Virginia Department of Health reports backlog of 45 COVID-19 deaths with 8 being in our local area; 845 new cases reported statewide

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

According to their website, there are now 136,359 total cases, 129,963 of which are confirmed and 6,396 are probable. There are 2,884 total COVID-19 related deaths, with 2,711 being confirmed and 173 being probable.

The case numbers are up by 845, and deaths are up by 45 since Tuesday. The VDH reported another day of backlogged deaths. The VDH website states: "Regarding the death data for Wednesday, September 16, 2020, there is an existing data backlog. VDH is working diligently to identify COVID-19 related deaths using vital record death certificate information." 8 of the 45 deaths reported were in our viewing area. There were 123 local cases from the state's update which made up 14.5% of the total increase.

A total of 1,799,851 COVID-19 PCR tests have now been given in Virginia. Virginia's percent positivity rate has dropped to 6.9% - August 25 was the last time it was below 7%. The eastern region of Virginia's percent positivity rate is 6.2%. On Tuesday, Gov. Northam stated that, "That is really good news. We're seeing a slight increase in hospital beds there that are occupied by COVID patients, but overall we are pleased with the region's progress."

Other areas, like southwestern Virginia, are now seeing a higher rate than the state. Central Virginia is also now being closely watched.

Virginia Department of Health

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association also updated their numbers. As of Wednesday, there are 678 people currently being hospitalized, confirmed with COVID-19. There are 349 people receiving inpatient hospital care whose test results are still pending. Combined, there are a total of 1,027 being hospitalized for coronavirus related illness. That's 12 more hospitalizations reported from Tuesday.

The total statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations that have been reported over time is now 10,389.

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

103 hospital patients, both confirmed for coronavirus, and those with test results pending, are currently on a ventilator. 592 ventilators are being used in hospitals out of the 3,088 in the state - that's 19% usage.

16,536 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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