The number of new COVID-19 cases is continuing to decline in the health region that includes Alleghany County and Covington.
The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts reported 197 new cases of the virus over the past two weeks. Ninety-seven of the cases occurred over the past week.
“That is great news that we are continuing our downward trend, with about 100 cases each week for the last two weeks,” Dr. Cynthia Morrow, medical director for the health districts, said Tuesday.
Since the outbreak began in March 2020, the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts have reported 23,794 cumulative cases of COVID 19.
On Tuesday, eight people who contracted the virus were hospitalized. The death toll in the health region stands at 494.
Morrow said there have been 114 breakthrough cases — meaning individuals have contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated. Four people with breakthrough cases have been hospitalized.
“When we consider the number of people who have been vaccinated, it confirms our knowledge and understanding that the COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine,” Morrow said.
More than 225,000 doses of vaccine have been administered to residents of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts.
Roanoke County still has the highest vaccination rate in the region, with 55 % of the population having received at least one dose. About 45 % of the people in Roanoke County have been fully vaccinated.
Locally, the vaccination rates for Alleghany County are 45% receiving first doses and 35% fully vaccinated.
Covington’s vaccination rates continue to be among the lowest in the health districts. Around 40% of the city’s residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine — 31% are fully vaccinated.
Morrow said the last mass vaccination clinic in the region is being held today at the Berglund Center in Roanoke.
The health department will continue to work with pharmacies, medical offices, and other partners to distribute vaccines. In addition, smaller community clinics will continue to be held.
Morrow stressed that people who have not been fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks when around other people indoors.
“Anyone who is not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks to protect themselves and protect others,” she said.
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