The original item was published from October 20, 2020 12:14 PM to May 19, 2022 11:13 AM
This morning the Virginia Department of Health reports 167,754 total confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 3,485 total deaths related to the virus in the Commonwealth.
The seven-day positivity rate, PCR only, for the Commonwealth is 4.8%.
Norfolk is credited with 5,209 total cases and 84 deaths with a 4.7% seven-day positivity rate, PCR only.
According to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, 937 residents in Virginia are currently hospitalized due to the virus. Over 19,100 confirmed COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized and discharged.
Don’t forget its Flu season. The CDC and VDH both recommend receiving a flu vaccination. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the city will not have on-site flu shot clinics this year for city employees. We encourage all employees to get a flu shot this season from their primary care physician or any participating pharmacy. Click here to find flu vaccine locations.
Still not sure where to get your flu shot? The Virginia Department of Health is offering a FREE drive-thru, and walk-up flu vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 24, from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot at Military Circle Mall (located at 880 N Military Hwy, Norfolk, VA 23502 in the former Macy’s parking lot). The flu shots are available for anyone age 3 and up, while supplies last.
Anyone participating in the event must wear a face covering.
If it’s raining that day, the event will be moved to October 31. For more information, call VDH at 757-683-2834.
Halloween 2020. Sadly, this year, Halloween will look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Events that involve large gatherings of individuals (e.g., large Halloween parties, haunted houses, etc.) can increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and are not recommended.
The more closely people interact with others, and the longer that interaction lasts, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to the virus. This means choosing not to participate in standard Halloween activities during the pandemic.
One alternative Halloween activity is the wildly popular Norfolk Police and Recreation, Parks, and Open Space Trunk or Treat event. However, this year there will be a twist. Instead of walking from trunk to trunk to get your goodies, you will have the opportunity to participate in the safety of your car. That’s right, this year’s event will be a drive-thru to provide a safe activity for you and your little ones.
To participate in this year's Drive-Thru Truck or Treat, make sure you register here.
For more information on some other safe, alternative ways to participate in Halloween, view this week's Incident Action Plan.
Are you ready to give the gift of life? This Thursday, October 22, from 1 pm to 6 pm at the Attucks Theatre, you can be an American Red Cross Hero by donating blood to help save lives. Click here to reserve your time slot. Too busy on Thursday? Don't worry; there are several other opportunities this month, and next month you can donate. Click here for more information.
Lastly, skies are mostly cloudy today, and some of us may experience an isolated shower. Later this afternoon, skies should become partly sunny. Temperatures will stay mild and well above average.
Average highs this time of the year are around 69°, and we'll be almost 10° above that through the end of the week. A cold front will approach us slowly this weekend, increasing our shower chances and bringing some slightly cooler temperatures.
As a reminder, we still have 41 days left in the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which comes to an end on November 30. Yesterday our 26th named storm of the year developed - Tropical Storm Epsilon. Epsilon is forecasted to become the 10th hurricane of the season as it approaches Bermuda later this week.
The immediate future track of this storm is not expected to impact Norfolk, but by later this week, Bermuda could see some impacts as Epsilon moves northward just east of the island.
Be safe and have a great week, everyone.
Daniel
Daniel Hudson, Deputy EM Coordinator
Norfolk Emergency Preparedness & Response
EOC-Plans@norfolk.gov