Health and Medicine
The Virginia Department of Health is conducting four free drive-up COVID-19 testing events this week and next in the Roanoke Valley. It starts today at the Botetourt County Health Department in Fincastle from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Dr .Molly O’Dell is Director of Communicable Disease Control for the state health department’s district that covers the Roanoke Valley, and while she wonders aloud if this is the best use of resources, she says there is a benefit for many who get tested, even if they are not currently showing any symptoms. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
Future testing schedule:
July 23 — Northside Middle School 5:00-7:00 pm
July 28 — Roanoke City Health Department 5:00-7:00 pm
July 29 — Craig County Health Center 5:00-7:00 pm
According to the latest numbers released this morning from the Virginia Department of Health there are 8 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 6 new cases in Roanoke City, and 2 new cases in Roanoke County. Coronavirus numbers in Botetourt County and Salem remain the same.
As Virginia steps up the enforcement of wearing face masks, Carilion Clinic has some guidelines for what types of masks or face coverings work best and are most comfortable. WFIR’s Rachel Meell has the story:
The record in Roanoke for consecutive days of 90 degrees or better – 22 – could be broken on Thursday. Its at 19 today and Roanoke City Fire-EMS wants residents to stay safe. That means wear light, loose-fitting clothing, stay indoors when possible, cut down on outdoor activities – and don’t leave children or pets in cars. Fire-EMS spokesperson Kristen Perdue also says people – and pets – need to stay hydrated. Check often on those at high risk says Perdue.
Virginia Republicans say they intend to address public education when the General Assembly reconvenes next month in special session – even if Governor Northam has not called for any consideration on that subject. Republicans say any steps that keep students out of school for any number of days puts them at a permanent disadvantage behind those schools that teach in person every day. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones:
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The head of a Virginia agency that has come under scrutiny for its handling of unemployment benefits countered criticism from dozens of Democratic lawmakers, saying that “while there is room for improvement,” her staff has performed “admirably” during unprecedented times.
Virginia Employment Commissioner Ellen Marie Hess responded late Thursday to a letter sent earlier in the day by 34 House members and nine state senators that described a flood of complaints from constituents about problems with unemployment benefits and communication with the agency.
“We appreciate and share your concern for those Virginians who have reported difficulties in obtaining benefits and in reaching a member of the Commission staff,” she wrote in her letter.
But Hess defended the commission’s response to the economic fallout caused by the new coronavirus and measures intended to slow its spread, outlining some of the extraordinary demands it has faced.
In the past four months, VEC staff have averaged more than 13,000 hours of overtime a month, she wrote. The agency also had to work to increase staff in the unemployment insurance division, which had been cut by more than 40% since 2011 during record low unemployment, she said.
Call center staff answered an average of 28,000 calls per week in June and are now capable of answering 60,000 per week, she wrote.
“While there is room for improvement, the professional staff at VEC has worked admirably under exceedingly difficult circumstances,” she wrote.
In their letter, the lawmakers asked that the agency make the establishment of an online portal a top priority so that employers can provide the required information in a timely manner.
Hess responded that while the VEC has had a portal in operation for years, the General Assembly passed legislation this year that delayed mandatory employer participation until January 2021.
The lawmakers also called for the prioritization of a VEC review by the General Assembly’s watchdog agency. A study had been ordered in 2017. Hess responded that “it is important to remember that the General Assembly directed the (Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission) to prioritize studies on gaming and casinos ahead of the VEC review.”
Hess said she was willing to work with lawmakers to find ways to streamline the existing system.
“We stand ready to work with you and other legislators to deal with these complex issues affecting workers and businesses across the Commonwealth, and look forward to engaging in future conversations,” she wrote.
Separately, the commission reported Friday that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate improved in June, falling 0.6 percentage points to 8.4%. That’s 5.6 percentage points higher than the same time last year.
The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains below the national rate, which fell to 11.1%.
The largest job gain during June occurred in leisure and hospitality, the VEC said.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s state-owned liquor stores say they won’t let anyone not wearing a mask into their stores starting Monday as part of an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority will have greeters at the front of stores to prevent people without masks from entering and to offer curbside pickup options.
The agency already requires masks be worn in stores but has not previously denied entry to people without them.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has issued a mandate that masks be worn in all types of stores and recently asked business owners to be more aggressive in denying service to people who refuse to wear them.
According to the latest numbers released this morning from the Virginia Department of Health there are 9 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 5 new cases in Roanoke City, 1 new case in Roanoke County, and 1 new case in Botetourt County and 2 new cases in Salem.
The oldest among us – and their families – face serious questions over how much they should remain isolated over COVID concerns. A Virginia Tech gerontology expert says lengthy isolations may create as many or more risks than they avoid. Ila Schepisi is a senior instructor at Virginia Tech and Director of its Adult Day Services. She says the initial quarantining of the most vulnerable among us was understandable, but long term, it is not. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones: