Public Health Update

As of March 1 the Virginia Department of Health reports an accumulated total 577,174 confirmed cases, and a 7.1% test positivity rate. The Norfolk Department of Public Health reports an accumulated total of 14,935 confirmed cases, and a 9.9% test positivity rate, PCR only.

Vaccination News

To date in Norfolk, 35,479 people have received the vaccine and 9,054 people are fully vaccinated. For daily vaccine summaries and totals, visit the VDH dashboard. 

Governor Northam announced Monday that additional pharmacies will offer the vaccine with doses received from the Federal Pharmacy Program. These pharmacies are not connected to the state preregistration system. Individuals must contact Walgreens or CVS to preregister and receive the vaccine (currently CVS is only preregistering individuals aged 65 years and older).

Last week Walmart hosted vaccination clinics at Southside STEM Academy. Walmart and the Virginia Department of Health made all the arrangements for these clinics. The state call center contacted preregistered individuals to participate.

Sentara hosted a clinic at the Scope Saturday, Feb. 27 as part of their health equity program.

Changes

• The Virginia Department of Health has revised its preregistration operations and will not accept employer-submitted employee lists for vaccine. Employees must now preregister themselves.
• The Virginia Department of Health will provide a second vaccine to those who did not get their vaccine at a public health clinic. Individuals must return to the location where they received their first dose to get their second dose.
• As of Feb. 26, Norfolk ended its vaccine preregistration support through the hotline, online form, and hands-on help at our recreation centers. Since Jan. 25, 9,491 individuals contacted the hotline. Staff answered 7,181 incoming calls with an additional 2,310 voicemails returned during the operation. Since Feb. 10, 1,081 residents visited the recreation centers. 
• Staff will now direct all preregistration and information inquiries to Vaccinate Virginia online vaccinate.virginia.gov or the state call center 1-877-VAX-IN-VA.

Update to Governor’s Orders

On Monday, March 1, Governor Northam will ease public health restrictions for outdoor settings for social gatherings and entertainment venues. Alcohol sales at dining establishments will extend to midnight. 

Here is a look at some of the operations at some of the Norfolk facilities:

• City Hall: No change. Appointment-only will continue.
• Norfolk Public Library: No change. Grab and Go services will continue. 30,000 visits since July, 2020. Mobile delivery continues to seniors and NRHA residents not able to get to the branches.
• Virginia Zoo: Occupancy increases 30% outdoor and 1,000 visitors per day. Educational programs will increase from 10 to 25. 
• Seven Venues: No change to indoor occupancy (250). Harbor Park will increase occupancy to 1,000.
• Nauticus: Will begin overnight stays on battleship in May.

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