NoVA Coronavirus Cases Increase As Warnings Of Crowds Issued

VIRGINIA — In the midst of the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend, Virginia health officials reminded residents to remain cautious about avoiding crowds to lessen the chances of exposure. to the coronavirus.

The Virginia Department of Health on Saturday reported 716 additional cases of the coronavirus and four deaths across the state. Currently, 808 people are hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 cases or their test results are pending. Out of 3,000 ventilators available for use in the Commonwealth, 620 are in use, or 21 percent.

Statewide, the cumulative numbers stand at 65,109 cases, 6,405 hospitalizations and 1,849 deaths.

The seven-day positive rate of tests has held steady at about 6.2 percent for the last week, the VDH said on Saturday. The positive rates are up after reaching a low of 5.8 percent on June 23 and 24.

For comparison, the Virginia Department of Health on Thursday reported the cumulative numbers stand at 63,735 cases, 6,333 hospitalizations and 1,816 deaths.

On Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam tweeted, "Virginians, let's all work together to stay safe and protect each other this holiday weekend. As you celebrate, please be responsible and remember to: Avoid large crowds. Wear a face covering. Keep six feet of physical distance. Wash your hands often."

Ahead of the holiday, VDH issued a news release that said "larger increases can occur following close gatherings of crowds, travel to COVID-19 hot spots, and simply due to people in close contact in smaller groups and not wearing masks."

As phase three was set to start in Virginia on Wednesday, Northam also ordered bar seating and congregating areas of restaurants to remain closed to help limit the chance of customers gathering without social distancing.

The face mask requirement at indoor public places continues, and "safer at home" guidance continues, particularly for those at higher risk from the virus. The full list of guidelines for phase three is available at www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia.

Here are the latest coronavirus updates for our Virginia Patch coverage areas compared with Thursday numbers:

• Alexandria: 2,357 cases, 239 hospitalizations, 57 deaths; increase of 20 cases.
• Arlington County: 2,519 cases, 421 hospitalizations, 131 deaths; increase of 35 cases and three hospitalizations.
• Fairfax County: 14,072 cases, 1,657 hospitalizations, 495 deaths, increase of 186 cases, 17 hospitalizations and three deaths.
• Fairfax City: 71 cases, six hospitalizations, seven deaths; one less hospitalization.
• Falls Church: 54 cases, 11 hospitalizations, eight deaths; increase of one case.
• Loudoun County: 4,175 cases, 279 hospitalizations, 91 deaths; increase of 92 cases, one new hospitalization and two new deaths.
• Manassas: 1,435 cases, 104 hospitalizations, 18 deaths; increase of 18 cases and three hospitalizations.
• Manassas Park: 435 cases, 46 hospitalizations, six deaths; increase of four cases.
• Prince William County: 7,484 cases, 672 hospitalizations, 147 deaths; increase of 94 cases, eight hospitalizations and four deaths.
• Fredericksburg: 255 cases, 26 hospitalizations, no deaths; increase of five cases and one hospitalization.
• Spotsylvania County: 1,027 cases, 76 hospitalizations, 31 deaths; increase of 26 cases but one fewer hospitalization.
• Stafford County: 1,008 cases, 95 hospitalizations, five deaths; increase of eight cases, three hospitalizations.

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• Fireworks, Military Flyovers Planned For DC July 4th Celebration