News Flash

Aug. 31, 2021 - Hampton’s surge in Covid-19 cases – documented by the Virginia Department of Health this month – shows both characteristics of the Delta variant: Faster spread and more serious illnesses. There were 1,533 new cases in Hampton in August; that’s an increase of more than 500% from July. The two-month increase from June to August was more than 1600%.

The number of Hampton residents admitted to the hospital with Covid-19 (or suspected Covid-19), spiked to 74 — just one shy of the peak of 75 people in December of 2020. That’s before the vaccine was widely available. A month earlier, just 30 people were admitted. Looking at rates adjusted for population (7-day average of new cases per 100,000 people), Hampton’s rate of 50 cases is higher than the statewide rate of 37.3 cases. It’s the second-highest rate in the region, behind Newport News’ 54.4. 

Most localities in the region are also higher than the state average, including Poquoson, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, James City County, and York County. Those cases are mostly among people who are not fully vaccinated. The health department reported that statewide, as of Aug. 21, the percentage of vaccinated people who have developed Covid-19, been hospitalized, or died from the disease remains below 1%.

Covid-19 vaccinations are available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and the health department. More information is available at www.hampton.gov/covidvaccine.