Considering Governor Northam’s emergency declaration order on Monday and given the continuing rise in Covid-19 cases and positivity rates for testing in Westmoreland County, the GHCP board has decided to temporarily suspend all planned larger group social events and all rentals of the Clubhouse. This suspension will remain in effect for the duration of the Governor’s emergency declaration order. We will continue to maintain access to the Clubhouse for business purposes, small groups, and individual activities. We urge those attending small group activities at the Clubhouse to wear masks while indoors in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Governor Northam issued the limited 30-day order to expand the number of available hospital beds, increase staffing capacity at hospitals and nursing homes, and allow public health agencies greater flexibility in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The limited duration is based on modeling that suggests the virus will peak in the next few weeks.
This week’s Virginia Department of Health update on Covid-19 continues to show significant increases in the number of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 population and in the positivity rate from PCR testing for Covid-19. These are the two metrics that are recommended by the Department of Health for continuous review. The January 10 report reflects that the number of new cases per 100,000 population in Westmoreland County is 1,014. The positivity rate in the county is now at 47%, a significant jump from the 26.9% positivity rate two weeks ago. This means that roughly half of all persons taking the PCR test for Covid-19 are testing positive for the disease.
While Omicron cases of Covid-19 seem to be milder than other variants, particularly for people who have been vaccinated and had the booster shot, the increasing number of new infections is cause for concern, especially for those in our community who may be at higher risk for the disease. Even persons who are vaccinated and boosted, and without symptoms, may carry the disease and unknowingly transmit it to others.
We continue to urge members of the community to be vigilant in following the known successful mitigation strategies – wearing masks, getting vaccinated and booster, and maintaining good hygiene practices—to help control the spread of Covid-19. If you have any questions about the temporary suspension, please contact the Clubhouse office at 804-472-3646 or ghcpassoc@gmail.com Thank you.
[01.12.2022]