BY THE NUMBERS as of 10 a.m., Feb. 8
Current 7-Day Positivity Rate PCR Only
State: 10.2%
Peninsula Health District: 13.0%
James City County: 9.5%
Statewide Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths
Cases: 530,825 (increase of 9,358 since Friday)
Hospitalizations: 22,167 (increase of 274 since Friday)
Deaths: 6,820 (increase of 88 since Friday)
James City County Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths
Cases: 3,626 (increase of 54 since Friday)
Hospitalizations: 114 (increase of 1 since Friday)
Deaths: 41 (no change)
VACCINATIONS
Statewide
Vaccine doses administered: 1,105,102 (increase of 141,149 since Friday)
People fully vaccinated: 206,942 (increase of 49,885 since Friday)
James City County
Vaccine doses administered: 17,305 (increase of 3,391 since Friday)
People fully vaccinated: 2,126 (increase of 474 since Friday)
LATEST NEWS ON COVID-19
COUNTY NEWS ON COVID-19
A Letter from the James City County Board of Supervisors to the editor of The Virginia Gazette
As members of the Board of Supervisors, we hear every day from worried citizens eager to get their COVID vaccine and do not understand why it is taking so long. We share the frustration and disappointment of our community members, and we are working hard to vocalize your concerns. Unfortunately, local governments have little control over the process and have few answers beyond the information we receive from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), which is the agency responsible for administering the vaccine rollout.
Under the leadership of our County Administrator, Scott Stevens, James City County has partnered with neighboring peninsula localities and local agencies to establish a vaccine clinic at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. Initially, the clinic has been authorized to vaccinate teachers and other public employees, and we hope to receive authorization to vaccinate members of the public as soon as next week.
While VDH is under-resourced and stretched thin, waiting for additional resources is not an acceptable answer for our community. Mr. Stevens, and Emergency Management staff Ryan Ashe, Sara Ruch, Brad Rinehimer, and Robert Mintern, among others, have led the effort to administer vaccinations for local essential personnel and to partner with leaders from other peninsula localities to advocate for increased vaccine allotments. The Board wishes to thank these, and all staff members, who have helped with this process.
Even as we commend County staff for this tremendous service to our community, challenges remain, including factors well beyond our control such as vaccine supply shortages and the timeline for VDH’s vaccination scheduling system. As your representatives on the Board of Supervisors, we will continue advocating for our community, asking questions and sharing the information we receive. Please visit the VDH website, www.vdh.virginia.gov for more information, and go to jamescitycountyva.gov to sign up for daily local COVID-19 updates. The City of Williamsburg and James City County have also established an information line, 877-724-1954, to support VDH in answering frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccination process.
Michael J. Hipple, Powhatan District; Jim Icenhour, Jamestown District; Ruth Larson, Berkeley District; John J. McGlennon, Roberts District; Sue Sadler, Stonehouse District
CVS VACCINATIONS
As a reminder, CVS is scheduled to begin administering vaccinations in 36 pharmacies in Virginia on Thursday, Feb. 11. The County has not received any updates on locations. Tune in to local media for updates.
CVS will offer vaccines by appointment-only; walk-ins are not allowed. People must schedule their appointments in advance at www.CVS.com, through the CVS Pharmacy app, or by calling a customer service number at 800-746-7287. Appointments will not be available until Feb.9, when CVS expects to receive its shipment of the vaccine. https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-banner-1-link2-coronavirus-vaccine
For more information about the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccinations: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/index.html
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION
COUNTY NEWS ON COVID-19
If you are a JCC resident and have questions about the CARES Act for your water or sewer bill contact James City Service Authority at 757-259-5416 or email at jcsa@jamescitycountyva.gov and put CARES Act in the subject heading. For those that have applied please monitor your account.
Scott Stevens, County Administrator for James City County, is our guest on the podcast this week. We talk about Board of Supervisors meetings and the COVID-19 vaccinations (starts at 14:40). https://jamescitycountyva.gov/podcast
Chief Ashe Provides an Update During the Jan. 26 Board of Supervisors Business Meeting: https://play.champds.com/jamescitycova/event/134/s/10773
COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line for Vaccine Distribution in the Greater Williamsburg area: 877-724-1954.
Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.williamsburgva.gov/i-want-to/learn-more-about/peninsula-covid-19-vaccine-faqs/-fsiteid-1
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Governor’s COVID-19 Briefing Feb 5, 2021: https://youtu.be/fDAmInLsusQ
Governor Northam Calls on School Divisions to Safely Return Students to Classrooms Statewide: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4487
VACCINATE VIRGINIA – FEB. 3 UPDATE
The Vaccine Summary Dashboard shows Virginia’s significant progress in vaccinations. As of today, Virginia ranks 10th among all states for percent of the population that has received at least one dose, and 12th for percent of available doses administered. More than 8 in 10 first doses available have been administered. (It is important to note that the number of doses shown as being “received” by hospitals and local health districts does not account for the doses they then redistribute to other partners such as physicians and pharmacies.) https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-summary/
All local health districts currently have clear information on their websites about vaccine eligibility, and how eligible individuals can pre-register online or by phone. Soon, a new statewide pre-registration system will improve the consistency of this process and allow individuals to confirm their pre-registration status at any time.
Assistance in English, Spanish, and other languages is available through the VDH Call Center at 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343). Very soon, this call center capacity will increase exponentially to help ensure that callers can get timely assistance with questions and pre-registration.
All states rely on the federal government to distribute vaccine doses. Based on our population, Virginia is currently receiving approximately 105,000 new doses per week toward our goal of achieving herd immunity. The pace of incoming doses may not significantly increase for months, although President Biden has announced plans to increase distribution by 16% in the near future.
Virginia’s primary distribution of doses is allocated by the Virginia Department of Health to local health districts, in proportion to each district’s population. Local health districts are expected to determine the most equitable and efficient use of each allocation, leveraging any combination of their own staff and volunteers, hospitals, pharmacies, and individual providers. Additional doses reach some residents of Virginia through separate federal allocations for employees of the U.S. Department of Defense and certain other agencies; the Indian Health Service; and a federal contract with CVS and Walgreens to vaccinate residents of long-term care facilities.
All local health districts in Virginia have moved into Phase 1b of vaccine eligibility. This means that approximately 50% of Virginia’s population is now eligible, including frontline essential workers, people aged 65 years and older, people with high-risk medical conditions identified by the CDC, and people living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps. Other than the healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities in Phase 1a, the Virginians in Phase 1b are at the highest risk of exposure to COVID-19 or serious illness if infected.
While local health districts are allowed flexibility in how doses are administered to eligible individuals, roughly half of the available supply should be used for people aged 65 or older. The other half should be used for frontline essential workers, people with high-risk medical conditions as identified by the CDC; and people in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps. Frontline essential workers should be prioritized in the order listed in the Phase 1b details.
There are simply not enough doses available yet for everyone who is eligible to receive them. Virginia is not likely to meet the demand for Phase 1b until March or April.
Anyone eligible for Phase 1a or 1b based on occupation should check with their employer to see if arrangements have already been made, and should otherwise register with the local health department in the locality where they work. Anyone eligible based on age or medical condition should register with the local health department in the locality where they live. Virginia has confirmed that the District of Columbia and Maryland are following the same approach.
Unfortunately, it may be weeks or longer before vaccination appointments become available for those who have pre-registered.
Anyone who receives a first dose of vaccine will receive the second dose three or four weeks later as appropriate. Vaccine providers should not hold back their current first dose supply for second doses; they will receive second doses in proportion to the first doses they administer.
Governor Northam has extended Executive Order 72 through February 28, which maintains the 10-person limit on social gatherings, the requirement to wear masks in public places, guidelines for businesses, and other provisions.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - PENINSULA HEALTH DISTRICT
First Case of B.1.351 COVID-19 Variant Identified in Eastern Virginia: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4490
COVID-19 vaccines are an important tool to help stop the pandemic. However, even after vaccination everyone should continue to follow all the current guidance to protect themselves and others. This includes wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, following facility guidance on visitation and infection control, and cleaning hands often. Find out more information about precautions after vaccination at VDH’s COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-faq/vaccination/
Case of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant Identified in Northwest Virginia: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4481
The Hampton/Peninsula Health Districts are currently vaccinating members of Phase 1a-health care workers, phase 1b 65+, essential workers, 16-64 with healthcare conditions, and people living in congregate settings. Please understand current vaccine demand far exceeds current vaccine supply. Once you have registered, you will be contacted by phone or email to schedule your appointment. It may be at least 4-5 weeks before you are scheduled. We encourage you to check with your primary care physician and/or your pharmacist to see if they can vaccinate you more quickly.
Surveys: HPHD surveys are NOT scheduling you for a vaccine. These surveys are the first step in getting a vaccine. These surveys are to capture your information and HPHD will contact you when it’s time to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated, by sending an email with an appointment link. Due to this, an email is required for registration and scheduling. These surveys will send you a confirmation email once complete. Please check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. THIS IS THE ONLY CONFIRMATION YOU WILL RECEIVE.
2nd Dose Appointments: Individuals who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at PHD from 1/4-1/11 will return exactly 28 days from their 1st dose, at their same appointment time. Individuals who received their first dose vaccine 1/13-present will receive an email with a link to schedule their second dose. The link will be for exactly 28 days from your 1st dose, but you will schedule the appointment time. For anyone who needs to reschedule their 2nd dose appointments, you will be placed on a waitlist.
If you are 65+ please fill out the phase 1b intake form. The Health Peninsula Health Department is currently only scheduling 75+: https://forms.gle/yo7R828Tbvk7F2GAA
If you are 16-64 with underlying medical conditions, please register at the link below: https://forms.gle/pontg7e7Z3oKjpm38
If you are a frontline essential worker, please register at the link below: https://forms.gle/qQraKaZpt8Dfuwrv8
If you are a health care provider, please register at the link below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNtxmB8YHDVmCaIINxI-ZV8ODBbwCsweXEnDqI8gVlbzmZ5w/viewform
VDH Launches Text Messaging Service To Streamline Positive Test Result Awareness and Exposure Notifications: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4465
Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Virginia Department of Health partnered together to provide you information in American Sign Language (ASL) on responses to questions about vaccines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXsDtaa2yRo This information is current as of Jan. 21. Vaccination information can change rapidly. It is important to check the VDDHH COVID-19 Resources webpage (https://www.vddhh.org/) the VDH vaccine information webpage (https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/) often.
FAQs on How to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-faq/vaccination/
First Case of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 Variant Identified in Virginia: https://jamescitycountyva.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=4448
Monitor the Districts’ progress through the Phases: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/phase-by-health-district/
Identify your category: https://vdh.jebbit.com/amkwk6m1?L=Owned+Web&JC=Vaccine
Peninsula Health District’s vaccine info: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/peninsula/peninsula-health-district-distributes-covid-19-vaccines/
Learn about the vaccine: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
Peninsula Health District Vaccine Hotline: 757-594-7496
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
Vaccine Information for Veterans and VA Health Care Personnel: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Vaccine Considerations for People with Disabilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/disabilities.html
Information for School Nurses and Other Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Working in Schools and Child Care Settings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/school-nurses-hcp.html
COVIDVIEW Weekly Summary: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/covidview/index.html
Not only does your mask help protect those around you against COVID-19, but it also offers some protection for you, too. Wear a mask with 2-3 layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Investigating the Impact of COVID-19 during Pregnancy: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/special-populations/pregnancy-data-on-covid-19/what-cdc-is-doing.html
Toolkit for People with Disabilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/toolkits/people-with-disabilities.html
Workplaces and Businesses Plan, Prepare, and Respond: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/workplaces-businesses/index.html
Understanding the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/index.html
Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership Program for COVID-19 Vaccination FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/retail-pharmacy-program/faqs.html
Latest COVID-19 research on mask wearing, the effect of the mRNA vaccine on variants, and more: https://www.cdc.gov/library/covid19/01292021_covidupdate.html.
Long term care facility staff: You have an essential role in fighting COVID-19. Your decision to get vaccinated can help protect more than just your health. You can lead the way for residents, colleagues, and others. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/toolkits/long-term-care/faqs.html
What to Expect at Your Appointment to Get Vaccinated for COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html
What to Expect After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
FROM THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
COVID-19 Consumer Scams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvGbzQHpMBo&feature=emb_title
CDC’s COVID DATA TRACKER
Did you know you can use CDC’s COVID Data Tracker to see the number of predicted COVID-19 cases and deaths for your area? Use data to help make decisions to protect yourself, your family, and your community. See the COVID Data Tracker Forecasting tool: http://bit.ly/CDT_forecasting.
TESTING
Who should get tested for COVID-19?
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
- People who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/local-exposure/
- People who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed, such as travel, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded indoor settings, and
- People who have been asked or referred to get testing by their healthcare provider or the health department.
- If you have symptoms, use Virginia’s COVIDCHECK to help make decisions on when to seek testing and appropriate medical care. Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you are having trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covidcheck/
Testing Site Map: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites/
ADD YOUR PHONE TO THE COVID FIGHT
COVIDWISE is Virginia’s official exposure notifications app that lets you know if you’ve likely been exposed to another COVIDWISE user with a positive COVID-19 test result.
- COVIDWISE is free to download on your smartphone and designed to completely protect your privacy.
- The more Virginians that use COVIDWISE, the better you can be informed of potential exposure, which helps reduce your risk while protecting your family, friends and community.
- COVIDWISE is now connected to the National Key Server, which lets COVIDWISE anonymously share data with exposure notifications apps from other states.
Visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covidwise/ for more information.
NEED HELP OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
COVID-19 INFORMATION
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH): www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus, Phone: 1-877-ASK-VDH3
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- FEMA Rumor Control: www.fema.gov/coronavirus-rumor-control
Media Contact:
Renee Dallman, Public Information Officer
757-253-6605; renee.dallman@jamescitycountyva.gov