Henrico now at medium COVID-19 community level

Henrico County has moved into the medium COVID-19 community transmission level – the second-highest of three levels – according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, following weeks at the low community level. The CDC uses three metrics – case rate per 100,000 people, new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people and percentage of inpatient hospital beds in use by COVID patients – to establish a locality’s level.

Henrico is on the low end of the medium level, according to the standards used by the CDC. Localities with more than 200 new cases per 100,000 people in the past seven days (Henrico has witnessed about 295) must have less than 10 new COVID-related hospital admissions per 100,000 people in that same timeframe (Henrico’s count is 8.1) and fewer than 10% of inpatient beds in use by COVID patients (that level is just 1.6% in Henrico). About two dozen Virginia localities are now in the medium level; the rest remain at the low level.

Henrico's most recent seven-day positivity rate was 19.1%, according to the CDC.

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts officials are recommending everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Henrico County to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, improve ventilation in indoor spaces, and follow CDC recommendations for isolation or quarantine if sick or exposed.

People who are immunocompromised, at high risk for severe illness, or who spend time with high risk individuals should consider wearing a mask around others.

RHHD officials also continue to recommend everyone keep several at-home tests in their homes in case they are needed. You may request free tests at covidtests.gov, purchase a test at a pharmacy and submit a claim to your insurance company, or pick up a free COVID-19 home test at some Richmond Public Library locations (Broad Rock, East End, Ginter Park, Main Library, and North Avenue). RHHD also is increasing the availability of free COVID-19 PCR test events to meet a potential increased demand; visit rchd.com for more information on testing.

“We understand that moving into a medium level may leave folks feeling frustrated or tired,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, acting director of RHHD. “However, this is what we’ve been preparing for. We have an opportunity to implement CDC guidance to minimize the worst impacts of a COVID surge while still functioning as a society. If we stay up to date on COVID vaccinations and implement more prevention measures during times of increased transmission, we can protect our most vulnerable and maintain healthcare’s capacity to care for us. . . all while still being able to maintain some activities in person.”