Virginia Coronavirus Cases Reach 66K, Norfolk's Positive Rate Up

VIRGINIA — An additional 354 coronavirus cases were reported in Virginia Monday, according to the latest health department data. Virginia's cumulative coronavirus cases are up to 66,102, while hospitalizations total 6,435 and deaths reached 1,853.

The latest weekly report on the University of Virginia's COVID-19 model shows the infection rate was 0.937 on the week ending on June 20. The infection rate, defined as how many people an infected person passes the virus to, increased over the past week but is ideally below 1.

The latest weekly report on the University of Virginia's COVID-19 model says cases are stable as other parts of the U.S. experience surges. According to the Virginia Department of Health's key measures data, 639 new cases were reported Sunday, 716 on Saturday, 658 on Friday and 532 on Thursday. The model suggests 327,186 cases have been avoided since May 15.

The UVA model report says 10 health districts are under "steady" and "light rebound scenarios. A "steady" scenario is defined as an area with lifted public health restrictions with no effect on infection rates due to mask use, hand washing and other strategies. A "light rebound" scenario includes a moderate increase in transmission once public health restrictions are lifted.

Most areas are under "Better Detection" scenarios, defined as steady and light rebound scenarios combined with a scenario of new cases identified and isolated more quickly through increased testing and contact tracing.

"The majority of health districts are tracking with the 'Better Detection' scenarios, indicating a lower infectious period in these regions," the UVA model report states. "Such efforts have helped Virginia avoid an increase in cases that has plagued other states in the nation. This progress allowed Virginia to enter Phase III of the Forward Virginia plan on July 1st, about six weeks after entering Phase I."

Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients are down to 783, and 8,809 have been discharged, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. There are 86 COVID-19 patients on ventilators and 194 in the intensive care unit. Among all hospital patients, 633 of 2,999 ventilators are being used, representing 21 percent use statewide.

The statewide 7-day moving average of positive tests is 6.1 percent, compared to the low of 5.8 percent on June 23. Nevertheless, it's significantly lower than the 20 percent positive rates seen in late April.

Positive rates vary in different parts of the state. In Northern Virginia, rates have been declining or steady in the Alexandria, Prince William and Fairfax health districts, while Arlington and Loudoun saw increases in late June.

One of the most pronounced changes in rates can be observed in Hampton Roads. Norfolk's rate increased in late June, reaching 12.4 percent on July 2. That percentage is near the 15.3 percent peak rate seen on April 22.

In nearby Chesapeake, the 8.8 percent rate is the highest since May 31, when it was 9.3 percent. Virginia Beach's rate is 4.4 percent, up from a low of 1.8 percent on June 6 and 7.

Statewide testing has been increasing or steady. The 16,387 tests reported on June 30 represented the highest daily increase in Virginia to date. As of Monday, 712,350 nasal swab tests and 76,515 antibody tests have been completed in Virginia.

Here are the latest case updates for our coverage areas compared with Saturday's data:

• Alexandria: 2,380 cases, 240 hospitalizations, 57 deaths; increase of 23 cases and one hospitalization
• Arlington County: 2,533 cases, 421 hospitalizations, 131 deaths; increase of 14 cases
• Fairfax County: 14,205 cases, 1,662 hospitalizations, 495 deaths, increase of 133 cases and five hospitalizations
• Fairfax City: 71 cases, six hospitalizations, seven deaths
• Falls Church: 55 cases, 11 hospitalizations, eight deaths; increase of one case
• Loudoun County: 4,216 cases, 278 hospitalizations, 90 deaths; increase of 41 cases, one hospitalization and one death removed
• Manassas: 1,452 cases, 104 hospitalizations, 18 deaths; increase of 17 cases
• Manassas Park: 445 cases, 46 hospitalizations and six deaths
• Prince William County: 7,582 cases, 675 hospitalizations, 147 deaths; increase of 98 cases and three hospitalizations
• Fredericksburg: 255 cases, 26 hospitalizations, no deaths; no change
• Spotsylvania County: 1,038 cases, 78 hospitalizations, 31 deaths; increase of 11 cases and two hospitalizations
• Stafford County: 1,012 cases, 96 hospitalizations, five deaths; increase of four cases and one hospitalization

SEE ALSO:

• NoVA Coronavirus Cases Increase As Warnings Of Crowds Issued
• Survey: Half Of Readers Say Virginia Schools Can Safely Reopen
• Bar Seating Will Remain Closed In Virginia's Phase Three
• Growing Infection Rate In Young People Concerns Loudoun Officials