NORFOLK, Va. — Following a spike in COVID and flu cases, officials are reporting a decline in the number of cases. The drop is at an especially high rate in Hampton Roads.
Virginia remains at a level 8 activity level which is still "high," but experts said the number of cases is steadily decreasing. In Hampton Roads, the decrease sits at level 7.
"We get a weekly respiratory disease surveillance report from the state, and in the last 10 days we are down 30 percent roughly for influenza-like illnesses and I think about 23 percent down for COVID," said Dr. Marlene Capps the chief clinical officer with Bon Secours.
In other parts of Virginia, cases are rising. This can be seen in areas like northern Virginia which climbed to a level 9 activity rate.
Elena Diskin, head of Respiratory Illness with Virginia's Department of Health, said they measure the levels using data collected from emergency and urgent care visits.
"We are certainly watching those trends closely for flu as we have seen a second winter term peak in past years so we are closely watching and hoping that it continues to decrease," said Diskin.
As for what doctors have seen in 2024, children remain the most hospitalized age group making up the majority at 12.2% of total visits.
Last week, area hospitals strongly recommended masks be worn for all of the health groups in Hampton Roads to visit loved ones at local hospitals.