Arlington’s coronavirus metrics are pointing in the right direction, though there remains a baseline of new cases in the county.

The county’s test positivity rate is now 3.1%, down from 5.1% on Sept. 1, according to the latest Virginia Dept. of Health data.

The seven-day trailing total of new cases, meanwhile, is down to 90, from 145 on Sept. 1. Twenty new cases were reported in Arlington overnight, bringing the cumulative total to 3,909.

Since Monday, one new COVID-related death and five new hospitalizations were reported in the county, bringing the cumulative total of both to 148 and 498, respectively.

Arlington’s case hospitalization rate continues to fall, reaching 12.7% today, down from 15.0% on Aug. 1.

One possible explanation for why people seem to not be getting as sick from the virus as they were earlier in the pandemic? Mask wearing may be cutting down on the amount of virus that is infecting people, thus accounting for more asymptomatic and mild cases, according to one recent scientific theory. However, a recent mutation in the virus may also be making it more transmissible, partially offsetting the precautions people are taking.

Among those testing positive for coronavirus this week were Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam. The couple made the announcement of their diagnosis this morning.

Pam is experiencing mild symptoms, and I am asymptomatic. Per @VDHgov guidelines, we will isolate at home for 10 days and then reevaluate our symptoms.

I am in constant contact with my cabinet and staff, and will continue working from the Executive Mansion.

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) September 25, 2020

In addition to positive COVID-19 trends in Arlington, those for the state and the region are also looking good, at least for the time being.

From InsideNova:

The Virginia Department of Health reported the results of over 30,000 coronavirus diagnostic tests, the second highest total ever, but only 902 new positive cases. The state’s seven-day average of new cases is down to 861.7, its lowest level since July 14.

In Northern Virginia, 170 new cases were reported Thursday, the fourth straight day with fewer than 200, and the region’s seven-day average fell to 198.6, its lowest level since Aug. 6.