Delta Variant Cases Surge As Loudoun Prepares New Recommendations

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — The delta variant is now the dominant coronavirus strain in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. In an effort to quell the rising number of cases, Loudoun County officials are encouraging local businesses to implement mitigation measures.

The Loudoun County Health Department is partnering with the Department of Economic Development to reach out to small businesses. The departments have assembled a "COVID-19 Business and Workplace" team that can help individual businesses determine best practices to limit the spread of the virus.

Kevin Embrey, who is an epidemiologist with the Loudoun County Health Department, penned an article on the Department of Economic Development's website to outline how businesses can protect customers and employees. His primary recommendations include encouraging vaccines, wearing masks, and encouraging people to stay home if they're sick.

"The delta variant, which is now the main variant circulating in Virginia, is significantly more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus," Embrey wrote. "Until more people are vaccinated, wearing masks remains an important tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Businesses should encourage patrons to follow current mask recommendations."

Last week, Loudoun County officials announced that county employees and visitors will be required to don masks in county facilities.

Read more: Loudoun County Requires Masks In All County Facilities

Dr. David Goodfriend is the director of the Loudoun County Health Department. "Wearing a mask helps to prevent the spread of the virus among both unvaccinated and vaccinated people," Dr. Goodfriend said. "In addition to wearing a mask, the most important action you can take is getting vaccinated."

The positivity rate in Loudoun County continued to rise over the past week. As of Monday, Aug. 9, the positivity rate was 4.6 percent, an increase of 0.4 percent in one week. The number of new cases also grew by 320, with 5 new hospitalizations.

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