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COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations and Postivity Continue "Consistent Increase"

Richmond’s mayor and its health director are urging people to act differently to slow the increase of COVID-19.

Doctor Danny Avula says the city has seen more than three weeks of consistent increases in cases, hospitalizations and positivity.  "This is within our control. The degree to which we continue to congregate with others, to be out and about, to not follow the distancing and mask guidelines.  And we’re seeing it play out," Avula warned.

Avula says the city has seen more outbreaks in recent weeks.  And those outbreaks are producing larger numbers of infections lately.

There were case clusters in two gyms in the past week, though Avula would not identify the locations. He also said the health department suspended the licenses of four restaurants for not following COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Avula said people in their 20's are the most represented age group among new cases.  And while they might not be as likely to experience severe complications from the illness, they can still infect older family members or coworkers.

At the same news conference, Richmond school superintendent Jason Kamras said the school board would soon begin considering plans to potentially resume in-person instruction.  Kamras said he'd like to have a decision made before the winter break.  Given the current trend in cases locally and nationally, Kamras said he's not optimistic about the chances of reopening.

David Seidel is Radio IQ's News Director.