New data: Virus cases concentrated in two towns

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Wise County continues to hold steady at 22, according to Virginia Department of Health data.

However, the health department’s virus website section now shows that 18 of those cases are located in Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, with nine each.

The website recently added a feature breaking down the data by ZIP code.

What it does not report is case numbers between one and four — the amount in ZIP code 24293, the town of Wise, according to website data. No cases are reported in the ZIP codes for Coeburn, East Stone Gap, Pound or St. Paul.

Norton’s confirmed case count remains at two.

Statewide, as of Monday morning, 167,758 people had been tested and 25,070 cases were confirmed — an increase of 3,500 since Thursday. Of those, 850 people have died, 81 more than as of Thursday, and 3,300 have been hospitalized, an increase of 345.

MORE TESTING

As virus testing increases locally, officials will watch for a possible increase in confirmed cases.

The health department announced Friday that the Wise County Health Department has activated drive-up testing for COVID-19 in the building’s parking lot.

Testing is being conducted Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m. by appointment only, after being screened on the phone by a nurse.

To be tested, you must meet one of these priority testing criteria:

• Outbreak investigations.

• Selected contact investigations.

• Un- or underinsured persons with COVID-19 symptoms.

• Workers of congregate settings with COVID-19 symptoms (long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, prisons, jails, group homes).

People who are approved for testing will receive an appointment time. You must bring a valid ID to the testing site. To avoid lengthy wait times, please come to the site at your appointed time and bring your documentation with you.

To request a screening, call 276/328-8000.