Every one of the outbreaks comes down to human behavior, and some pause or breach in infection prevention, ODell said.

Routine preventive testing required now in long-term care facilities is picking up cases in people who have the virus but dont have symptoms, she said.

But she said people in the community arent always heeding orders to wear face coverings.

Well, today, I popped in to get my car inspected, and when I walked in, the person who greeted me to take my keys didnt have a mask on, ODell said. I asked him was he aware he was supposed to, and he said, No. I didnt know it was required.

ODell introduced herself, then gave him an education.

Do these people not read the newspaper or listen to the radio or watch TV? I dont know. Im dumbfounded, she said.

Northam, too, said behavior is key to lowering the spread of the coronavirus.

We are doing all the right things with PPE, with testing, with tracing. But its the behavior thats the challenge, and thats up to Virginians, he said.

Northam said Virginias numbers would go down if people would wear face coverings, stay clear of large gatherings and practice social distancing.

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Southwest region's daily COVID-19 cases are higher than elsewhere in Virginia - Roanoke Times