COVID Cases In Prince William Plateau After Mid-September Peak

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — COVID-19 cases in the Prince William Health District are plateauing, while cases across the state are entering a period of sustained decline, according to the Virginia Department of Health and researchers from the University of Virginia.

On Monday, Oct. 4, there were 75 COVID-19 cases in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The seven day average is 114.7 cases per day, and 24.5 cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days.

Cases reached a peak in mid-September, with a seven day average of 132 cases on Sept. 16. Public health officials attributed the surge in cases to the coronavirus's delta variant.

Now, researchers shift their attention to the holiday season. Last year, Prince William County and the rest of Virginia experienced a dramatic surge in COVID-19 cases beginning around Thanksgiving and continuing through January.

"The Delta wave has caused only about 40 percent of the cases experienced during last winter's surge — at least so far," the researchers said in a report released last week. "Right now, the Delta wave appears to have peaked. However, the sharpest growth last year occurred over the holidays, beginning around Thanksgiving."

Health officials believe that vaccinations are still the most effective tool to end the pandemic and preventing any possible holiday surge.

Vaccines are free to residents in Prince William County. Booster shots of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine are now available.

This week, the Prince William Health District's mobile vaccine unit will be available to provide vaccinations to residents. On Tuesday, Oct. 5, the clinic will visit two areas in Woodbridge. The mobile clinic can provide first, second, and third shots of the COVID-19 vaccines.

• Fresh World
  • 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • 2042 Daniel Stuart Square, Woodbridge, VA 22191
• Americana Grocery
  • 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • 14428 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191

The Prince William Health District has also established a plan to reopen the community vaccination clinic near Potomac Mills in Woodbridge. The site will officially reopen on Thursday, Oct. 7 and appointments can be made now.

Read more: Mass Vaccination Site To Reopen At Gander Mountain In Woodbridge

Residents can schedule an appointment on the Virginia Department of Health's website or by calling 877-829-4682. Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages.