Virginia In Early Stages Of Coronavirus 'Curve Rising': Governor

VIRGINIA — Virginia health officials on Sunday reported 219 confirmed positive cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, and three deaths related to the disease. At his daily coronavirus press briefing, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam emphasized that the state is still in the early stages of the "curve rising" and urged residents to take all possible steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The number of confirmed positives cases increased by 67, or 44 percent, over the 152 reported Saturday by the Virginia Department of Health.

"We’re seeing this sharp increase in positive tests in part because we do have more capability for testing coming online," Northam said Sunday. "But we’re also seeing it because this virus continues to spread. ... [W]e are still in the early stages of that curve rising."

Northam also warned residents that the coronavirus will continue to be a threat to Americans for months not weeks. "We need to begin adjusting to that reality," he said.

On Saturday, the Fairfax County Health Department reported the third confirmed death in the state from the coronavirus, a man in his 60s. It was Fairfax County's first confirmed death from the coronavirus. The other two deaths happened in southeast Virginia's Peninsula Health District.

Northam said his administration is reaching out to companies that operate in Virginia for help in making and distributing personal protective equipment. "It is time to step up," he said to the companies that could be helping with the crisis.

On Saturday, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management shippped a supply of personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, gowns and respirators, to emergency medical services, health distircts and hospitals.

Northam encouraged workers in the state to telework when possible. He also pushed for doctor's appointments to be done over the telephone or virtually to avoid visits to a doctor's office where the coronavirus could spread among health care workers and the public.

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The governor also highlighted the 10-person limit he placed on restaurants, bars and other enclosed spaces last week. "Again, I remind our locailities, if a resturant is violating the 10 patron rule, you need to shut them down," he said.

While many residents are heeding the call to avoid crowds, Northam said he also knows that many are not listening to the warnings. "I want you to know that you are putting every single one of us in Virginia at risk," he said. "To our colleges and and universities, no more fraternity parties. And for everyone, social distancing does not mean congregating on a crowded beach. This is not a holiday. This is not a vacation. Please stay home whenever possible."

Northam said he plans to announce at Monday's press briefing his plans for schools in the state and whether they will be shut down for the remainder of the school year. On March 13, the governor ordered that schools close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum

Beginning Monday, Northam said he will be holding his daily coronavirus briefing at 2 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.

VA Coronavirus Cases By County/City
James City County - 32

Fairfax County - 31

Arlington County - 26

Prince William County - 18

Virginia Beach - 17

Loudoun County - 15

Henrico County - 8

Chesterfield County - 8

Richmond City - 6

Stafford County - 5

Williamsburg - 5

York County - 5

Alexandria - 5

Charlottesville - 4

Norfolk - 3

Rockingham County - 2

Culpeper County - 2

Goochland County - 2

Newport News - 2

Lee County - 2

Spotsylvania County - 2

Albemarle County - 2

Gloucester County - 2

Charles City County - 1

Accomack County - 1

Hanover County - 1

Portsmouth - 1

Mecklenburg County - 1

Prince Edward County - 1

Fluvanna County - 1

Harrisonburg - 1

Louisa County - 1

Franklin County - 1

Isle of Wight County - 1

Suffolk - 1

Amherst County - 1

Bedford County - 1

Botetourt County - 1

Total - 219

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