Coronavirus Positive Average Dips Below 16 Percent In Virginia

VIRGINIA — The positive average of coronavirus tests in Virginia took a slight downward turn after reaching the highest level since the spring.

Statewide, the seven-day average of positive PCR tests is 15.9 percent as of Jan. 9. In the early days of 2021, the average climbed above 17 percent. While the positive average had been below 10 percent for the summer into the fall, significant increases started in late November.

The peak average for Virginia remains 20.2 percent on April 20 and 21. One key difference between the positive average now and the early months of the pandemic is the testing availability. Testing has ramped up significantly since the pandemic began; when the peak average of 20.2 percent was reported on April 20 and 21, the seven-day average of daily testing encounters were 2,800 and 2,914, respectively. On Jan. 9, the average was 31,874 testing encounters.

Positive averages by region are 20.2 percent in the eastern region, 18.3 percent in the southwest region, 14.4 percent in the northwest region, 14.3 percent in the central region and 14.2 percent in the northern region.

Cases continue to be on the rise with daily cases in the 4,000s or 5,000s reported. On Wednesday, 4,598 new cases were reported, and the seven-day average is 5,035 daily cases. By region, new cases include 1,124 in the eastern region, 1,086 in the southwest region, 885 in the northern region, 795 in the northwest region and 708 in the central region.

There are 3,208 current COVID-19 hospitalizations across Virginia, including 587 in the intensive care units and 362 on ventilators. According to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, 1,032 of 2,909 ventilators are in use among all Virginia hospital patients. ICU occupancy stands at 35 percent. ICU occupancy stands at 83 percent.

Health districts in Northern Virginia and other locations are in phases 1b of vaccinations, and all of the state has started phase 1a. As of Wednesday, 193,272 people have at least the first dose, and 22,985 are fully vaccinated. To date, 900,400 doses have been distributed in Virginia. Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines require two doses, with the second dose taken three to four weeks after the first.

Below are the latest coronavirus data updates for our coverage area from Tuesday to Wednesday:

• Alexandria: 8,307 cases, 460 hospitalizations, 91 deaths; increase of 59 cases and two hospitalizations
• Arlington County: 10,277 cases, 687 hospitalizations, 187 deaths; increase of 75 cases and one death
• Fairfax County: 50,705 cases, 3,098 hospitalizations, 720 deaths; increase of 427 cases, 14 hospitalizations and five deaths
• Fairfax City: 342 cases, 25 hospitalizations, 10 deaths: increase of two cases
• Falls Church: 210 cases, 18 hospitalizations, six deaths: increase of two cases
• Loudoun County: 15,711 cases, 669 hospitalizations, 165 deaths; increase of 107 cases and one hospitalization
• Manassas: 3,184 cases, 149 hospitalizations, 29 deaths; increase of 17 cases and one hospitalization
• Manassas Park: 1,004 cases, 66 hospitalizations, eight deaths; increase of five cases and one hospitalization
• Prince William County: 28,987 cases, 1,262 hospitalizations, 268 deaths; increase of 191 cases, one hospitalization and one death
• Fredericksburg: 1,180 cases, 70 hospitalizations, 12 deaths; increase of seven cases and one death
• Spotsylvania County: 5,614 cases, 224 hospitalizations, 71 deaths; increase of 64 cases and one hospitalization
• Stafford County: 6,192 cases, 241 hospitalizations, 30 deaths; increase of 68 cases