Arlington Covid Cases Continue Upward Trajectory

Another week, another high point for Covid cases in Arlington since the winter peak reached earlier this year.

The trailing seven-day average of new daily cases in Arlington is now 48, an increase of nearly 50% since the start of the month. Thirty-two new cases were reported this morning by the Virginia Dept. of Health, bringing the local pandemic case total to 17,207.

With 73.5% of the county’s adult population having received at least one vaccine dose, the rate of serious illness and death remains relatively low. Over the past 90 days the county has averaged just under three Covid-related hospitalizations per week and just over one death per month.

Nationally, there are signs that the current wave of cases fueled by the more contagious delta variant is peaking or has peaked, though some parts of the country are still seeing growth in cases.

Arlington County, meanwhile, is preparing for the expected rollout of vaccine booster shots.

From WJLA:

“We expect to have a busy winter,” said Hannah Winant, the Public Affairs Manager for Arlington County Emergency Management.

It’s all hands on deck as the county prepares to assist thousands of people arriving at vaccination sites wanting their booster shots as soon as next week.

“All eyes are on the feds with the booster rollout and youth approvals, but again we are going to have the people and resources in place,” said Winant. “As soon as those approvals are in place, we will be ready to roll.”