Coronavirus update: COVID-19 cases in Virginia surpass 32,000; coronavirus testing in Emporia – 8News

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Here’s the latest on the coronavirus pandemic for May 19, 2020:

The Virginia Department of Health reported 32,145 cases of COVID-19 — 30,539 confirmed and 1,606 probable — Tuesday. The death toll is now at 1,041.

Virginia Hospitals and Healthcare Association reported that 4,107 people with the virus have been released from the hospital. The VDH and VHHA do not report recoveries.

Goochland County to have drive-thru COVID-19 testing

Goochland County will have a COVID-19 community testing event on Thursday, May 21. This will be a free drive-thru event and those coming for testing will remain in their vehicles.

This testing event is for adults and children ages 6 years and older who meet qualifications. Goochland County residents, please call the health district’s COVID-19 hotline 804-365-3340 to be screened & pre-registered.

Additionally, a mobile testing unit is available for those without transportation. Chickahominy Health District is planning to offer drive-up registration and testing during the event while supplies last. CHD will only be providing testing during the event and not medical care or treatment.

The event is from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on May 21 at the Central High Cultural and Educational Complex on 2748 Dogtown Road.

VCU establishes online clinic to screen for COVID-19 symptoms

VCU Health is now able to screen people who are concerned they may have the coronavirus through a virtual urgent clinic.

“VCU Health providers can assess individuals for mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, provide next steps and refer them to in-person care if needed. Providers are also available to assess other urgent health issues,” VCU Health said in a release.

Virginia adults can access the clinic without an appointment here. The virtual clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Community testing in Dinwiddie

Next Tuesday, the Crater Health District will hold a community testing event at the county’s Sports Complex. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 5850 R.B. Pamplin Drive, Sutherland.

Testing will be conducted by appointment only. You can register for the event starting Friday, May 22 at the district’s hotline: 804-863-1652, option 1.

Those who qualify will receive an appointment. The county hopes to administer 120 tests.

Mayor Stoney to provide update on city’s response to COVID-19

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and Dr. Danny Avula of the Richmond and Henrico Health District will discuss the city’s plans to increase testing, access to protective equipment and address small business needs over the two weeks during a briefing at 9:15am. Watch it on 8News!

COVID-19 testing in Emporia and Greensville County

The Crater Health District and Virginia Army National Guard will conduct community testing next Friday, May 29.

The testing will take place at the Washington Park Community Center located at 750 Dry Bread Road from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For registration information, please call the health district at 804-862-8989. You can start to register starting Sunday, May 24.

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Planning a trip this summer? Here’s how you can stay safe

With Memorial Day right around the corner, health experts want to make sure you are safe.

AAA said that if you do plan on taking a trip traveling by car is safer than plane because you control who you come in contact with. You’re also encouraged to bring your own sanitizing wipes, wash your hands, maintain social distancing and wear a mask.

Governor Northam announced Monday that public beaches in Virginia Beach can reopen for the holiday weekend but large gatherings are still not allowed.

The Director of the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Dr. Danny Avula says its important to plan before making a big trip.

“The virus is still out there and so the most important thing is that we’re thinking about, not only, how we keep ourselves safe but really how we keep our entire community safe,” Avula said.

Dr. Avula said that if you have any underlying health conditions, it may be best to stay home.

“Right now, we’re seeing Covid-19 spread in all 50 states and, to the degree that all of us can, avoiding that public interaction is going to be the safest thing,” Dr. Avula added.

COVID-19 in Virginia

How many people have been tested for and diagnosed with coronavirus in your neighborhood? New data released by the Virginia Department of Health provides some answers to that question.

VDH recently released data that breaks down COVID-19 cases and testing numbers by zip code.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Coronavirus pandemic