Five deaths, 123 new cases

New COVID-19 cases — and related deaths — are surging locally as more people gather together for the holidays.

Wise County reported 103 new COVID-19 cases between Dec. 12 and Tuesday.

According to Virginia Department of Health statistics, the county’s total number of cases since spring 2020 was 15,456 as of Tuesday, compared to 15,353 one week earlier.

Wise County’s total number of COVID deaths increased by five, from 241 to 246.

The department’s cumulative positive case count for Norton increased by 20, from 1,774 to 1,794.

The city’s total number of deaths remained at 22.

Learn about COVID-19 vaccine options at www.vdh.virginia/gov/lenowisco/vaccine.