 29, 2020. This act legalized the cultivation of hemp below a condition program to be produced and applied by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce.
“I feel it is a fantastic option to produce new jobs for the departments that will be handling this,” he reported. “I sense for the load the division of health and fitness is likely to consider on, but it is going to create positions for individuals who really don’t have any appropriate now.”
Now Stitts, Barragan and the overall state of Mississippi await the closing choice as the senate holds their hopes and anticipations and hopes in their palms. Some again and forth from nearby politicians will be expected, but they equally experience that the cannabis bill will pass. In the end, this bill is what Mississippians voted for.
“I feel this is a wonderful, fantastic, excellent invoice for our clients, for our group, for our legislator and for Mississippi in its entirety,” stated Barragan. “I commend anyone that has place in all of the work and all of the effort to move these types of a terrific bill.”
Registered nurse Erin Weber points out the large-amount capabilities in an upgraded trauma home inside the renovated emergency department at UCHealth Yampa Valley Clinical Middle throughout a tour in Might. John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & These days archive
The COVID-19 pandemic and its repercussions dominated this year’s regional, state and countrywide health care headlines. Continue to, in the Yampa Valley, other medical developments impacted patients’ life during 2021.
1st in organ donors
In February, locals figured out Routt County ranked very first in the condition for organ, eye and tissue donor designation throughout 2020, in accordance to the nonprofit Donor Alliance. About 80{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of people browsing the Division of Motor Automobiles business office in Steamboat Springs checked “yes” to introducing their names to the donor registry, rating larger than the condition average of 68.25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} and the nationwide average of 58{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.
“It’s seriously admirable and impressive and these types of a enormous benefit to culture,” mentioned John Gutowski, executive director of transplant providers at UCHealth University of Colorado Healthcare facility. “It’s a terrific issue to be very pleased of for a local community.”
Urgent Care opens
At the end of April, just after 3 and half many years of delivering company to the community as a stand-alone unexpected emergency department, the doctor-owned Steamboat Unexpected emergency Center shut. The place was then reworked to develop into UCHealth Urgent Treatment less than the same umbrella that operates Yampa Valley Clinical Centre.
Leaders at the two medical facilities considered the shift a earn-win for community well being treatment protection and timed the transition in the course of the slower mud time.
“Access to the correct degree of treatment aids decreased the value of wellness care for every person,” said Soniya Fidler, president of YVMC. “Not every thing calls for a take a look at to the crisis section. Urgent care lets individuals to be viewed in a similarly brief manner but at lowered expenditures.”
On May possibly 25, the new UCHealth Urgent Treatment opened. The facility delivers treatment for diseases and minimal accidents that do not warrant a excursion to the crisis section but are also crucial to hold out for a main treatment appointment. The several hours are now 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Crisis place renovation concluded
On May perhaps 6, YVMC officers introduced the completion of a $10 million redesign, renovation and expansion of the healthcare center’s unexpected emergency division. The work, which commenced in spring 2020, expanded the department by 3,000 square toes and produced 14 personal individual rooms around an economical raceway style. The client rooms include two risk-free rooms, two negative strain rooms and a forensic nurse exam space.
Smoke brings about well being concerns
Starting off in late June, people across the mountain location, specifically people with asthma and other lung health conditions, ended up pressured to modify their outside or physical exercise routines because of to wildfire smoke. Through the summer season, citizens suffered from enhanced air air pollution from two wildfires burning in south and north Routt County, as very well as from smoke blowing in from wildfires throughout the western U.S.
In July, campers striving to remain outside all day in the course of the wildfires visited the urgent treatment going through bronchial asthma assaults, acute asthma exacerbation and upper respiratory issues.
Quite a few other locals or visitors observed doctors or consulted with pharmacists owing to eye discomfort, runny noses, dry scratchy throats and respiratory issues. Air good quality checking internet sites like PurpleAir.com became an essential resource for the community, and extra PurpleAir displays have been additional locally.
New clinic introduced
In August, YVMC introduced options to create a new 7,500-sq.-foot hub on the east side of the campus for a multispecialty clinic in get to raise ease for clients and efficiencies for staffing.
The floor-ground place will come to be a consolidated property for six full-time area health professionals and two doctor assistants in clinics for endocrinology, neurology, rheumatology, pain management, and heart and vascular care. The initial clinic is anticipated to move into the new area in late spring 2022.
“We’re lucky to be capable to supply these specialties, primarily in a group of our size,” Fidler explained. “When clients are capable to obtain treatment near to residence, it has a positive impression on their wellbeing.”
1 year of collaborating
In early September, leaders at YVMC and Steamboat Orthopaedic & Backbone Institute celebrated the a person-yr anniversary of a effective collaboration for the Steamboat Medical procedures Center. The ambulatory or outpatient medical procedures centre delivers orthopedic, ache management and spine treatments although providing an economical, lessened-price tag selection thanks to decrease overhead charges than in an all-encompassing clinic.
The 9,150-square-foot surgery heart has two functioning rooms and 9 pre- or postoperative bays. The heart delivers a further treatment alternative for preplanned, elective surgical procedures that has been wanted in the local community for a extensive time, according to YVMC and SOSI executives.
Wil Schlaff, CEO of Steamboat Surgical treatment Center, and Soniya Fidler, UCHealth Yampa Valley Health-related Middle president, celebrated the Steamboat Operation Center’s a person-12 months anniversary in September. Suzie Romig/Steamboat Pilot & Now archive
Robotic-assisted operation method upgraded
In Oct, surgeons at YVMC commenced utilizing the upgraded robotic-assisted surgery method da Vinci Xi. The $1.7 million upgraded surgical procedure robotic took the location of the hospital’s prior da Vinci Si in use due to the fact 2014.
Robotic-assisted operation enables far more regular open surgeries to be laparoscopic surgical procedures, in which devices and a camera are inserted into the client although cannula tubes that are only 8 millimeters in diameter.
The pros to people for these minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgical procedures are numerous, which includes scaled-down incisions, lessened bleeding, a lot less time used less than standard anesthesia during a lot quicker surgical procedures, more quickly post-medical procedures healing situations, much less overnight healthcare facility stays and reduced soreness.
Dental care for educational facilities
In mid-December, nonprofit Northwest Colorado Wellbeing opened a dental clinic inside the Hayden faculty developing to help fill a hole in children’s dental treatment in the group. The dental treatment is open to Medicaid and uninsured sufferers on a sliding-scale basis and will carry on 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. most Thursdays when faculty is in session. The firm is doing work toward obtaining a cell treatment dental bus, funded by an American Rescue System grant.
Planet-course surgeon dies in crash
Also in December, the neighborhood mourned the reduction of planet-class spine surgeon Dr. Clint Devin, a associate at SOSI, who experienced a massive lifetime effect on thousands of patients, hundreds of healthcare college students and backbone surgeons across America as a result of his operate.
To get to Suzie Romig, connect with 970-871-4205 or email [email protected].
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Regional wellbeing treatment units have furnished an update on compliance with the New York State COVID-19 vaccine mandate for well being care employees.
In August, previous New York Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all health treatment workers in the condition.
In early October, a federal choose dominated the condition experienced to make it possible for wellbeing care staff to find exemptions as a lawsuit challenging the necessity proceeded in court docket.
In late Oct, a federal appeals panel upheld the state’s vaccine mandate for overall health treatment workers and reversed the federal judge’s choice.
In November, the New York State Section of Well being despatched a letter to well being care suppliers throughout the state that explained starting November 22, those who ended up previously granted religious exemptions had been necessary to have documentation of a very first dose COVID-19 vaccination or a valid health-related exemption.
Monday evening, Catholic Wellness and Kaleida Wellbeing provided updates on compliance with the mandate.
Catholic Wellbeing said about 185 associates, or less than 2{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of the workforce, stay unvaccinated.
“Any unvaccinated Catholic Wellness associate coated underneath the vaccine mandate who has not obtained a health-related exemption or deferral, is remaining terminated based on the needs of the condition mandate,” a launch says.
We carried out an aggressive training marketing campaign, which include having our infectious disease specialists and other vaccine advocates go device-to-unit and office-to-section to deal with any questions or fears our personnel experienced about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dozens of men and women were being vaccinated in the previous week by yourself, and we are grateful to all those who stepped up to shield by themselves and our patients and extended-phrase care inhabitants.
– William Pryor, Catholic Wellness Executive Vice President & Main Administrative Officer
Kaleida Health and fitness explained it terminated 100 workers Monday who ended up earlier granted a spiritual exemption and selected not to get an initial vaccination dose by the NYS deadline of December 5. Combined with the November deadline, Kaleida Wellness stated it has terminated around 200 personnel in full because of to the mandate.
“Kaleida Health intends to continue being open and provide entry to solutions throughout the business. We continue to increase means and submit positions so that we can go on to be there for the group,” a release claims.
Owing to the reduction in workforce which led to a reduction of staffed beds, and a rise in COVID-19 circumstances, Kaleida Overall health is suspending non-necessary elective inpatient surgeries at Buffalo Standard Healthcare Middle and Millard Fillmore Suburban Healthcare facility.
We keep on to consult with our doctor leadership as well as surgical leadership teams to handle the quantity of elective inpatient surgeries on a each day basis that demand an right away remain. This will guarantee that, as a well being technique, we are appropriately controlling affected individual treatment and local community need amid this current surge in COVID-19 scenarios.
– Dr. Michael Mineo, main clinical officer for Buffalo Basic Healthcare Center and Millard Fillmore Suburban Healthcare facility
7 Eyewitness News reached out to ECMC for remark on compliance with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, we have not listened to back. In September, ECMC declared it put around 7{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of its full workforce on unpaid depart as a outcome of the vaccine mandate.
MOULTRIE, Ga. — Stroke and heart attack prevention, breast cancer awareness, healthy lifestyle choices and blood pressure screenings are just a few of the ways PCOM South Georgia students are educating the community through “We Are Moultrie: Healthier Together.”
The student-led initiative provides an opportunity for students to serve the community, focusing on preventative care through outreach events, education and health screenings.
According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Colquitt County has a higher rate of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and respiratory disease in comparison to the state of Georgia. With that in mind, Jeanine Garcia (DO ‘24) created the initiative with a mission to promote health within the local community through education and health screenings in the form of a month-long community health initiative.
Garcia said, “As students, we hope to connect to the community of Moultrie and remind them that we’re not only here to serve them through medicine, but that we’re also a part of this growing community. That’s why I think the initiative has the perfect name ‘We Are Moultrie: Healthier Together.’ By hosting informative booths at local events, students become more familiar with Moultrie residents, expanding on PCOM South Georgia’s mission to serve the local underserved community.”
She added, “It’s extremely important now, more than ever, for medical students to support community wellness and have outreach events. We’re living in a time where medical misinformation spreads like wildfire, so it’s important for health professionals and students to debunk false information and educate our community. We want to foster trust within the community and have them meet our young doctors-in-training to build that rapport with them early on.”
Many of PCOM South Georgia’s student-led clubs have participated in community events to foster involvement, education and awareness. These clubs include Student National Medical Association (SNMA), Research Club, American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), Emergency Medicine Club and American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP).
Each club sets up a booth and focuses on health and wellness-related topics during the event. Most recently the clubs have participated in the 5k Artfest Marathon and the Calico Art Show where student-volunteers donated their time to execute efforts including blood pressure screenings, breast cancer awareness and education, Spanish translation, heart attack, stroke and diabetes awareness, and physical and mental health handouts for kids.
“This initiative was student-led because we have a passion for serving the community,” said Jasmine Render (DO ‘24), a member of the planning committee. “Many of us began the journey of becoming a physician because we wanted to help people, and that is what we set out to do with our health initiative. Our path to becoming a DO is more than just receiving letters at the end of our names. It is about the people we meet and help along the way. As medical students, we should not be isolated from the community in which we live, play and will eventually serve.”
With the first major holiday of the season next week, health officials are offering tips for staying safe from COVID-19 while gathering with loved ones or traveling.
Cowlitz County’s COVID-19 case rate is higher than it was this time last year, “which means it is important to continue taking steps to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy,” said Dr. Steven Krager, county deputy health officer.
The county recorded 322 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10, compared to about 282 new cases per 100,000 the same time last year.
Cowlitz County recorded 29 new confirmed cases Friday, bringing the total to 12,592 confirmed and 1,526 probable cases. The county had 254 COVID-19 deaths.
Unlike last year, health officials aren’t discouraging all in-person gatherings.
“There are many ways we can more safely enjoy our favorite traditions,” Krager said. “Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 if you’re age 5 years or older is a great start.”
Many health-care clinics and pharmacies offer the COVID-19 vaccines, including the pediatric doses for 5- to 11-year-olds and booster doses. People can find a location at www.vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.
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A health department report from October found COVID-19 rates and hospitalizations are lower among fully vaccinated residents.
As of Wednesday, 57.5{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of Cowlitz County residents had initiated vaccination and 52.9{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} were fully vaccinated.
State COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations down; hospital officials encourage vaccines ahead of holidays
Local, state and federal health officials recommend people take precautions if gathering with others outside their household, especially if unvaccinated, including:
Wear a face mask indoors or in crowded spaces.
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces by gathering outside or opening windows if indoors.
Space out and limit close contact with people outside the household, especially people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 or who are not fully vaccinated.
If gathering with multiple households, potentially from different parts of the country, people may consider avoiding crowded indoor spaces before traveling, or taking a test in advance of gathering even if they aren’t traveling, the Center for Disease Control recommends.
People hitting the road or skies should check their destination’s COVID-19 situation and watch for any additional restrictions.
Face masks are required in indoor areas of public transportation, including airplanes and airports.
People who are not fully vaccinated should get tested for COVID-19 before and after their trips, according to the CDC. After traveling, everyone should monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, which include cough, fever and shortness of breath.
Anyone who is sick or has COVID-19 symptoms should delay traveling, stay home and get tested.
Cowlitz County residents can order free rapid test kits at www.sayyescovidhometest.org as part of the “Say Yes! COVID Test” program. Tests will arrive within seven days.
Health officials urge precautions ahead of holidays; free rapid tests available to Cowlitz County residents
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