BERRYVILLE, VA (Sept. 5, 2023) The Virginia Department of Health reports that COVID-19 indicators are increasing, similar to national levels. The statewide surge in cases has resulted in an increase in emergency department visits and hospital admissions, which are up about 115 percent and 89 percent, respectively, since late July 2023. Still, the VDH says the state is not facing an outbreak on the scale of previous years.
Find more information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Since the end of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, local COVID-19 data sources are becoming less reliable, and confirmed cases and deaths are widely considered an undercount of the true toll; however, at least 1 in 5 Clarke residents have been infected since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. As of mid-April 2023, there were almost 3,600 cases of COVID-19 in Clarke County (population 14,880) and at least 57 deaths in the county since the beginning of the pandemic.
As of Sept. 5, 2023, the VDH reports that 74% of Virginians are vaccinated with the primary series, and 18.2% of residents have received an up-to-date vaccination.
COVID.gov offers COVID-19-related guidance by county as well as links to the most up-to-date information and resources across the country.
Free COVID-19 vaccinations are available for ages 6 months and up Monday through Friday — 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. — at the Clarke County Health Department. No appointment necessary. The Health Department, located at 100 N. Buckmarsh St. in Berryville, is part of the Lord Fairfax Health District. Call the Clarke County office at (540) 955-1033.
VDH recommends using its testing locator website to find available PCR tests and antigen tests, though it may not be complete. VDH provides no-cost rapid antigen tests to individuals who are 60 and older.
Winchester-based Valley Health has web pages dedicated to COVID-19: Get Vaccinated and Frequently Asked Questions. Or, go to GetVaccineAnswers.org.
Everyone in the United States can find free COVID-19 vaccinations using vaccines.gov. Virginia residents without computers should call (877) 829-4682.
Clarke County Health Department (100 N. Buckmarsh St., Berryville) offers FREE COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 6 months and up every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. No appointments necessary. Call (540) 955-1033. The Clarke County Health Department — part of the Virginia Department of Health — is within the Lord Fairfax Health District that serves the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
FREE Food Pantry at FISH of Clarke County (36 E. Main St., Berryville) is OPEN 8 to 10 a.m. every Tuesday and 8 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday. FISH also manages a monthly FREE food bank at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church in Berryville. All visitors must wear facemasks. Contact FISH at (540) 955-1823 or fishfoodpantry@comcast.net.
FREE Food Pantry in Millwood serves serves all Clarke County residents. Contact Christ Church at (540) 837-1112 or cccares@cunninghamchapel.org.
FREE public Wi-Fi in Clarke County is available at more than 15 locations. Park near the building, follow social distancing standards, and keep at least six feet from individuals who are not members of your immediate family. Wi-Fi networks are offered as-is with no guarantee of signal or speed quality.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19:
COVID-19 is spread person to person. An infected person sneezes or coughs, particles are in the air and/or land on surfaces. Other people inhale the particles, or touch the same surface, before touching their own eyes, nose, or mouth. COVID-19 symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. Individuals who are most at risk are those ages 60 and older, those with chronic diseases, and those who have compromised immune systems.
COVID-19 symptoms:
• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• muscle or body aches
• headache
• sore throat
• new loss of taste or smell
• nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
The most effective ways to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19:
• Get vaccinated! COVID-19 are safe, effective, free, and widely available.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to help protect yourself and others.
• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
