SNP updates COVID-19 masks requirements
The Shenandoah National Park (SNP) announced that going forward masks must be worn in all buildings in the park effective today Aug. 22.
The change is in response to the high transmission rates in the area of the park regarding COVID-19.
The National Park Service (NPS) in collaboration with the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) use the latest science to guide decisions regarding COVID-19.
Superintendent Pat Kenney explains that the park monitors local community levels and respond when transmission levels are high.
The trigger to require masking is when the majority of the counties that the park resides in move into high transmission status.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) community levels are released weekly and adjustments in requirements will be made accordingly.
Currently all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status in all common areas and shared work spaces in the park.
The public can check the park’s website before visiting for the latest information about the current status on masks.
Visitors to any State or National Park are asked to follow signs and instructions that are posted at all parks in NPS.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Gov. Youngkin praises the lifting of COVID restrictions at work
An email from Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the Department of Labor and Industry’s Worker Safety Board for removing COVID-19 workplace restriction.
The board voted to remove unnecessary restrictions in the workplace after evaluating the current COVID-19 infections in Virginia.
The board determined that the virus no longer poses a grave danger to Virginians.
The governor called the move a signal of a return to normalcy in the state.
In the governor’s words the move shows that the state is moving beyond the pandemic and is undeniably open for business.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
News Maker Mike Wade of VH on the wellness festival
Valley Health (VH) opened its week long Community Wellness Festival at Apple Blossom Mall on Sat. Mar. 19.
We spoke with Marketing and Operations Manager for VH Michael Wade in our latest news maker.
The good news is brought to you by The Town of Front Royal.
Michael is also the Chairperson of the Community Wellness Festival Organizing Committee.
Michael tells us about the festival and how important it is to community residence.
He also tells us of some of the things being offered at the festival.
Michael explains how important it is to stay up to date on so many things the festival has to offer.
Click here for Michael’s interview.
To find out more about the festival click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
UWNSV is recognized by the VA. House of Delegates
A press release from the United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (UWNSV) announced Virginia House of Delegates recognition.
Elise Stine-Dolinar the Senior Director of Advancement at UWNSV states that the Virginia House of Delegates honored the organization for their COVID-19 assistance efforts.
The UWNSV was commended for aiding citizens of Winchester, Frederick County avoid eviction or utility disconnection during the pandemic.
The organization was also commended for its myriad of services for those seeking addiction counseling, mental health treatment, financial assistance.
The UWNSV was recognized for their efforts during the unprecedented conditions of the pandemic.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VH implements Level Yellow visitation
In an email from Valley Health (VH) Public Relations Manager Carol Weare it was announced that visitation to VH Hospitals has gone from level red to level yellow as of today Mon. Mar. 14.
This is due largely to the recent decrease in COVID-19 cases and admissions.
Two of a patient’s care partners can now stay at the bedside of adults in surgical or critical care units.
The exception is when a patient is confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 then only one care partner is allowed.
In labor or delivery units a third person is allowed for a baby’s delivery.
All care partners must be at least 18 years of age and designated by the patient.
All care partners must also follow all VH health and safety guidelines.
A complete definition of Level Yellow status is found at valleyhealthlink.com.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
CDC list all of LFHD as low COVID-19 Transmission Counties
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have listed all counties in the Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD) as a low COVID-19 transmission rate area.
Under the new guidelines by the CDC of Low, Medium or High transmission rates.
Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren Counties are all listed as low in transmission of COVID-19.
Under the new CDC guidelines this means healthy people who are up to date on vaccinations do not have to wear masks.
Of course anyone is welcome to continue to use a mask if they choose especially those with compromised immune systems.
Masks are also still required on public transportation as well in some public buildings.
The rating of Low for the LFHD comes as new cases of COVID-19 have dropped by 20 percent in recent weeks.
Also the 72 percent of Virginians currently vaccinated has helped to keep the LFHD at its current Low transmission rate.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
American Red Cross begins testing for COVID antibodies
The American Red Cross announced that they are now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies.
Results may indicate an antibody response after a COVID-19 vaccine or possible past exposure to the Coronavirus.
The test may identify donations with antibody levels necessary to potentially help current COVID-19 patients.
The antibodies could help fight the virus.
The antibodies could especially help those with a weakened immune system.
Donors are needed and the test will be provided when you donate.
The results of the antibody test will be delivered within three to four days.
You can make an appointment to donate at redcrossblood.org using your zip code for a drive near you.
You can also set an appointment by calling 1-800- red-cross.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
CDC implements new mask guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set new guidelines for masks and where it is safest to go without one.
A seven day moving average has been implemented using current hospital beds in use, admissions and COVID-19 cases to determine low, medium or high transmission levels.
For instance as of Feb. 28 Valley Health have reduced reporting hospitalizations to once a week as current COVID-19 admission continue to drop.
You should talk with your health care provider for complete information.
Visit CDC.Gov to find where your community stands in the low, medium or high category.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
VA. State Police continue to monitor the truckers convey
The Truckers convey protesting COVID-19 restrictions started making their way around the Washington DC Capital Beltway on Sun. Mar. 6.
Virginia State Police (VSP) announced that they will continue to monitor the fluid situation for traffic problems.
An increase of authorities will be visible as well as Motor Carrier Safety teams will be in place.
The increase in authorities is an attempt to help keep traffic flowing safely.
Real traffic information and conditions are available at 511virginia.org.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Gov. Youngkin updates the COVID-19 action plan
An email from Governor Glenn Youngkin updates Virginia’s Covid-19 action plan.
The update includes efforts to offer additional vaccine events throughout the Commonwealth.
The governor also granted flexibilities for health care workers and assisted living facilities staff as well.
In the governor’s words the recently signed Order 16 allows individuals to make decisions regarding their own health.
Click here for the update on the COVID-19 action plan for Virginia.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.