As Parts of Virginia Begin Reopening, Fairfax County COVID-19 Count Passes 7,000

As some portions of the state move to reopen today, the COVID-19 case count in Fairfax County continues to climb.

Although the county’s per capita rate is relatively low, the county has. 7,245 confirmed cases and 1,050 hospitalizations due to COVID-19, according to state health data released today (Friday).

Overall, the Fairfax Health District — which also includes the cities of Falls Church and Fairfax — has roughly 2,000 more cases than this time last week.

Statewide, there are 28,672 confirmed cases and 977 deaths.

The disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus is seen primarily on the Hispanic population. Hispanics comprise nearly 17 percent of the population, but account for 61 percent of total cases with racial and ethnic data.

The state is recruiting for 1,300 contractors for several positions, including 1,000 COVID-19 contact tracers and 200 COVID-19 case investigators.

Although some portions of the state begin phase one of reopening efforts today, Northern Virginia will not reopen until at least May 28. Data indicates that new cases and hospitalization rates are much higher in this area compared to the rest of the state:

• A 25 percent test positivity rate has been reported, with the rest of the state experience a positivity rate of 10 percent
• On any given day, 70 percent of the state’s positive cases are attributed to Northern Virginia
• COVID-19 patients make up a significantly larger portion of the region’s hospital bed capacity than the rest of the state.