RICHMOND, Va. -- More than 1,600 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA).
Over the last 24 hours, COVID-19 hospitalizations and hospital discharges are up in the commonwealth.
The VHHA reports a total of 1,672 hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been discharged, up from 1,567 patients on Thursday.
Additionally, there are currently 1,399 patients in hospitals who are either positive or whose test results are pending, up from 1,379 on Thursday.
The data is a look into COVID-19 recoveries in Virginia. While the data isn't an exact recovery statistic, the new discharge category, which is updated daily, shows how many COVID-19 patients where hospitalized and released.
Data from the Virginia Department of Health shows there are now 11,594 COVID-19 cases in Virginia, with 596 cases reported in the last 24 hours.
The VHHA has launched an online data dashboard to provide up-to-date statistics on the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations across the Commonwealth, ventilator usage, and current hospital bed availability.
The dashboard will also track metrics on the number of hospitals experiencing challenges obtaining or replenishing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other needed medical supplies.
The VHHA collects and collates data supplied by member hospitals as part of COVID-19 situational preparedness and response efforts.
The dashboard will be updated daily.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.