At the same time, Loudoun’s positivity rate has increased from less than 1% to over 3% over the past few weeks. The vast majority of newly infected people are unvaccinated and include individuals in all age groups, officials said.

“The number of cases is clearly headed in the wrong direction,” Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said in a prepared statement.

“While we have made great progress in vaccinating our residents, the only way we will bring the pandemic to an end is for everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said.

Health officials have also noted that among Loudoun residents who are vaccinated, the most likely risk factor for COVID-19 infection is another infected member of their household who is unvaccinated.

The Health Department is recommending that everyone age 12 years and older get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The vaccines are free for everyone and widely available from many health care providers throughout Loudoun County.

Visit loudoun.gov/covid19vaccine to find the nearest vaccination site.

“The facts are the vaccine prevents infection and reduces symptoms of illness should a vaccinated person contract the virus, including against the delta variant,” Goodfriend said.

“The vaccine is the most effective tool we have in fighting this disease and finally helping our community get back to normal and our children back to school,” he said.

Health officials strongly encourage anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated to continue wearing a mask in all public settings and to continue social distancing to protect yourself and others in the community.

Everyone who is sick for any reason should stay home and get tested for COVID-19 if they exhibit symptoms or may have come in contact with a person who has COVID-19. Learn more about how to protect yourself and others on the CDC’s website.

Anyone with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine may call 703-737-8300 or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.