Health & Fitness

Loudoun County's COVID Positivity Rate Doubles In One Week

Loudoun County's 7-day positivity rate more than doubled from 1.7 percent to 3.6 percent, according to the most recent available data.

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun County's 7-day positivity rate from COVID tests more than doubled between July 19 and July 26, according to the most recent data published by the health department. The positivity rate, which was 1.7 percent on July 19, soared to 3.6 percent by July 26.

The increased positivity rate is announced as national concerns about the delta variant continue to grow. On Friday, the Pentagon announced renewed restrictions due to growing coronavirus cases in the region.

Loudoun County has now surpassed more than 1,100 hospitalizations from the coronavirus, including an additional 7 hospitalizations last week, according to the health department.

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Meanwhile, vaccinations in Loudoun County have begun to level off. Just over 4,000 vaccines were administered in the county last week, and an additional 2,223 residents became fully vaccinated.

Now, 57.6 percent of Loudoun County's total population is fully vaccinated. Loudoun County's Health Director, Dr. David Goodfriend, expressed concerns about unvaccinated people and the growing rate of cases.

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"The number of cases is clearly headed in the wrong direction," Dr. Goodfriend said. "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."

In a news release, the health department emphasized just how dramatic the rise in cases has been. Loudoun County is now averaging about 30 new cases per day. In June, the county only averaged 4 cases per day.

"The facts are the vaccine prevents infection and reduces symptoms of illness should a vaccinated person contract the virus, including against the delta variant," Dr. Goodfriend said. "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."

More information about where to find a vaccine is available on the county's website.

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