COVID-19 in Virginia: LIVE updates for Thursday, November 26

RICHMOND, Va. -- In an effort to provide accurate, easy-to-read information on the on-going COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on our community, WTVR.com will update this post with the day's local coronavirus headlines and statistics.

COVID-19 IN VIRGINIA (Scroll to bottom for U.S. stats)

Positive COVID-19 Cases: 228,900 (Up 2,600 from Wednesday)
People Hospitalized: 14,417 (Up 105 from Wednesday)
COVID-19-Linked Deaths: 4,029 (Up 21 from Wednesday)
Total Tests: 3,700,109 (Up 36,427 since Wednesday)
All Health Districts Current 7-Day Positivity Rate Total: 7.4% (Down from 7.5% Wednesday)

Click here for complete city/county-by-county breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Virginia

NOTE: This data is provided from the Virginia Department of Healthdaily at 10 a.m. Officials said their cutoff for data is 5 p.m. the previous day. So your local health department may have issued an alert about a case before it is added to the statewide tally released the following day. Get the latest charts and updated numbers from VDH here. *Data fromJohns Hopkins University COVID-19 Tracker.

COVID-19 LOCAL HEADLINES

As COVID spikes, Chesterfield Schools return to virtual learning
Students at Chesterfield Public Schools will not return to classrooms again this year. The county announced Wednesday it would switch back to all-virtual learning after Thanksgiving break. Read me.

Nearly 125 more COVID-19 patients discharged in Virginia; hospitalizations tick up
Nearly 125 additional COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA). Read more.

4 new COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Virginia Thursday
Health officials are investigating 1,510 outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data released Sunday. More than 32,800 cases in the Commonwealth are linked to outbreaks. Read more.

First US immunizations could arrive on Dec. 12
A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee is set to meet Dec. 10 to discuss Pfizer Inc.’s request for an emergency use authorization for its developing COVID-19 vaccine. Read more.

FDA allows emergency use of antibody drug Trump received
U.S. health officials have allowed emergency use of a second antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19. Read more.

US reaches 12 million total coronavirus cases
The nation's total number of confirmed cases reached 12.01 million on Saturday, six days after the number had reached 11 million, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Read more.

Richmond health leader warns about Thanksgiving gatherings
Less than a week until Thanksgiving, a prominent Richmond health leader is warning against celebrating the holiday with a large group of family and friends. Read more.

Pfizer submits Emergency Use Authorization request to FDA
Pfizer announced Friday that it would submit a request to the FDA Friday for its COVID-19 vaccine to be granted Emergency Use Authorization. Read more.

US sets record in daily COVID-19 cases, records 2K deaths in a day for 1st time since May
The U.S. reported at least 187,833 positive COVID-19 tests on Thursday, breaking the all-time record of 177,224 that was set six days prior, on Nov. 13.Read more.

Fauci says 'cavalry is coming' with COVID vaccines
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s top infectious disease expert, said recent developments of a pair of vaccines showing an effectiveness of 95% should give Americans confidence to get a vaccine once they become available. Read more.

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine 95% effective, company to seek authorization within 'days'
A final analysis of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate produced by Pfizer and BioNTech shows that the drug is 95% effective in preventing the coronavirus, and the companies say they hope to apply for Emergency Use Authorization within "days," the company reported Wednesday. Read more.

Parents concerned as Chesterfield Schools report 30 coronavirus cases over last week
Coronavirus cases are on the rise in Chesterfield County. Read more.

Toilet paper limits, empty shelves are back as virus surges
A surge of new coronavirus cases in the U.S. is sending people back to stores to stockpile again, leaving shelves bare and forcing retailers to put limits on purchases. Read more.

Henrico schools to delay in-person reopening due to rising COVID-19 cases
Henrico County Schools say they are delaying their timeline for in-person learning as COVID-19 cases rise in the region. Read more.

Virginia's new COVID-19 restrictions begin as cases climb
New actions that aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Virginia went into effect at midnight Sunday. Read more.

US passes 11 million COVID-19 cases, meaning 1 million were diagnosed with virus in last week alone
As of Monday morning, more than 11 million people in the U.S. are confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, a database kept by Johns Hopkins University. Read more.

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 94.5% effective
A COVID-19 vaccine candidate being produced by biotech company Moderna has shown to be 94.5% effective in Phase 3 clinical trials, the company said Monday. Read more.

Biden advisers to meet vaccine firms as Trump stalls handoff
The government’s top infectious disease expert says that delayed handoff to the next administration is especially problematic during a public health crisis. Read more.

US sets another coronavirus case record on Friday
Friday marked the 11th consecutive day in which there were at least 100,000 new cases reported. Read more.

Northam tightens COVID-19 restrictions in Virginia as cases mount
The percent-positivity across the state is now at 6.5%, up from 4.7% back at the start of October. Earlier this week, Gov. Ralph Northam also expressed concern about the upward trend in COVID-19 increases in the number of cases, hospitalizations.
Read more.

COVID-19 spreading at alarming rate; record 150K new cases reported Thursday
The alarming, uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 continued on Thursday, as the U.S. set a record in new cases for a third straight day, recording 150,000 new cases in a single day for the first time. Read more.

How health director believes 16 election workers caught COVID-19
With 90 percent of the Richmond Registrar's Office under quarantine after 11 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and a member of Mayor Levar Stoney's campaign staff sick with the virus after spending time in the Registrar's office, Stoney held a virtual press conference. Read more.

Henrico leaders tracking COVID data; no plans yet to halt school reopening
Henrico County Public School's Health Committee reported that two of the three core indicators they watch have each increased a risk level since the board decided to begin phasing kids back into the classroom starting with pre-K through second grade on Nov. 30. Read more.

Fauci hopes vaccine news inspires push in social distancing
During an interview with British think tank Chatham House on Wednesday, National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Disease Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said that while the end of the pandemic is in sight, the worst may still be yet to come. Read more.

COVID-19 outbreak reported in Henrico's Voter Registration, Public Works departments
Henrico County says they have identified a COVID-19 outbreak in the Voter Registration and Elections Office and the Department of Public Works. This comes after eight employees have either tested positive or experiencing symptoms of the disease. Read more.

COVID-19 death toll at Chesterfield retirement community rises to 19
The Virginia Department of Health is reporting three more COVID-19 related deaths at Tyler's Retreat at Iron Bridge in Chesterfield County. Read more.

3 RPD officers isolating after COVID-19 exposure at Registrar’s Office
Three Richmond Police officers are in isolation and awaiting coronavirus test results after a recent exposure. Read more.

Northam concerned about COVID increase in Southwest Virginia
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has expressed concern about the upward trend of the virus in the Commonwealth. During a Monday afternoon press conference, he pointed to increases in the number of cases, hospitalizations, and percent-positivity across the state. Read more.

Richmond Public Schools won't play winter sports due to COVID-19
Richmond Public Schools will not field teams for winter sports due to the coronavirus pandemic. Superintendent Jason Kamras announced the decision Monday in a message to students and families. Read more.

Henrico COVID cases hit an all-time high
Henrico County’s daily average of new COVID cases during the past seven days is up to 54 – its all-time high – topping the previous record high of 53.43 from May 31. Read more.

New record high for US coronavirus cases for 4th day
The U.S. has set another record for daily number of coronavirus cases.Read more.

Biden to name Murthy, Kessler to virus panel
President-elect Joe Biden is planning to name former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and former FDA Commissioner Dr. David Kessler as co-chairs of the coronavirus working group he’s launching this week. Read more.

US records more than 125,000 new COVID-19 cases Friday, shattering record set on Wednesday and Thursday
More than 125,000 new cases of the coronavirus were recorded in the United States on Friday as COVID-19 numbers continue to grow in the nation. Read more.

Trump chief of staff Meadows diagnosed with COVID-19
President Donald Trump’s chief of staff Mark Meadows has been diagnosed with the coronavirus as the nation sets daily records for confirmed cases for the pandemic. Read more.

Hopewell schools employee with COVID forces some students to quarantine
A positive COVID-19 case involving a Hopewell City Schools employee is causing some temporary changes.
Read more.

Top Richmond doc tells families not to gather for Thanksgiving, holidays
If your family typically gets together for large Thanksgiving feasts or Christmas parties each November and December, Dr. Danny Avula, the Director of the Richmond and Henrico County Health Departments, had some advice for your 2020 plans -- don't do it. Read more.

Record-high 61,000 children in U.S. tested positive for COVID last week
The American Academy of Pediatrics said 61,000 children in the United States tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Read more.

White House task force member Dr. Deborah Birx sounds alarm on COVID-19 spike
Dr. Deborah Birx, a key member of the White House’s coronavirus task force, sent a sharply-worded memo to the administration over her concerns about the rise in coronavirus cases, the New York Times and Washington Post reported on Monday. Read more.

Hospitals competing for nurses as US coronavirus cases surge
As the coronavirus pandemic surges across the nation and infections and hospitalizations rise, medical administrators are scrambling to find enough nursing help — especially in rural areas and at small hospitals. Read more.

US surpasses 9 million coronavirus cases
America continues to lead the world in the total number of cases and deaths, with India and Brazil quickly catching up. Read more.

Average for daily new coronavirus cases in US rises to more than 74,000
The seven-day rolling average for daily new coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose over the past two weeks from 52,350 to more than 74,180. Read more.

Northam urges vigilance as COVID-19 case counts rise in Southwest region
Governor Ralph Northam urged Virginians to maintain their vigilance in following COVID-19 safety protocols at a news conference Wednesday as he expressed concerns about rising case counts in one part of the Commonwealth. Read more.

City school superintendent 'not optimistic' about in-person learning: 'Richmond is not Henrico and it is not Chesterfield'
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras does not think students will return to classrooms when school resumes in 2021 following Winter Break. Read more.

Colonial Heights school moves to virtual-only classes over COVID-19 cases
Lakeview Elementary in Colonial Heights will shift to all virtual classes Monday because of more COVID-19 cases at the school, district officials posted on social media Sunday evening. Read more.

65 more COVID-19 patients discharged in Virginia; hospitalizations hold
Sixty-five additional COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA). Read more.

No new COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Virginia Sunday
Health officials are investigating 1,236 outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data released Saturday. More than 27,000 cases in the Commonwealth are linked to outbreaks. Read more.

VP Mike Pence's chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19
Pence's office released a statement Saturday night saying that even though Pence had close contact with Short in recent days, he "will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel,” Read more.

Europe, US watch case totals grow, debate new restrictions
Confirmed coronavirus infections are continuing to soar in many parts of the U.S. and Europe. Read more.

US sets new peak of COVID-19 cases
There were 82,000 confirmed COVID-19 infections in the US as the virus swamps areas of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. The previous peak of coronavirus cases was 76,000 in a single day set in July. Read more.

Virginia preps COVID-19 vaccination program
Governor Ralph Northam announced that $22 million in federal CARES Act funding will be used for the statewide program to distribute the vaccines when they are approved for public use. Read more.

These Richmond restaurants' permits suspended over COVID-19 violations
Health department officials confirmed Friday that four restaurants have temporarily lost their permits after violating COVID-19 safety guidelines. Read more.

Richmond restaurant responds to COVID concerns
Bingo Beer Co. used social media to respond to COVID-19 concerns raised after a photo of a densely-packed line of unmasked customers outside the Richmond restaurant was shared on Reddit. Read more.

Henrico Schools vote to expand in-person learning over the next several months
The Henrico County School Board voted to expand optional in-person learning for younger elementary students on November 30. Middle and high school students will have the option to go back to in-person learning starting in February. A virtual learning option will remain in place for all students. Read more.

Diners urged to self-quarantine after COVID-19 clusters linked to Glen Allen restaurant
Diners at a Glen Allen restaurant linked to a cluster of COVID-19 infections are being urged to self-quarantine, Henrico County Health Department officials warned Thursday.Read more.

Remdesivir becomes first FDA fully-approved coronavirus treatment
The Food and Drug Administration has approved remdesivir as a treatment for the coronavirus.
The move comes less than a week after the World Health Organization published results of a large study that suggested remdesivir did not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Read more.

Henrico Health Department received 1,800 COVID complaints, recently closed two restaurants
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam earlier this year issued several executive orders requiring businesses to take steps to protect their employees and customers from COVID-19, but in Henrico, citizen input suggests that hundreds may not be following those orders diligently. Read more.

US could have avoided at least 130,000 COVID-19 deaths, Columbia University study says
The U.S. continues to lead the world in deaths linked to COVID-19 with more than 222,000 — and some experts believe that figure is much higher. But according to a new study, at least 130,000 of those deaths could have been avoided. Read more.

Coronavirus: CDC changes definition of ‘close contact’
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have changed its definition of a “close contact,” which impacts the agency’s recommendation on who should quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read more.

No new COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Virginia Sunday
Health officials are investigating 1,159 outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data released Sunday. More than 25,770 cases in the Commonwealth are linked to outbreaks. Read more.

Rural Midwest hospitals struggling to handle virus surge
Counties across Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana sit among the top in the nation for new cases per capita over the last two weeks, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. In counties with just a few thousand people, the number of cases per capita can soar with even a small outbreak — and the toll hits close to home in tight-knit towns. Read more.

Henrico to distribute COVID-19 care kits at drive-through sites
Henrico County is distributing free COVID-19 care kits at drive-through sites on October 23 and 24. Read more.

WHO: Remdesivir has little effect with severe COVID-19 cases
The U.N. health agency says the world’s largest randomized trial of COVID-19 treatments found “conclusive evidence” that remdesivir, a drug used to treat U.S. President Donald Trump when he fell ill, has little or no effect on severe cases. Read more.

Chesterfield elementary school student clinically diagnosed with COVID-19
A Chesterfield County elementary school student has been clinically diagnosed with COVID-19, school officials confirmed Thursday. Read more.

US sees highest daily coronavirus count since August, with nearly 60K new cases Wednesday
At least 59,494 new coronavirus cases were reported in the United States on Wednesday, which is the highest daily count since August 14, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.Read more.

Virginia is 4 months behind investigating unemployment claims
The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is now making formal decisions about unemployment claims put on hold in June. Based on that timeline, the agency is four months behind in the adjudication process, according to VEC spokeswoman Joyce Fogg. Read more.

More than 80 COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths reported in Chesterfield community
Four people have died and over 80 have tested positive for COVID-19 at Tyler's Retreat at Ironbridge, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Read more.

COVID outbreak at Richmond veterans care center
Thirty residents and nine staff members at the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (SBVCC) have tested positive for COVID-19, Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center spokesperson Tina Parlett-Calhoun wrote in an email. Read more.

Wedding blamed for Richmond COVID-19 spike: 'Residents from across the region all congregated at this wedding'
Richmond Health District contact tracers are working to determine who may have been exposed to COVID-19 during a wedding. Read more.

Trump official says vaccine expected starting in January
A Trump administration official leading the response to the coronavirus pandemic says the U.S. can expect delivery of a vaccine starting in January 2021, despite statements from the president that inoculations could begin this month. Read more.

Avula: Wedding outbreak contributed to uptick in COVID-19 cases
After more than a month of decreasing trends and COVID-19 cases, the City of Richmond is now headed in the opposite direction. Read more.

Virginians have been slow to use state's coronavirus app
More than half a million Virginians had downloaded a smartphone app that is designed to alert users if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. Read more.

Amid virus outbreak at Virginia jail, sheriff institutes mask mandate
A Virginia sheriff has instituted a face-covering policy for workers at a local jail and issued masks to inmates amid a widening COVID-19 outbreak. Read more.

Doctor says Trump 'not yet out of the woods'
President Donald Trump’s main doctor says in a health update that the medical team treating the president is “cautiously optimistic,” but also notes that the president is “not yet out of the woods.” Read more.

Concerning signs despite word Trump is doing 'very well'
A person familiar with President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 illness says some of his vital signs over the past 24 hours were “very concerning” but they've improved since he was admitted to a military hospital. Read more.

Political analyst: Trump's illness impacts healthcare, Virginia political races
What's the impact of President Donald Trump‘s hospitalization for treatment of COVID-19 on the presidential race and other races, especially here in Virginia? Read more.

35-plus COVID-19 patients discharged in Virginia; hospitalizations tick up
More than 35 additional COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA). Read more.

President Trump and first lady test positive for the coronavirus
President Donald Trump tweeted early Friday morning he and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more.

‘Everybody is susceptible’ doctor says after Trump’s COVID diagnosis
Richmond’s top health leader warned families that President Donald Trump’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis reveals the virus doesn’t discriminate. Read more.

Third Virginia child sick with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
The Piedmont Health District has reported the third confirmed case in the state of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a new health condition associated with COVID-19. Read more.

Her husband drove a Richmond bus until COVID killed him, now she wants riders to 'just be safe'
A Richmond woman spoke to the public for the first time following the death of her husband, 49-year-old John Thrower. Read more.

Donate blood to help neighbors with COVID
Every unit of blood that is donated goes through testing for COVID-19 antibodies. If the blood contains the antibodies, it can be sent to the hospital to help people with COVID. Read more.

Grocery store workers can apply for $250 in aid
Beginning today, grocery store workers can apply for a national relief fund set up through the United Way and Kendall-Jackson. Read more.

CDC extends no-sail order on cruise ships
With reported squabbling between the CDC and White House, the CDC announced late Wednesday that a no-sail order on passenger cruise ships has been extended through the month of October due to the coronavirus pandemic.Read more.

31 prison inmates with coronavirus have died in Virginia
Figures from the Virginia Department of Corrections show that 31 prison inmates with COVID-19 have died since the start of the pandemic. Read more.

Deerfield Correctional Center COVID-19 outbreak: 17th virus death reported
The Virginia Department of Corrections reports the 17th coronavirus-related death at Deerfield Correctional Center, a facility that is home to many geriatric and medically impaired offenders. Read more.

Northam shares health update after positive COVID-19 test
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam shared a health update Monday morning, days after he and the First Lady tested positive for COVID-19. Read more.

Lawmakers 'shocked' after Gov. Northam, First Lady test positive for COVID-19
The Northams tested positive after they learned someone who works in the Governor's mansion tested positive for the virus. Read more.

Governor Northam, First Lady test positive for COVID-19
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Governor's Office. Read more.

Coronavirus antibodies found in 10% of the sampled population
A study conducted by Stanford researchers found nearly 10% of those tested exhibited coronavirus antibodies. Read more.

Richmond leaders cautiously optimistic about COVID numbers
“We have to be even more vigilant now, more than ever. We are not out of the woods. The numbers, the statistics look good. But, obviously these things can change, truthfully, overnight,” Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said. Read more.

10th inmate with COVID-19 dies at Deerfield Correctional Center
Officials in Virginia say 10 inmates have died at a prison where elderly and vulnerable inmates are being held. Read more.

Positive COVID-19 case reported at Colonial Heights High School
A positive case of COVID-19 has been reported at Colonial Heights High School, school officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Read more.

Northam says new refinancing plan will save Virginia colleges, universities $300M
Governor Ralph Northam announced a new higher education refinancing plan Tuesday that he says will save Virginia’s public colleges and universities more than $300 million over the next two years. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have tremendous impacts on higher education, including the fiscal health of our colleges and universities,” said Governor Northam. Read more.

Here's where to get a free COVID-19 test in Richmond, Henrico
Three COVID-19 community testing events have been scheduled for the week of September 28 in the City of Richmond and Henrico County. Read more.

Here's how Busch Gardens will celebrate Halloween
The park reopened in August during the pandemic and plans to keep in place safety protocols as part of the state's Phase 3 reopening guidelines. Read more.

Study suggests mask-wearing can lessen COVID-19 severity
A study published this month suggests that by lessening the amount of virus you take in by putting on a mask, you may also lessen the likelihood of getting severely sick if you contract COVID-19. Read more.

US surpasses 200,000 COVID-19 deaths
The deaths — all of which have occurred since February — out-total the number of Americans lost to World War I, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War combined. Read more.

James Madison University to resume in-person instruction
James Madison University says it will resume in-person instruction. School officials say they now feel confident that they can keep students safe through the fall semester. Read more.

Virginia reports first child COVID-19 death
The teen was a resident in the Southside Health District, the health department announced Friday afternoon. Read more.

Students attend weekend house party, now some have COVID-19
A weekend house party that attracted upwards of 60 high school students prompted the Friday morning shutdown of two private school campuses in Richmond. Read more.

CDC reverses controversial advice about who should be tested for COVID-19
U.S. health officials are dropping a controversial piece of coronavirus guidance and telling all those who have been in close contact with infected people to get tested. Read more.

Virginia's Community Colleges to continue virtual learning through spring semester
Glenn DuBois, chancellor of Virginia's Community Colleges, said in a Friday letter to students that VCC schools will continue offering virtual learning through the spring semester. Read more.

Richmond Kickers' home game postponed after positive test on visiting team
The Richmond Kickers home game, scheduled for Saturday, September 19 at City Stadium, has been postponed. Read more.

Inmates at Virginia prison 'fighting to stay alive' during mass COVID-19 outbreak
The Virginia Department of Corrections reports 537 positive cases at the facility and 8 deaths, as of Thursday evening. The facility has the most COVID-19 related deaths in any Virginia DOC facility. Read more.

Latest CDC forecast projects 218,000 COVID-19 deaths by Oct. 10
With the new forecast, that means approximately 9,600 to 20,600 more people could die in the next three weeks.Read more.

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