Health officials in the Roanoke area hope the surge of COVID-19 cases created by holiday gatherings is over.
The director of the Roanoke City-Alleghany Health District Tuesday reported drops in the number of new cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks. Dr. Cynthia Morrrow reported 575 active cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, down from 721 last Tuesday. Sixty-six residents of the district were hospitalized for complications related to COVID-19, as of Monday. That's 15 fewer than last week. There are 20 active outbreaks, as of Tuesday, down from 20 last week.
"That is good news," Morrow told reporters on a weekly conference call. "We are certainly hopeful we are on the other side of this most significant peak. But of course this is not the time to let our guard down. We must continue to be vigilant."
Morrow said the district recorded 19 additional deaths over the past week, bringing the total to 309.
Vaccine Demand Still Outpaces Supply
Dr. Morrow said the health department and its partners expect to administer about 11,000 vaccine doses this week. Most are second doses from clinics held three to four weeks ago.
She also noted that demand for vaccine continues to far outpace the supply. The health district expects to receive only 3,150 doses next week, though vaccine is beginning to show up at other sources like CVS pharmacies.
