Alexandria’s transmission rate remains “High” for the second week in a row, as the first case of the Omicron variant has been detected in Virginia, which just surpassed 1 million cases of COVID-19.
There have been 1,000,694 reported cases of COVID-19 in Virginia since the pandemic began in March 2020. There have also been 14,957 deaths statewide.
Additionally, the first case of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was reported on Dec. 9 in northwest Virginia by an adult resident who recently traveled domestically.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before we would record our first Omicron infection in the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver said in a statement. “Right now, the highly transmissible Delta variant is causing almost all cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. We have very effective vaccines that can interrupt the chain of transmission and reduce the odds that unpredictable mutations like the Delta and Omicron variants will emerge. Do your part. Get vaccinated if you are eligible. Get your booster shot if you’re eligible.”
Local COVID numbers
In Alexandria, there are now 15,300 reported cases of COVID-19, an increase of 273 cases since this time last week. The number of reported cases in a single day peaked at 50 on Dec. 12 — the highest since February 12, 2021, when 57 cases were reported.
The death toll in the city remains at 155.
There have also been 19 cases reported within Alexandria City Public Schools this month. There were 62 cases reported in ACPS in November.
Reported cases rose sharply at the end of November, pushing the city from a “Substantial” to “High” transmission rate. The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases for every 100,000 people is 25.3, down from 36 last week. The seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests is now 5.1%, up from 4.3% last week.
Vaccine update
About 53% of Alexandria’s 5-17-year-olds (9,444 people) have been fully vaccinated, according to VDH.
Additionally, 73% (94,847) of residents older than 18 are fully vaccinated, as are about 84% (16,206) of seniors. Additionally, 31,804 residents have gotten booster shots.
There are still 34,954 unvaccinated residents, and the Alexandria Health Department says they account for a majority of new cases.
Find vaccine providers in Alexandria here. If you feel sick, get tested.
The Omicron variant has been detected in Virginia. We are working closely with @CDCgov and local health departments to monitor and understand this variant. pic.twitter.com/8mvq7PIO6l
— Va Dept of Health (@VDHgov) December 10, 2021