Key Takeaways
- The Delta variant has taken over and is causing a swell of new cases and hospitalizations in Virginia. All health Districts are showing growth, with 33 of 35 districts now “surging”.
- Case rates in Florida and Louisiana have already exceeded the peaks of last winter. UVA modeling continues to suggest that Virginia could possibly do the same in a few weeks time.
- Research suggests that the Delta variant causes more severe and longer illness than prior strains.
- Vaccines are very effective at preventing serious illness and death. However, indoor mask usage is critical to reducing local transmission rates during this surge.