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The original item was published from 5/10/2022 12:15:00 PM to 12/21/2022 12:00:01 AM.

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Posted on: May 10, 2022

[ARCHIVED] COVID-19 Cases on the Rise; Health Department Encourages Self-Assessment, Precautions

Image of recommended precautions against COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases in Loudoun County and across northern Virginia has continued to rise in recent weeks, prompting public health officials to encourage Loudoun County residents to take time to assess their individual and family risks related to the upward trend in case counts, as well as to take additional precautions if necessary.

“We are beginning to see an increase in the impact of the ongoing transmission of the virus in our region, so I encourage everyone to understand your risk level,” said Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “While healthy, fully vaccinated and boosted individuals have a lower risk associated with the upward tick in COVID-19 activity at this time, some members of our community may be more severely impacted by this trend, and those more vulnerable residents should take added precautions.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bases the level of community impact on the number of cases and hospitalizations.  In jurisdictions such as Loudoun County, where COVID-19 hospitalizations and bed use are low, “medium” impact indicates a community has at least 200 cases per 100,000 population over the previous seven days. The number of COVID-19 cases in Loudoun has moved from 195 per 100,000 last week to 216 cases per 100,000 over the past seven days. Consequently, the CDC is expected to change the level of impact for Loudoun County to “medium” when it performs its weekly update this Thursday, May 12, 2022. The City of Alexandria and Fairfax County reached the “medium” level last week. Arlington County reached this level of impact about four weeks ago.

What Action Should You Take Now?

The recent upward trend in COVID-19 cases is likely related to the emergence of new Omicron sub-variants (BA.2, BA.2.12.1) and fewer people throughout the community using mitigation measures, such as masking or distancing from others.

Residents are encouraged to visit the CDC’s website to learn more about the community level impact and related CDC recommendations. Understanding the risk based on the current level of community impact will help individuals and families know which precautions to take to protect themselves, their family and the greater community from the ongoing spread of COVID-19. 

For communities with a “medium” level of impact, the CDC recommends the following individual and household-level prevention measures:

  • People who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease should consult their healthcare provider and consider taking additional precautions, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Residents should also consider self-testing to detect infection before having contact with people who are at high risk of severe disease. 
  • Get fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible. 
    • Information about who is eligible for boosters and booster recommendations is posted on the CDC website.
    • To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider, visit vaccines.gov
  • Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

The change in the level of community impact in Loudoun County does not trigger any changes to masking and social distancing requirements in county facilities. 

General information about protecting yourself and others is posted on the CDC’s website.

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