Another COVID-19 Caseload Record Reported for Fairfax County

The trajectory of COVID-19 cases in Fairfax County continues its upward climb this week.

As of today (Monday), the trailing weekly average of new cases hit 471, with an all-time high reported on Saturday when cases hit a weekly average of 505.

While the county’s caseload continues to break all local records, the acceleration of new cases reported daily seems to slow slightly.

Nonetheless, the county reported the highest number of daily cases — 725 — last week on Dec. 7. Overall, the case trajectory continues to be exponential over the last month, suggesting that community transmission is occurring.

Another measure to determine community spread — the test rate positivity — remained high this week. The county’s rate is 10.6 percent, slightly down from last week’s rate of 11.5 percent. The state’s rate is 10.9 percent.

New statewide restrictions are going into effect today that include a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m., a 10-person cap on social gatherings and an emphasis on a mandatory mask requirement.

Meanwhile, the county is urging residents to celebrate the holidays with the people in their immediate household.

“We must find a way to recognize our traditions without putting ourselves and others at risk,” said Fairfax County Health Director Gloria Addo-Ayensu.

An initial shipment of the Pfizer vaccine was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration last week. Millions of doses will be shipped around the country next week.

In a recent meeting with the Herndon Town Council, town manager Bill Ashton noted that health officials believe the vaccine will be accessible to the general populace in late spring or early summer. 

https://twitter.com/fairfaxhealth/status/1338204579100495875?s=20

Image via Unsplash