COVID-19 Cases Rising Again In All Age Groups Across Loudoun

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County is now averaging about 30 cases per day, up from about four cases per day in June, fueled primarily by the Delta variant, according to county health officials.

The county’s percent positivity rate has increased from less than 1 percent to more than 3 percent over the past few weeks. The vast majority of newly infected people are unvaccinated and include people in all age groups, according to the Loudoun County Health Department.

“The number of cases is clearly headed in the wrong direction,” Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said in a statement Monday. “While we have made great progress in vaccinating our residents, the only way we will bring the pandemic to an end is for everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

The Virginia Department of Health reported a seven-day moving average of 671 cases per day for the entire state as of Monday, up more than 200 cases from a week ago and a big jump from a month ago when the average number of cases had dropped to a pandemic low of 130 cases per day. The last time Virginia's seven-day moving case average stood at a similar level was in early May.

RELATED: Virginia COVID-19 Cases Grow As Experts Warn About Delta Variant

"Over 99 percent of COVID-19 cases in Virginia have occurred in people who were not fully vaccinated," Virginia State Health Commissioner Norman Oliver M.D. said in a statement. "I applaud those who have chosen to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated, and we appreciate the work of all who are helping to vaccinate Virginians."

Health officials noted that among Loudoun residents who are vaccinated, the most likely risk factor for COVID-19 infection is another infected member of their household who is unvaccinated.

“The facts are the vaccine prevents infection and reduces symptoms of illness should a vaccinated person contract the virus, including against the delta variant,” Goodfriend added. “The vaccine is the most effective tool we have in fighting this disease and finally helping our community get back to normal and our children back to school.”

The Loudoun County Health Department is strongly recommending that everyone age 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccine is free for everyone and widely available from many vaccine providers throughout the county.

Residents can visit loudoun.gov/covid19vaccine to find a nearby vaccination site.