Experts warn COVID-19 cases rising in Virginia, urge people to be prepared — not scared

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The ongoing hot weather is stirring up health concerns in more ways than one — more people flocking indoors for air conditioning could be contributing to a rise in COVID-19 cases in central Virginia.

Experts with the Virginia Department of Health said this warning isn’t about fear. It’s not that the Richmond area is seeing an unusually high number of cases, rather that this recent uptick is just another reminder that COVID-19 is endemic and will likely continue to come and go in waves.

Back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the public often associated warmer weather with summer and being outdoors and, therefore, limited exposure to the virus. However, in recent weeks, doctors and medical professionals are noting an interesting trend.

“It is hotter than it’s ever been,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “We have the 4th of July coming up… people are having barbecues, but they’re all coming inside.”

Blazing temperatures in the 90’s, and even some in the 100’s, are forcing people inside and in closer proximity to one another ahead of the holiday.

“We went through a period where we really saw great decline,” said Heather Harmon-Sloan, who leads the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 Unit. “And now, we’re starting to see those diagnosed cases of COVID-19 start to creep back up slowly.”

Dr. Viray added explained that, because of the influx of at-home testing and people self-treating COVID-19 symptoms, cases are monitored generally by measuring Emergency Department visits. While discussing the recent rise in cases, she also shared a more positive statistic.

“Even though it is an uptick, we’re still seeing that ED, Emergency Department, visits for COVID or COVID-like illness is still less than a percent of visits overall,” Dr. Viray said.

According to data collected by the Virginia Department of Health, since June 15, COVID-19 Emergency Department visits across the state increased by about 65%, with around 100 new cases between this week and last week.

“It’s a reminder that COVID never went anywhere,” Dr. Viray said. “We’re still living with COVID”

The virus continues to mutate. With a new version of the vaccine available in the next couple months, health experts remind us to look out for symptoms like coughs, labored breathing and sore throats, but also to take preventative measures in order to be prepared instead of scared.

“This is just a great reminder, not a fear tactic,” Dr. Viray smiled. “We can still take precautions to keep ourselves safe.”

Health experts told 8News that Virginia saw a surge in COVID cases last summer too, but it started closer to August. They’re not yet sure if recent numbers are mirroring that trend, but they remind people to take care of themselves, monitor symptoms over the next few weeks and, if you feel sick, stay home.

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