RICHMOND, Va. -- As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise across the Commonwealth, experts say that Virginia's COVID-19 peak may not hit until early June.
"Our case count as of just a few hours ago, was 67 cases here in the City of Richmond, 105 cases in Henrico County," Richmond and Henrico Health District Director, Dr. Danny Avula said on Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Avula said that the area has seen several deaths related to the virus in the last few days, all from people older in age.
“At present we have 3 individuals who are city residents who have passed away over the last couple of days to COVID-19," Dr. Avula said.
He said the number of cases will likely rise with more testing.
"This morning we were a little bit over 1400 cases," Dr. Avula said. "It would not surprise me if we were double that this time next week, perhaps even more.”
Officials said 208 people remain hospitalized and 34 people have died as a result of COVID-19-related illnesses.
Now the health district is focusing their attention on nursing homes and what they call "cluster communities."
“By tomorrow we should have an additional 14 nurses and disease investigators to really help with that significant surge of cases that we need to follow and keep up with," Dr. Avula said.
He also said the state and local hospitals are preparing for patient overflow that may come in the next couple of months.
“I know that both HCA and Bon Secour are actively looking for facilities," Dr. Avula said. "Ideally facilities that are close to their existing footprint of hospitals."
Dr. Avula said according to projections, Virginia will see its peak of the disease near the end of May into early June.
