VA Vaccine Availability Questions As Coronavirus Case Record Set

VIRGINIA — The Commonwealth hit a one-day record of 6,757 new coronavirus cases Saturday just as reports surfaced that a federal stockpile of vaccines is depleted, which would hinder a push to dramatically increase the vaccination rate.

The new one-day record of cases tops the previous high mark by nearly 1,000 cases and brought the state's seven-day average back above 5,000 cases a day. The average sits at 5,097 on Saturday, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Northern Virginia also set a daily record with 1,548 new cases Saturday.

The positive average of coronavirus tests in Virginia continues downward Friday after reaching the highest level since the spring.

Statewide, the seven-day average of positive PCR tests is 14.7 percent as of Jan. 16. In the early days of 2021, the average climbed above 17 percent. While the positive average had been below 10 percent for the summer into the fall, significant increases started in late November.

This week, Gov. Ralph Northam said Virginia would expand Phase 1B of its coronavirus vaccination program so residents age 65 and older — and those younger than 65 with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions and obesity — would be moved into Phase 1b. But news that the federal reserve of vaccines might be depleted could delay the expansion.

The Washington Post reported Friday there was no federal stockpile of additional vaccines, contrary to a statement by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, who told states the Trump administration would begin distributing those doses immediately. Previously, the administration said it was holding back the vaccines to ensure a second dose for everyone who had already received a first shot.

Residents should check to see when Phase 1b begins in their community on the VDH COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

The peak average for Virginia remains 20.2 percent on April 20 and 21. One key difference between the positive average now and the early months of the pandemic is the testing availability. Testing has ramped up significantly since the pandemic began; when the peak average of 20.2 percent was reported on April 20 and 21, the seven-day average of daily testing encounters were 2,800 and 2,914, respectively. On Jan. 13, the average was about 30,000 testing encounters.

There are 3,119 current COVID-19 hospitalizations across Virginia, including 561 in the intensive care units and 354 on ventilators. According to the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, 1,044 of 2,900 ventilators are in use among all Virginia hospital patients. ICU occupancy stands at 83 percent.

Health districts in Northern Virginia and other locations are in phases 1b of vaccinations, and all of the state has started phase 1a. As of Saturday, 264,143 people have at least the first dose, and 32,059 are fully vaccinated. To date, 943,400 doses have been distributed in Virginia. Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines require two doses, with the second dose taken three to four weeks after the first.

Below are the latest coronavirus data updates for our coverage area from Friday to Saturday:

• Alexandria: 8,514 cases, 464 hospitalizations, 95 deaths; increase of 64 cases, two hospitalizations, one death
• Arlington County: 10,520 cases, 689 hospitalizations, 187 deaths; increase of 94 cases, one hospitalization
• Fairfax County: 52,491 cases, 3,136 hospitalizations, 732 deaths; increase of 735 cases, six hospitalizations and two deaths
• Fairfax City: 357 cases, 25 hospitalizations, 10 deaths; increase of 10 cases
• Falls Church: 216 cases, 18 hospitalizations, six deaths; increase of five cases
• Loudoun County: 16,245 cases, 684 hospitalizations, 168 deaths; increase of 210 cases, four hospitalizations, two deaths
• Manassas: 3,248 cases, 149 hospitalizations, 29 deaths; increase of 27 cases
• Manassas Park: 1,024 cases, 66 hospitalizations, eight deaths; increase of five cases
• Prince William County: 30,023 cases, 1,277 hospitalizations, 276 deaths; increase of 396 cases, one hospitalization and two deaths
• Fredericksburg: 1,238 cases, 69 hospitalizations, 13 deaths; increase of 15 cases, one death
• Spotsylvania County: 5,926 5,806 cases, 230 hospitalizations, 74 deaths; increase of 120 cases, four hospitalizations, two deaths
• Stafford County: 6,535 cases, 251 hospitalizations, 34 deaths; increase of 110 cases, four hospitalizations, and two deaths