Virginia sees 1,435 new COVID-19 cases in a day; Three Hampton Roads cities see higher test positivity rate increases

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

According to their website, there are now 194,912 total cases, 178,432 of which are confirmed and 16,480 are probable. There are 3,726 total COVID-19 related deaths, with 3,460 being confirmed and 266 being probable. The case numbers are up by 1,435, and deaths are up by 13 since Monday.

A total of 2,820,659 COVID-19 PCR tests have now been given in Virginia.

During a press conference Tuesday Gov. Northam said Virginia is seeing case and percent positivity rises and said this is concerning. He urged residents to step up vigilance and precautions, especially with the holidays around the corner.

"I'm not saying don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but if you're planning to celebrate with people outside your household think about ways to do it more safely," said Northam.

Northam also expressed optimism about the development of a vaccine with Pfizer reporting its vaccine is 90-percent effective. "That is very, very encouraging, but we should all remember this isn't a magic bullet," he said. "Any approved vaccination will still take months to distribute."

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association also updated their numbers. As of Tuesday there are 885 people currently being hospitalized, confirmed with COVID-19. There are 289 people receiving inpatient hospital care whose test results are still pending. Combined, there are a total of 1,174 being hospitalized for coronavirus related illness. That's 67 more hospitalizations from Monday.

The total statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations that have been reported over time is now 13,183.

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

88 hospital patients, both confirmed for coronavirus, and those with test results pending, are currently on a ventilator. 794 ventilators are being used in hospitals out of the 2,932 in the state - that's 27% usage.

21,716 patients who have been hospitalized for coronavirus have been discharged.

The state's percent positivity has been increasing a little each day. It is now at 6.2% on Tuesday.

Locally, percent positivity has increased much more Tuesday in Chesapeake at +.80%, Portsmouth at +.50% and Virginia Beach at +.40%

Virginia Beach and Norfolk saw the highest local case increases. Hampton Roads and surrounding areas made up about 15% of the daily Virginia case increase from Monday.

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