Key Takeaways
- COVID19 cases continue to rise at a steady pace across the Commonwealth, with 32 of 35 Health Districts in “surge”.
- Increased mask usage and vaccinations across Virginia have dampened model projections slightly. We no longer expect to exceed the January peaks, total case counts could still come close to historic highs in the coming weeks.
- Modeling indicates that in the short-term, mask-usage and social distancing is the most effective countermeasure against a fall surge. But in the long-term, increased vaccinations could prevent tens of thousands of winter cases.
- It takes six weeks to achieve full vaccine efficacy. Unvaccinated persons hoping to gather for the holidays should plan now.