The original item was published from May 17, 2021 12:43 PM to May 19, 2022 11:13 AM
Team-
This afternoon the Virginia Department of Health reports 670,456 total confirmed, and probable cases of COVID-19 and 11,029 total deaths related to the virus in the Commonwealth.
The seven-day positivity rate, PCR only, for the Commonwealth is 3.3%.
Norfolk is credited with 17,679 total cases and 259 deaths with an 5.7% seven-day positivity rate, PCR only.
According to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, 661 residents in Virginia are currently hospitalized due to the virus. Over 55,575 confirmed COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized and discharged.
VDH reports that 4,123,803 people in Virginia have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Over 3,229,380 people have been fully vaccinated.
The Commonwealth has received 8,685,535 doses of vaccine and are administering just over 41,950 doses a day.
To date in Norfolk, 135,535 people have received the vaccine and 60,946 people are fully vaccinated.
For daily vaccine summaries and totals, visit the VDH dashboard.
Governor Northam Lifts Mask Mandate: Last Friday, Governor Ralph Northam announced that Virginia’s mask mandate will align with the new guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.
The updated guidelines state that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks in most indoor settings expect for:
- Public Transit
- Healthcare Facilities
- Congregate Settings
In addition, Virginia businesses can retain the ability to require masks in their establishments. Before entering a store without a mask, it is best to look for signs posted on the door or ask an employee if masks are still required on their property.
The Governor also stated that employees who work in certain business
sectors—including restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and
entertainment—must continue to wear masks unless fully vaccinated, per
CDC guidance.
Those who are unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated are
strongly encouraged to wear masks in all settings.
Regarding public schools, Northam stated that masks will continue to be required in K-12 public school regardless of their vaccination status.
Finally, Governor Northam is encouraging all Virginians to take advantage of available COVID-19 vaccines, and he is inviting Virginians to participate in the “It’s Our Shot, Virginia: Statewide Day of Action” on Tuesday, May 18.
Virginians can take part in the Day of Action by:
- Signing up to be a COVID Community Ambassador. Ambassador will help share COVID-19 updates and materials from top experts and sources with their networks and in their local community. Sign up to become a COVID Community Ambassador here.
- Sharing your vaccination story on social media. Add a Facebook profile photo frame, upload a backdrop to your next virtual meeting, or record a short video highlighting why you chose to get vaccinated using the hashtag #VaccinateVirginia.
Virginia has administered over 7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. More than 4 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
For more information on this, view this week's Incident Action Plan.
Also, last week, Governor Northam announced that he’s confident both social distancing requirements and capacity limitations can be lifted on Friday, May 28. I will provide more information on this when it becomes available.
FEMA Military Circle Mall Clinic: This is FEMAs last week here at the FEMA-led Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center. Saturday May 22 is their official last day providing shots to Hampton Roads residents at this center.
FEMA has administered over 75,000 vaccinations. What a milestone! Thank you, FEMA, for all you have done for Norfolk and our surrounding Hampton Roads communities.
It’s not too late to get yours. FEMA is offering first and second dose Pfizer and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.
Remember, Pfizer is for people aged 12 and older and Johnson & Johnson is for people aged 18 and up.
Children aged 12-17 will need to have a parent or guardian with them at the vaccination site to receive the vaccine.
The Military Circle Mall Community Vaccination Center is a walk-in clinic, no appointments are required, and it’s open from 9 am to 7 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome; however, you can schedule an appointment ahead of time at https://www.norfolk.gov/covid19vaccine.
Those interested in getting their vaccine must bring a valid ID or any document that provides proof of name.
Who's Ready for some Baseball? Tomorrow night, FEMA and VDH will provide Norfolk Tide Baseball fans an opportunity to receive the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine during the Tides opening night game. Fans, 18 or older, can receive their J&J shot from 5:30 pm to 8 pm at the Hits at the Park entrance near the First Base gate. No appointments are necessary but pre-registration is available here.
“All fans who elect to receive their vaccine while attending the opening night game, a ticket voucher good for any 2021 Tides September home game,” said Tides General Manager Joe Gregory.
If you can’t make it that night and are still looking for a vaccine, visit https://vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 1-877-829-4682.
Are you ready to give the gift of life? There are plenty of opportunities for you to give blood this month. Be an American Red Cross Hero by donating blood to help save lives. Click here to view all blood donation opportunities in Norfolk. If you don’t live in Norfolk, don’t worry, you can search by city and find blood drives near you.
Be safe and have a great week, everyone.
Daniel
Daniel Hudson, Deputy EM Coordinator
Norfolk Emergency Preparedness & Response
EOC-Plans@norfolk.gov