Coronavirus Outbreaks Identified, Cases Up To 77 In Virginia

VIRGINIA — The number of presumptive new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has increased to 77 in Virginia, according to Dr. Norman Oliver, state health commissioner. In addition, the state identified three outbreaks, defined as two or more cases "attributed to a common exposure," Oliver said at a Wednesday press conference.

The first indication of community spread was identified in James City County over the last weekend. James City County, located in southeast Virginia's Peninsula region, has 17 cases and over 315 contacts of those cases under investigation. Virginia's two deaths related to COVID-19 happened in the Peninsula region. The patients were two men in their 70s exposed to COVID-19 from an unknown source and died from respiratory failure resulting from COVID-19.

Oliver said two more outbreaks were identified in Richmond.

The breakdown of COVID-19 cases by region is 39 in the northern region, 19 in the eastern region, 14 in the central region and five in the northwest region. No cases have been identified in southwest Virginia. Oliver expects the number of cases to increase during Wednesday.

"This is very stressful and concerning time for every Virginian," said Northam. "It is likely to remain so for some time. Please continue to practice health measures such as washing your hands, and please maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings. We will get through this, but we must work together and take care of each other."

Northam said the ability to test for COVID-19 in Virginia improves every day, but a screening process remains before a person can get tested. The determining factors include individual had contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, traveled from high risk countries or is showing symptoms.

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Denise Toney, director of the state Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services says the top priority is trying to procure testing supplies and distribute them to the localities that need them most.

"We are pursuing every possible avenue of maintaining our ability to provide testing support for the commonwealth...for the highest risk patients, which needs to be our focus right now for testing," said Toney.

According to Secretary of Health and Human Resources Daniel Carey, health systems statewide have nearly 2,000 intensive care unit (ICU) beds with access to ventilator and respiratory support equipment across the state. Six regional coalitions under the Virginia Healthcare Emergency Management Program has around 400 ventilator units to go to hospitals they're needed.

"I want to assure Virginians that we are working closely with our hospitals to help make sure they get the resources that they need." Northam said.

The state's Board of Elections is preparing for the outbreak's impact by asking residents to vote absentee in May elections for local offices. Voters must provide a reason for absentee voting in the May elections, but the option "2A My disability or illness" will be permitted during the COVID-19 outbreak. The deadline to request an absentee ballot for May elections is April 28. More information on absentee voting is available on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

"Absentee voting will ensure that all voters in towns across Virginia are able to exercise their right to choose their local officials," said Northam.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15

The Virginia Department of Education is working with the federal government for flexibility on testing requirements. Northam ordered K-12 schools to close for at least two weeks, or until at least March 27. Some school districts have opted to close for a longer time period.

Here are the latest totals of COVID-19 cases listed on the Virginia Department of Health website Wednesday morning. The totals may not reflect new cases.

• Fairfax County - 14
• Arlington County - 14
• James City County - 13 (state health commissioner announced 17 total cases Wednesday)
• Loudoun County - 5
• Chesterfield County - 5
• Virginia Beach - 4
• Prince William County - 4
• Richmond - 3
• Alexandria - 2
• Henrico County - 2
• Stafford County - 2
• Spotsylvania County - 1
• York County - 1
• Williamsburg - 1
• Charles City County - 1
• Prince Edward County - 1
• Charlottesville - 1
• Hanover County - 1
• Goochland - 1
• Harrisonburg - 1

Total - 77