Virginia Coronavirus: Child Tests Positive, Cases Up To 94

VIRGINIA — A child in eastern Virginia's Gloucester County tested presumptive positive for the new coronavirus and is recovering at home, Gov. Ralph Northam announced at a press conference Thursday afternoon. The Virginia Department of Health reported 94 cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, as of noon Thursday. Of these cases, there were 19 hospitalizations. The number of deaths remains at two. Northam said community transmission was observed in the northern, central and Peninsula regions.

"All people within these areas should remain vigilant," said Northam. "We expect that community transmission will expand to other areas of the Commonwealth in time."

Community transmission, also known as community spread, is spread of an illness with an unknown source of exposure. Virginia's first indication of community spread was identified last weekend in James City County, a county in the Peninsula region where the first death related to COVID-19 happened. The state's second death also occurred in the Peninsula region. Both of the patients were exposed to COVID-19 from an unknown source.

Dr. Lilian Peake, the incident commander in charge of Virginia's COVID-19 management team, reported that 1,293 people have been tested in Virginia. She announced increased capacity for testing, allowing for the state laboratory to conduct 1,000 tests.

Northam said Virginia Assembly members are being briefed three times a week. The General Assembly is due back on April 22, but officials are looking at options for a reconvened session in light of the COVID-19 situation.

Officials announced more state actions related to the COVID-19 outbreak at Thursday's press conference.

Virginia's Medicaid program is eliminating copays for services covered by Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, extending prescription refills to 90 days and enhancing telehealth options. Karen Kimsey, Virginia's Medicaid program director, said these actions make up the first phase of the response to COVID-19.

"We want to make sure that any Medicaid member who is sick can seek medical attention without worrying how they are going to pay for it," said Kimsey. "We...want to reiterate Medicaid coverage also covers testing and treatment for COVID-19."

On Thursday, the U.S. Small Business Administration approved an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration for Virginia, allowing small businesses and nonprofits to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans of up to $2 million. These loans can help businesses and nonprofits to play fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other expenses. More information is available at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Amidst concerns about the coronavirus outbreak's impact on incarcerated populations, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran said visitations as well as transfers from local jails were suspended at Virginia Department of Corrections facilities.

In addition, new state guidance calls for judges and magistrates to consider alternatives to incarceration and for judges and prosecutors to consider modifying sentences for low-level offenders with emphasis on incarceration alternatives. Depending on public safety, the guidance also calls for officers to use a summons as opposed to a custodial arrest, Moran said. He noted the concern is not only for the safety of inmates, but for correctional officers, sheriffs, and law enforcement.

"We would really like to emphasize and encourage our entire criminal justice system to take this virus very seriously as all of us are doing and protect those vulnerable populations," said Moran.

On the issue of child care, the Virginia Department of Social Services has published guidance at childcareva.com. The Virginia Department of Social Services asks child care facilities that stay open to urge families to stay home and care for children if possible. This guidance is intended to ensure there's child care available for essential personnel. In addition, child care facilities should limit classrooms to 10 people per room, including staff.

Northam also directed the Virginia Department of Social Services to make changes related to flexibility for families.

"I know that the people who operate child care centers, as well as the parents who rely on those centers to care for their children, are concerned," said Northam. "We have put administrative flexibility in place to make it easier for parents to apply for and continue receiving a child care subsidy.

Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne expects the COVID-19 outbreak will impact the economy, finances of residents and the state budget. However, he said the rapidly changing outbreak makes the extent of the impact on finances unclear.

Layne made two announcements related to tax relief. With sales tax returns due on March 20, extensions for returns and payments of February sales tax will be considered. If granted, the extension deadline would be April 20. Layne said the state will charge interest but will work with the reconvened General Assembly to alleviate the interest charged.

Layne's other announcement concerns state tax returns. The returns are still due on May 1, but any required payments to the state are extended until June 1.

Lastly, Northam directed Virginia State Police to suspend enforcement of motor vehicle safety inspections for 60 days.

Northam told reporters he is not changing the policy allowing restaurants to stay open. The governor and state health commissioner's public health emergency order prohibits more than 10 customers in restaurants, fitness centers and theaters. Enforcement is allowed under the order.

Northam urged all Virginia residents to follow prevention measures.

"Everyone needs to understand, acting for the common good is in all of your best interest," said Northam. "We are only as healthy as the people we come into contact with. Everyone also needs to understand that we are all going to have to make sacrifices and changes to our normal lives."

Residents can find public health guidance on COVID-19 from the Virginia Department of Health, their local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.