CDC Updates Transmission Data
CDC has updated their COVID-19 data tracker to display the newest COVID-19 Community Levels of Transmission. These levels- low, medium, and high- are based on three main factors:
  • How many people were admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 within the past week
  • What proportion of the hospital capacity is devoted to caring for COVID-19 positive patients
  • How many new COVID-19 cases total in a county within the past week

These new methods of data collection provide CDC with a better understanding of how quickly the virus is spreading in a given area, how many people are sick enough to require hospitalization, and the extent of the area’s healthcare system resources to care for both COVID-positive and non-COVID patients. Knowing the Community Transmission Level of your area can help determine what mitigation and safety measures should be taken to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. These transmission levels should also be taken into account by public officials when implementing COVID-19 related policies. 

Below are the CDC prevention recommendations for each level of transmission.

Areas Experiencing LOW levels of Transmission – stay home when sick, get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination. Local mask requirements for certain places should be followed (ex: nursing homes, hospitals).

Areas Experiencing MEDIUM Levels of transmission – focus on prevention measures to protect those at high risk for negative outcomes from COVID-19. In addition to the strategies mentioned for areas with low transmission, consider testing before gathering in person and wear a well-fitting mask when seeing loved ones who may be more vulnerable to poor health outcomes due to a COVID-19 infection.

Areas Experiencing HIGH Levels of Transmission – a layered mitigation approach is the best way to protect your community and prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Prevention strategies include: 
  • Social distancing
  • Masking in public
  • Avoiding large in-person gatherings
  • Frequent hand washing
  • Testing if exposed or experiencing symptoms
  • Staying home when sick, whether it is COVID-19 or not

There are still circumstances that require extra precautions, even if your county is experiencing low or medium transmission levels. 
  • If you test positive: stay home for at least 5 days away from family or friends and wear a mask around others for a full 10 days.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19: wear a mask around others and get tested.
  • When visiting friends or family at higher risk: wear a mask and consider testing before your visit.
  • To best protect young children who can’t get vaccinated: ensure those around them are up to date on their vaccinations.

Regardless of transmission level, everyone eligible should get a COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot. To learn more about the CDC’s Community Levels of Transmission or see frequently asked questions, visit their website here.
Governor Younkin Announces
COVID-19 Action Plan
Governor Glenn Youngkin updated Virginia's COVID-19 Action Plan this week to continue the Commonwealth's commitment to providing additional vaccine events throughout the Commonwealth, granting flexibilities to health care workers and facilities, and charting a path to normalcy.

Read the Governor’s full COVID-19 Action Plan here.
International HPV Awareness Day
March 4th is International HPV Awareness Day. On this day, the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and Blue Ridge Health District aim to bring awareness to two necessary vaccines, HPV and COVID-19.

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can lead to cancer. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccine, being vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus may help you avoid getting sick. You can also lower your risk of acquiring and spreading the disease by getting vaccinated.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports giving COVID-19 vaccines along with other childhood and adolescent immunizations, including the HPV vaccine. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) requires all students entering 7th grade to have completed the HPV series. Taking time to discuss vaccines with your child’s pediatrician is an essential part of protecting your child from diseases, such as COVID-19 and cancer. To learn about HPV and the HPV vaccine, visit the CDC website. To learn more about HPV in Virginia, visit the VDH website on HPV.
March Narcan Distribution Sites
In March, BRHD continues to host free Narcan distribution events throughout the District:
  • Tuesday, March 8, 3:00-4:00pm: Fluvanna County Health Department (143 Main Street, Palmyra)
  • Tuesday, March 8, 3:00-4:00pm: Louisa County Health Department (1540 Industrial Drive, Louisa)
  • Monday, March 14, 3:00-4:00pm: Greene County Health Department (50 Stanard Street, Stanardsville)
  • Tuesday, March 15, 3:00-4:00pm: Nelson County Health Department (4038 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington)
  • Monday, Mach 21, 3:00-4:00pm: Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department (1138 Rose Hill Drive, Door 1)
 
Individuals are trained on how to identify an overdose and properly administer Narcan, a nasal spray used to treat opioid overdoses in an emergency situation. In addition to Narcan, people can also take home FREE rapid in-home HIV test kits, condoms, lube, and more.
 
Appointments and IDs are not required. For more information, call 434-484-0255.
Join the BRHD Team
BRHD is hiring two positions on our Office Services Specialist (OSS) team! An OSS wage position in Charlottesville registers patients, obtains consent forms, completes associated forms, exits patients from clinic, explains charges, collects payment, answers program questions, provides secretarial support for various programs, greets visitors, answers telephone, and conveys messages.

The OSS Supervisor in Fluvanna County provides direct supervision of employees performing administrative, fiscal and/or clerical functions. This includes creating staff schedules, determining work priorities, participating in recruitment, managing orientation and training of OSS staff, and continually evaluating and improving office efficiency & productivity.
BRHD's March 2022
COVID-19 Testing Schedule
BRHD continues to host free COVID-19 PCR testing in each locality one day every week from 4:30-6:30pm. Appointments are not required, but may be made by calling the BRHD COVID-19 Resource Hotline (434-972-6261, open M-F 8am-4:30pm) or self-registering on the BRHD website:
  • Mondays: Louisa County Health Department
  • Tuesdays: Greene County Health Department
  • Wednesdays: Nelson County Health Department
  • Thursdays: Fluvanna County Health Department
  • Fridays: Yancey Community Center (in Esmont)

In addition to the above testing options, UVA Health offers free COVID-19 PCR tests:
  • Mondays: The Church of the Incarnation, 6:00-7:30pm
  • Tuesdays: Mt. Zion African Baptist Church, 5:30-7:00pm
 
Next Molecular offers free PCR tests at the former J.C. Penney parking lot in Charlottesville on Thursdays from 2:00-6:00pm and Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm.
 
The Blue Ridge Community Testing Center (CTC) located at Pantops Shopping Center will end operations on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Until then, the site continues to offer free COVID-19 PCR testing for ages 3 months and older, by appointment and walk-ins. Routine COVID-19 testing will continue to be available throughout the community, and can be found on the BRHD COVID-19 testing webpage.
Vaccination is only one tool to end the pandemic. We need to use them all in order to return to normal day-to-day activities:
Wear face masks, maintain physical distance, wash hands frequently and properly, and limit indoor social gatherings.