COVID cases and testing are starting to increase, again: Augusta Health updates community

FISHERSVILLE – While COVID activity in the community and at Augusta Health remains low, in the past week, activity in the testing center and at the MABS (monoclonal antibody) infusion clinic have begun to increase, reported Augusta Health in an update.

The hospital reported that in a 24-hour time span on April 13, 15 new positive cases of COVID were diagnosed at Augusta Health testing sites. That’s more than triple the number of positive cases in one day, according to the last update provided by Augusta Health on March 22.

Augusta Health’s testing positivity rate for the week of April 3-9 was 6.9% The positivity rate for the month of March was 7.9%, the lowest since July 2021 when the rate was 6.8%. Current inpatient COVID-19 census is 4, with one death over the week of April 6-13, the hospital reported.

On April 18, the Vaccination Clinics and MABS (monoclonal antibody infusion clinics) will be combined at one location in the Waynesboro Primary Care/Urgent Care location at 201 Lew Dewitt Boulevard in Waynesboro. The Vaccination Clinic on the Fitness Center Tennis Courts is closing.

MABS infusions will be scheduled for Mondays and Thursdays. The first vaccination clinic at the new location will be on Wednesday, April 20 at 9 a.m.

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Vaccination eligibility

All vaccine appointments can be made at: augustahealth.com/vaccine. Information on eligibility criteria for each type of vaccine and the timing required for third and fourth doses can be found on Augusta Health’s website. If you have questions about eligibility, call Augusta Health at 540-332-5122.

Community-based clinics

Next week, community-based clinics will be conducted at the Embrace Community Center on Thursday, April 21 from 4-7 p.m. and at the Building Bridges for the Greater Good event on Saturday, April 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Booker T. Washington Community Center.

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Vaccination Clinics at Waynesboro Primary Care/Urgent Care

Wednesday, April 20: Pfizer and Moderna Clinics from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for those 12 years old and older.

First dose, second dose and booster dose available to those 12 years old and older. Only Pfizer vaccine is available for those age 12-17. Those 18 years old and older can receive any vaccine. A parent of guardian must be present to consent to vaccination of a child under the age of 18. Please verify criteria before registration.

Friday, April 22: Pfizer and Moderna Clinics from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those 12 years old and older.

First dose, second dose and booster dose available to those age 12 and older. Only Pfizer vaccine is available for those age 12-17. Those 18 and older can receive any vaccine. A parent of guardian must be present to consent to vaccination.

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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: COVID cases and testing increases in Shenandoah Valley: Augusta Health