Henrico moves into low COVID-19 Community Level

Henrico has entered the “low” COVID-19 Community Level rating as of Sept. 29, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The county had been in the “medium” level for the past six weeks and at the "high" level for the 12 weeks prior to that. It was last at the "low" level the week of May 5.

The CDC uses several metrics to determine whether a locality is in the “low,” “medium” or “high” classification: the total number of new cases; hospital admissions related to COVID; and the percentage of hospital beds being used by COVID patients.

“We are very encouraged by seeing our COVID-19 community levels drop this week,” said Elaine Perry, director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “We hope people enjoy this time of low levels while still remaining flexible and ready to implement more mitigation procedures should we shift back into higher levels.”

Richmond also entered the “low” classification Thursday. Nearly all of the eastern half of Virginia is now in the "low" level, and only four localities (all in southwestern Virginia) remain in the "high" category.

CDC guidance for people who live, work, and spend time in areas with low COVID-19 community levels include staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations; maintaining ventilation improvements; avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19; following recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19; and following mask-wearing recommendations if you have been exposed to COVID-19.

“Bivalent boosters are the best tool we have to help keep us at low COVID-19 levels,” said RHHD Nurse Manager Amy Popovich. “Not only will it help protect you against the Omicron variants, it also helps reduce community transmission, which is so important during the colder months where respiratory illness spreads more easily.”

Bivalent boosters are available through private providers, local pharmacies, and RHHD.

Only 236 new cases of COVID were reported officially in Henrico during the past seven days – a drop of nearly 33% from the previous seven.The official positivity percentage among those in the county whose COVID test results were reported was 12% during that same period, down about 3% from the previous week, according to the CDC.

For details about vaccination opportunities, visit rhhd.gov or call (804) 205-3501.