Coronavirus Cases Still Rising in Arlington, But Hospitalizations Remain Low

The bad news is that the rate of new coronavirus cases in Arlington continues to rise. The good news is that few people are getting seriously ill from the disease.

The trailing seven-day average of new Covid cases in the county is now up to 32, the highest point since mid-April, when getting vaccinated still required proof of eligibility. On Friday, 42 new cases were reported, the highest one-day total since April 9.

With more than 70% of adults in Arlington having received at least one vaccination dose, on top of those who received doses from a federal agency (which aren’t tracked at a local level) or who have some level of natural immunity from a prior infection, the virus is no longer causing the same level of severe illness and death locally that prompted stay-at-home orders earlier in the pandemic.

Five hospitalizations and no deaths have been reported in Arlington over the past two weeks, according to Virginia Dept. of Health data. Only one hospitalization has been reported over the seven days week.

The more contagious delta variant of the virus has been filling hospitals in parts of the South, particularly those with lower vaccination rates. While “breakthrough” cases among vaccinated individuals happen, they are relatively uncommon, and it’s statistically rare for vaccinated individuals to suffer severe illness or death.

Despite the high local vaccination rate, Arlington County is urging even those who have been vaccinated to wear a mask indoors while in public.

To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, Arlington County advises following the updates guidance from CDC, which recommends wearing a mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status. https://t.co/RHmCCfx9yX

— Arlington County (@ArlingtonVA) August 6, 2021