Spotsylvania, Stafford See Spike In New COVID-19 Cases

VIRGINIA — Two localities saw significant spikes in the number of new cases of COVID-19, the illness associated with the new coronavirus, on Friday, according to the Virginia Deparment of Health.

Spotsylvania and Stafford reported 118 and 155 new cases, respectively, on Friday. That's the most new cases reported in a single day reported in Stafford since the start of the pandemic.

The positive average of coronavirus tests in Virginia continues downward Friday after reaching the highest level since the spring.

Statewide, the seven-day average of positive PCR tests is 15.5 percent as of Jan. 11. 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. 13, the average was 9,455 testing encounters.

Positive averages by region are 19.2 percent in the eastern region, 17.3 percent in the southwest region, 13.5 percent in the northwest region, 13 percent in the central region and 14.3 percent in the northern region.

Cases continue to be on the rise with daily cases in the 4,000s or 5,000s reported. On Friday, 4,795 new cases were reported, and the seven-day average is 4,960 daily cases. By region, new cases include 1,056 in the eastern region, 978 in the southwest region, 978 in the northern region, 815 in the northwest region and 864 in the central region.

There are 3,147 current COVID-19 hospitalizations across Virginia, including 580 in the intensive care units and 362 on ventilators. According to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, 1,057 of 2,883 ventilators are in use among all Virginia hospital patients. 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 Thursday, 237,855 people have at least the first dose, and 30,475 are fully vaccinated. To date, 943,400 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 Wednesday to Thursday:

• Alexandria: 8,448 cases, 462 hospitalizations, 94 deaths; increase of 61 cases, one hospitalization
• Arlington County: 10,426 cases, 688 hospitalizations, 187 deaths; increase of 67 cases
• Fairfax County: 51,756 cases, 3,130 hospitalizations, 730 deaths; increase of 422 cases, 21 hospitalizations and five deaths
• Fairfax City: 347 cases, 25 hospitalizations, 10 deaths: no change
• Falls Church: 211 cases, 18 hospitalizations, six deaths: no change
• Loudoun County: 16,035 cases, 680 hospitalizations, 166 deaths; increase of 159 cases two deaths, and two hospitalizations
• Manassas: 3,221 cases, 149 hospitalizations, 29 deaths; increase of 13 cases
• Manassas Park: 1,019 cases, 66 hospitalizations, eight deaths; increase of 11 cases
• Prince William County: 29,627 cases, 1,276 hospitalizations, 274 deaths; increase of 349 cases, seven hospitalizations and one death
• Fredericksburg: 1,223 cases, 69 hospitalizations, 12 deaths; increase of 27 cases
• Spotsylvania County: 5,806 cases, 226 hospitalizations, 72 deaths; increase of 118 cases, two hospitalizations, one death
• Stafford County: 6,425 cases, 247 hospitalizations, 32 deaths; increase of 155 cases, two hospitalizations, and one death