West Piedmont Health District and STEP Inc. team up to share factual COVID-19 information and provide vaccines to the general public.

Health officials said that it’s highly discouraging that the numbers continue to rise.

Here's a look at some of the stories we'll be following today as they make headlines across the country and Southwest Virginia.

If you’re in need of a COVID-19 vaccine, the West Piedmont Health District will be hosting three drive-thru clinics over the next two weeks where no appointments are necessary.

MARTINSVILLE, Va – The City of Martinsville is working to address an issue in COVID-19 vaccine data. Right now, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is only reporting a small fraction of how many people have been vaccinated in the city. According to the VDH, only 140 people in Martinsville have gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. “The numbers are skewed and we know the numbers are skewed is skewed and we know that. AdThe confusion could be coming from the large role SOVAH Health Martinsville is playing in the vaccination process.

While the district says it had a slow start with its COVD-19 vaccine, more than 2,000 people who are eligible under Phase 1B have registered for it. ROCKY MOUNT, Va – The West Piedmont Health District is working to vaccinate hundreds of people this week. While district leaders admitted to having a slow start with the COVD-19 vaccine, more than 2,000 people who are eligible in Phase 1b have registered. The health department’s interactive map]The health district serves Franklin, Henry, and Patrick counties, as well as the city of Martinsville and expects to stay in Phase 1b for at least one month. [Virginians 65 and older, here’s how you can request a coronavirus vaccine]If you live in the West Piedmont Health District and meet Phase 1b requirements you can visit its website here.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va – A rise in COVID-19 cases is causing several schools in Franklin County to transition to online learning later this week. While the county only has 431 cases as of Tuesday, 88 of those are from the last week alone. Out of an abundance of caution, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, Franklin County High School and the Gereau Center will transition to online learning for just over a week. Church said one of the many struggles of online learning is access to internet in rural parts of the county. But he emphasizes the sooner people in the community lower the spread, the sooner students can return to in person learning.

ROANOKE, Va. – A woman in her 60s is the first case of coronavirus in Franklin County, according to the Virginia Department of Health. While the initial release from the West Piedmont District only confirmed she lived within the district, Robert Parker with the health department later confirmed to 10 News that she lives in Franklin County. She is currently isolated at home and monitoring her health. “The Virginia Department of Health and our healthcare partners are working together around the clock to identify cases of COVID-19 in our communities and across the Commonwealth,” said Kerry Gateley, M.D., interim director, West Piedmont Health District. “We work to identify potential contacts of each case, assess their risk of exposure and recommend appropriate public health and medical measures, as needed.”