VA Coronavirus Cases Surpass 2K With Projected Peak Weeks Away

VIRGINIA — The number of positive cases of the new coronavirus jumped above 2,000 in Virginia on Friday, with deaths now standing at 46, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The 2,012 positive cases of the coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 respiratory disease, includes 312 hospitalizations, up from 246 hospitalizations on Thursday.

A shortage of protective gear for front-line health-care workers has been an issue nationwide, and Gov. Ralph Northam has asked Virginia businesses to donate equipment medical workers need.

Virginia added 306 known coronavirus cases Friday, the largest daily statewide increase so far.

Northern Virginia, with more than 3 million residents, has reported the largest number of coronavirus cases. Alexandria reported 23 new cases Friday and Fairfax County added 44, the biggest jumps in the region.

The Fairfax County Health District, which includes the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, continues to have the most cases in the state, with 372 positive cases reported in the district. Arlington County is next with 135 positive cases, followed by 131 in Prince William County and 130 in Loudoun County. With 23 new cases, Alexandria now is reporting 56 positive tests.

A Loudoun County Public Schools transportation staff member who has supported the school system's meal service program has tested positive for the coronavirus. The staff member is self-isolating, the school system said Thurday night.

The staff member last worked in the Potomac Falls High School and Dominion High School region of Loudoun County on Thursday, March 26. The person then began exhibiting symptoms last Saturday. LCPS is using its school bus fleet to provide meal service to students that rely on schools for meal support. The program was put into place after county schools were closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The number of positive cases in Virginia Beach, the largest city in the state, continues to rise, with 128 cases reported Friday. The Peninsula Health District is still fighting to control cases among residents in the region. In that district, James City County has reported 104 cases, followed by Newport News with 37 cases.

The number of cases is growing in the Richmond area. Henrico County reported 112 positive cases, with the City of Richmond at 76 positive cases. Chesterfield County has reported 89 positive cases.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

The number of reported deaths rose by five from the day before to reach 46 on Friday.

The state is looking at models that anticipate the coronavirus outbreak will peak in four to eight weeks in Virginia.

On Thursday, Gov. Northam said the availability of personal protective equipment and testing kits have been challenges but are improving every day. He pointed to the limits of the national supply chain in getting states equipment as a reason why states are seeking equipment on their own.

Virginia has received a third shipment of PPE from the national stockpile and is looking for donations from businesses. Interested businesses can email private.sector@vdem.virginia.gov.

"The more PPE, the more testing availability we have, the sooner we'll get this health crisis behind us," said Northam.

While commercial laboratories have improved testing availability, Northam says the lack of testing supplies is causing a backlog for public and private laboratories. The state laboratory just doubled its testing ability and can produce results in 12 to 24 hours. However, it reserves testing for individuals who meet priority criteria.

Latest Virginia Coronavirus News:

• Northam Addresses Coronavirus Questions, Virginia Cases Top 1,700
• VA, DC Unemployment Claims Surge Because Of Coronavirus
• VA Picks Extra Hospital Sites For Late-April Coronavirus Surge