COVID-19 cases double in Virginia under new variant and extreme heat

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In a new development, COVID-19 cases in Virginia have more than doubled over the past month, according to recent reports from state health officials.

This sharp increase is attributed to a combination of intense summer heat and the emergence of a new, rapidly mutating variant known as FLiRT.

Data from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reveals a significant surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases. On June 8, the state recorded 638 cases — but by July 6, this number had risen to 1,247, marking a dramatic increase in less than a month.

Health experts suggest that the extreme heat is leading more people to stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, which inadvertently fosters the spread of the virus. Additionally, the new FLiRT variant is evolving at such a fast pace that current vaccines are struggling to keep up.

Heather Harmon-Sloan, head of the VDH’s COVID-19 unit, highlighted the challenges posed by this new variant.

“We know COVID mutates often, [and] very quickly,” she said.

She advised that maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, practicing good hygiene and ensuring clean air in indoor settings are crucial measures to combat the spread.

Elaine Perry, Health Director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, points out that the official numbers might not fully capture the extent of the outbreak.

Although cases have doubled in the last month, the actual number is likely higher due to unreported home test results.

“COVID-19 is definitely still with us — it’s not going away anytime soon,” Perry said. “We have seen this time and time again, people will develop an immunity to one variant, but then the virus changes, and that’s why people are able to get COVID-19 more than once.”

Perry emphasized that immunity to one variant does not guarantee protection against others, making ongoing vigilance essential.

“COVID-19 is still causing people to go to the hospital, still causing people to end up in the emergency room and urgent care,” Perry said.

Despite the rising cases, Perry reassures the public that while COVID-19 continues to cause hospitalizations and emergency room visits, efforts are underway to address the situation.

A new vaccine targeting the FLiRT variant is expected to be released in early fall.

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