Three new COVID-19 deaths reported in Washington County
Washington County reported three new COVID-19 deaths Thursday as the virus continued to surge locally and statewide.
The virus has claimed 56 lives in the county while the state once again shattered its record for new daily cases, the state Health Department said.
“We are in for a very challenging time,” state Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Thursday.
The state announced 7,126 new cases Thursday and 116 additional deaths linked to the virus.
Washington County added 153 new virus cases, taking its total to 3,493. Greene County’s case count increased by 22, bringing its total to 529. Fayette County added 45 new cases to its total of 1,547.
The previous statewide record for new cases was set Wednesday when 6,339 of them were announced.
Levine spoke Thursday about the pending COVID-19 vaccines, which should be available in their first phase of release in about a month.
She said she is “comfortable with the process” and believes they will be safe and effective.
“It will not be a cure,” said Levine, while predicting face mask mandates will survive into late 2021.