As COVID-19 Cases Rise, New Data Released on County Outbreaks

As Fairfax County continues to lead the increase of COVID-19 cases statewide, new data says the county has more than a dozen outbreaks at long term care facilities.

Overall, 6,171 cases and 154 deaths have been reported statewide. More than 42,000 people in Virginia have been tested for the virus.

As of this morning, the Fairfax Health District had 1,207 cases, continuing to lead all other jurisdictions in Virginia for the highest number of reported cases. Roughly half of the COVID-19 patients are under the age of 50, while the other half are ages 50 or older.

The Fairfax Health District includes Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and towns in the county.

More data on the Fairfax Health District, according to the Virginia Department of Health:

• 17 outbreaks — one at a correctional facility and 16 at long term care facilities
• 235 hospitalizations
• 6,618 test results

Virginia has 102 total outbreaks, with more than half at long term care facilities.

Yesterday, Fairfax County reported 21 deaths. All of the individuals who died from the illness were age 50 or older, with 18 of the people age 65 or older.

While the county’s health department has declined to provide more information about cases due to privacy laws, the state’s health department has started to provide more information about outbreaks and hospitalizations by health district.

Fairfax County Residents to Receive Health Alert Toolkit

Fairfax County announced yesterday (Monday) that county residents can expect a COVID-19 toolkit to arrive in the mail soon.

According to the county, the health alert toolkit includes:

• instructions on what to do if you are sick
• actions to take if you are a close contact of someone who is sick
• details on how to identify and talk to close contacts who are at risk for illness if you are sick

The toolkit is also available online in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Urdu, Arabic, Farsi and Korean.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue COVID-19 Cases

In the new weekly update on the coronavirus, the county’s fire department said that seven personnel have tested positive for the virus and two have recovered as of Sunday (April 12).

Of the five people who are currently COVID-19 positive, three had an on-duty exposure that likely caused the virus, the fire department said.

“All personnel are closely monitored by a nurse at Fairfax County’s Occupational Health Center,” the update said. “Fairfax County Fire and Rescue will notify the public or any applicable persons if there is any concern of exposure.”

In addition to the personnel who have tested positive, seven other members are quarantined.

Data via Virginia Department of Health