FISHERSVILLE — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has lowered the Staunton-Augusta County-Waynesboro COVID-19 level to medium, according to an update from Augusta Health on Monday.
The hospital’s COVID census has been relatively stable at under 10 patients each day; Monday’s census is nine, Augusta Health said.
COVID-19 positivity rate is declining — last week (June 6-11) it was 15.9%, while the week prior it was 25.9%.
Positivity rate for the month of May was 22.1%.
For a medium risk of COVID-19 in the community, Augusta Health advises:
- If you are at high risk for severe illness or complications, you should talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should wear a mask or take other precautions.
- Get a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms.
- Stay current on vaccinations.
- Wash your hands and socially distance.
Masks are required within all Augusta Health facilities. Visitation policy restrictions were effective May 23 and are still in place.
COVID census at Augusta Health remains stable, the hospital said. Nine patients are hospitalized with COVID-19. No deaths were reported in the past week.
In the last day, 17 new positive cases of COVID were diagnosed at Augusta Health testing sites. There were 20 positive cases on Sunday’s report and 20 positive cases on Saturday’s report, the hospital said.
COVID-19 testing is available at any Augusta Health Urgent Care Center.
Vaccine eligibility
Augusta Health now offers vaccinations, including boosters, for children 5- to 11-years-old.
Appointments for vaccines and/or boosters can be made at vaccinate.augustahealth.com. Remember to bring your COVID Vaccination Record Card to appointments. The eligibility criteria for each type of vaccine and the timing required for third and fourth doses is explained on Augusta Health’s website.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 continue in Augusta Medical Group primary care offices. Patients who prefer to receive a vaccination or booster from their personal physician should contact their doctor’s office to be scheduled into the next available vaccination appointment block.
More:Upcoming COVID-19 drive-thru vaccine clinics for children 5-11
Community-based clinics
Augusta Health will provide community-based clinics at:
- Bridgewater College on Thursday, June 16, from 10 a.m. until noon
- Embrace/Latinx on Thursday, June 16, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
- Gypsy Hill House on Tuesday, June 28, from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
- Plaza Apartments on Wednesday, June 29, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Community organizations that would like to partner with Augusta Health for a Vaccination Clinic can contact VaccinationTaskForce@augustahealth.com for more information.
Vaccine clinics
Waynesboro’s Primary Care/Urgent Care on 201 Lew Dewitt Blvd has several clinics scheduled for June. Appointments can be made at vaccinate.augustahealth.com.
Upcoming clinics:
- Tuesday, June 14: Pfizer and Moderna Clinics from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for those 12 years old and older.
- Friday, June 17: Pfizer and Moderna Clinics from 9 a.m. to noon for those 12 years old and older.
- Tuesday, June 21: Drive-thru Pfizer Clinic from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for those 5- to 11-years-old.
- Friday, June 24: Pfizer and Moderna Clinics from 9 a.m. to noon for those 12 years old and older.
Only Pfizer vaccine is available for those 5 to 17 years old.
First dose, second dose and booster doses are available to those 12 years old and older.
A parent of guardian must be present to consent to vaccination for minors. Please verify criteria before registration.
Those 18 years old and older can receive any vaccine.
If you have questions about eligibility, call Augusta Health at 1-540-332-5122.
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— Monique Calello (she/her) is a social justice reporter with The News Leader in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Story ideas are always welcome. You can reach her at mcalello@newsleader.com.
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