Most health districts reporting under 5% COVID-19 test positivity rate in Hampton Roads

The Virginia Department of Health released their daily updated numbers involving COVID-19 cases within the state.

According to their website, there are now 143,92 total cases, 136,448 of which are confirmed and 7,044 are probable. There are 3,113 total COVID-19 related deaths, with 2,907 being confirmed and 206 being probable.

The case numbers are up by 902, and deaths are up by 24 since Wednesday. Deaths were reported in 2 local cities: Virginia Beach and Norfolk. There were 138 local cases that made up 15% of the state's total increase. The Virginia Department of Health's website says that, "VDH is working diligently to identify COVID-19 related deaths through vital record death certificate information. A backlog of death data is expected to be added from September 15 through September 25."

A total of 1,952,965 COVID-19 PCR tests have now been given in Virginia. The statewide COVID-19 test percent positivity rate continues to trend down, and it's currently sitting at 5.3% - a slight decrease from Wednesday's report. Many health districts in Hampton Roads are reporting at 5% or lower in test positivity rate including: the Peninsula Health District, Eastern Shore District, Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake. The Western Tidewater District remains the highest reported rate and is at 14%.

Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association also updated their numbers. As of Thursday, there are 624 people currently being hospitalized, confirmed with COVID-19. There are 358 people receiving inpatient hospital care whose test results are still pending. Combined, there are a total of 982 being hospitalized for coronavirus related illness. That's 66 more hospitalizations from Wednesday.

The total statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations that have been reported over time is now 10,769.

219 confirmed positive patients, and those whose test results are pending, are currently hospitalized in the ICU.

112 hospital patients, both confirmed for coronavirus, and those with test results pending, are currently on a ventilator. 631 ventilators are being used in hospitals out of the 3,092 in the state - that's 20% usage.

17,099 patients who have been hospitalized for coronavirus have been discharged.

Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association

Here's the breakdown of confirmed cases in local areas:

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