COVID-19 Positive Test Rate Reaches New High In Virginia Amid Omicron Surge

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Health reported 15,456 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, nearly double the daily increase of 7,967 new cases reported Monday, as the omicron variant spreads rapidly among residents.

As of Tuesday, the 7-day percent positivity rate for COVID-19 tests was 29.9 percent, up from the 27.9 percent reported on Monday.

The current positivity rate is the highest in Virginia since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Prior to the arrival of the omicron in Virginia last month, the previous highest positivity rate was 20.2 percent in April 2020.

Seven new COVID-19-related deaths were reported in Virginia on Tuesday, increasing the total number of residents who have died from the disease to 15,622.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Virginia now stand at 2,798 people, up from the 2,611 hospitalizations on Monday, according to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.

The 7-day moving average of current COVID-19 hospitalizations stands at 2,343 as of Tuesday, up 465 hospitalizations from 1,878 on Friday.

In Fairfax County, the largest jurisdiction in the state, the 7-day case average has been skyrocketing over the past month. On Nov. 30, the 7-day case average in the county was 123. On Tuesday, the 7-day case average had climbed to 2,146.

As of Tuesday, 77.5 percent of Virginia's population has gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 67.7 percent fully vaccinated. Among adults, 88.9 percent have received at least one dose and 78.2 percent are fully vaccinated.

All state community vaccination centers operated by the Virginia Department of Health and local health districts were closed Tuesday due to Monday's snowstorm. Residents with appointments can visit vase.vdh.virginia.gov to reschedule.

People should reschedule missed vaccine appointments as soon as possible, according to the VDH. Second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be safely extended up to 42 days after the first dose is given.

Those who miss the opportunity to get a second dose within 42 days should still proceed with a second dose and will be considered fully vaccinated, the department said. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is limited information on the effectiveness of receiving a second dose beyond 42 days.

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