NORFOLK, Va. — COVID-19 trends increased as many Hampton Roads students prepare to return to the classroom.
Dr. Laura Sass with the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters said it’s common to see COVID-19 cases peak during the summertime. She said cases normally peak in July. Though, this most recent peak is higher than it’s been in the last two years.
“That shows that COVID is still around,” she said. “But it’s a little bit higher than people had anticipated.”
Data through August 3rd from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Virginia had a test positivity rate of 13.8%. Virginia Department of Health data reports 3% of emergency department visits were diagnosed for COVID-19 last week which is a slight increase compared to the week before. It raises some concerns as students prepare for the new school year.
“But it’s not just of COVID-19," she said. "It’s for all the respiratory viruses.”
Dr. Sass said since students will be inside classrooms for much of the day, it’s important to take those common preventative measures.
“The biggest thing – don’t send your child to school sick,” Dr. Sass said.
Dr. Sass emphasizes the practice of frequent handwashing. She also said don’t forget to add a mask to the school supply list.
“Wearing a mask at school is perfectly appropriate,” Dr. Sass said. “They do help prevent the spread.”
Most importantly, Dr. Sass said students should also get the latest vaccines, both for COVID-19 and the flu.
“The new flu shot for the 2024-25 season should be out,” she said. “The new COVID shot is actually going to be coming out in the next few weeks as well.”
We reached out to multiple school divisions in Hampton Roads who shared their COVID-19 policy for the 2024-2025 school year.
A Portsmouth Public Schools spokesperson wrote:
"We will continue to follow the guidance from the CDC and the Portsmouth Health Department regarding COVID-19. At this time, there are no changes to our school operations from last year. Any specific questions about COVID-19 rates can be shared with the PHD."
A spokesperson for Virginia Beach City Public Schools said:
"We welcome students who are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication and whose symptoms are improving."
School division leaders said more information can be found online.
A Hampton City Schools spokesperson said:
"Our 2024-2025 Health Mitigation Guidelines are located on our division website....This document was updated in March of 2024 and remains the same."