RICHMOND, Va. – Gov. Ralph Northam says the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in Virginia is a cause for concern but not panic. And he is again urging those who have not been vaccinated to get their shots.

His statement is in response to a report from the Virginia Department of Health, which reported the biggest increase in COVID-19 cases in a single day during the pandemic on Wednesday. Virginia recorded 12,112 new cases out of the 31,629 tests processed since Tuesday’s update. The previous day saw 7,439 new cases.

The VDH said Wednesday’s numbers reflect “actual new positive infections” with delayed cases not included in the statistics.

As the omicron variant spreads across the state and nation, Northam said “nearly everyone going to the hospital with COVID is unvaccinated. This is entirely avoidable, if everyone gets their shots.”

Northam added that hospitals are stressed as beds continue to be filled with COVID-19 patients and nurses and doctors continue tireless, months-long work to help those who fall ill.