https://digital-release.wavy.com/

Virginia Dec. 18 COVID-19 update: 3,295 new cases, 45 new deaths, hospitalizations pass 2,400 patients

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — 3,295 new coronavirus cases and 45 new deaths were reported Friday, as COVID-19 hospitalizations in Virginia passed the 2,400 patient mark for the first time.

The upward trend of new cases reported held around the 3,500-4,000 per day case mark this week, but deaths and hospitalizations are still trending up steadily, reflecting the recent record case numbers.


Statewide numbers

This comes as the United States continues to break death reporting records. 3,438 new deaths were reported nationwide on Thursday and 2,560 Americans are dying each day on average due to COVID-19.

Virginia’s now reporting 33 new deaths per day, and deaths have been continuing to trend up. 2,232 of those deaths have occurred in long-term care centers and 36 have been in state correctional facilities, VDH data shows.

Hospitalizations cleared 2,400 patients for the first time Friday, up to 2,409 patients, 516 in Hampton Roads. ICU capacity is at 79% (typically 67% pre-COVID) with 510 COVID-19 patients.


This all comes as VDH reported Friday that it would receive 100,000 fewer doses that originally planned in December under the federal Operation Ward Speed initiative.

There’s been little explanation as to why states will receive fewer doses, but Pfizer said Thursday it wasn’t facing production issues.

“We have millions more doses sitting in our warehouse but, as of now, we have not received any shipment instructions for additional doses,” a statement from the company read.

Local cases

Key local metrics

Test positivity (Thursday numbers)

For more on the coronavirus in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website.