County sees biggest one-day jump in COVID-19 cases; fire department reports positive test

Map created by state showing stats for the day and counties/cities with highest totals
State statistics as of April 9. (Virginia Department of Health image)

The Fairfax Health District reported 120 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, as well as seven new deaths related to the disease. Additionally, Fairfax Fire and Rescue announced Thursday that a member of the department has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The one-day increases in cases and deaths are the biggest single-day jump for coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths and cases yet in the Fairfax Health District, which includes the county, Fairfax City and the City of Falls Church. The Fairfax Health District, which has a larger population than any other district in Virginia, continues to have the highest number of cases in Virginia.

According to county statistics, all of the coronavirus deaths in the Fairfax Health District happened with individuals older than 65. However the 18-49 demographic has by far the highest number of known positive cases with 343.

Fire department reports first case

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue said that a department member tested positive for coronavirus earlier this week. The person began feeling sick on March 18 and was tested eight days later, according to the department.

The individual has been on leave since feeling ill, and will continue to be at home until he or she tests negative. The exposure to coronavirus does not appear to have happened while on the job, the fire department said in its press release.

“Protecting the health and safety of the members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department a top priority,” Fire Chief John Butler said in the release. “We are grateful that this member of our fire and rescue family has recovered from their symptoms and are doing everything we can to support them and their family.”

The fire department also said that 17 members are currently in quarantine. There are no staffing issues at any stations because of the quarantines, the department said.

State and region numbers

Statewide, the number of coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths continued to climb. Deaths topped the 100 mark as of Thursday, and there are more than 4,000 total known cases at this point.

While Fairfax County continues to have the highest number of coronavirus cases in Virginia, it’s numbers are not as high as those seen in nearby Washington D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland. All of those jurisdictions have smaller populations than Fairfax County, and all have more cases and deaths.

Current coronavirus cases breakdown:

  • Cases in Fairfax County: 690 (as of April 9)
  • Tests Fairfax County: Unknown 
  • Deaths in Fairfax County: 16 (as of April 9)
    source: Fairfax Department of Health

  • Cases in Virginia: 4,042 (as of April 9)
  • Tests in Virginia: 33,026 (as of April 9)
  • Deaths in Virginia: 109 (as of April 9)
    source: Virginia Department of Health

  • Cases in U.S. 427,460 (as of April 9)
  • Tests in United States: unknown 
  • Deaths in United States: 14,696 (as of April 9)
    source: CDC.gov