Victoria Eyes Further COVID-19 Restrictions As New Cases Increase

New Year's Eve in the Crossroads came with an unfortunate update last Thursday when Victoria County saw 73 new cases of COVID-19.

Victoria County also logged its seventh straight day of exceeding the 15% hospitalization threshold meaning business owners could be looking at a further reduction of operating capacity according to the Governor's order GA-32.

Crossroadstoday.com reported that the Victoria County Public Health Department noted 73 new cases on Thursday of last week. Additional totals from the county's COVID-19 dashboard can be found here.

Outlined in the Governor's order GA-32 is the hospitalization rate threshold. If COVID-19 hospitalization reached 15% for 7 days, any non-essential businesses will be asked to reduce operational capacity from 75% down to 50%. If a reduction of capacity takes place, Victoria would have to then fall BELOW the Governor's mark of 15% hospitalization for the reduction to be lifted from 50% back up to 75%.

Crossroadstoday.com also reports that some Victoria businesses may not be able to provide services during this time. All hospitals in the area would need to suspend any unnecessary surgery until COVID-19 numbers fall back below the 15% limit according to the Governor's order.

Currently, vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are being given to the areas' first responders and health care workers who are at a greater risk of coming in contact with the virus. These vaccines are expected to be available for the general public a little later in the year.