I'm a little confused about your testing when you say that "it's consistent" with hsv2. Does that mean you tested positive for it? Have any of the sores themselves been cultured?
I'm not sure where you are and what employment you do, but I'd guess that your employment blood work didn't include herpes testing. You should see what you can find out about that, because if it did, or if it didn't, changes things.
When was your last round of testing? If you were actually tested then and were negative, then this is a new infection. It's odd then, that your partner is testing negative.
If you weren't tested, which is far more likely, then it's entirely possible - and quite likely - that the covid vaccine, specifically the second dose - triggered your outbreaks. I've read several accounts of people who are getting outbreaks triggered after having no symptoms ever. This would be reasonable with your partner testing negative, as well.
Many of the people who've suddenly been getting symptoms are also reporting that they are having a hard time getting things under control - much like it's a brand new infection. What dose of Valtrex are you on?
Herpes sores don't typically leave scars, so if these haven't been cultured, make sure to do that.