Northam Addresses Coronavirus Questions, Virginia Cases Top 1,700

VIRGINIA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam joined other U.S. governors Thursday in answering questions on Twitter about the new coronavirus impact as the state's cases continue to increase.

Residents' questions for Northam focused on the state's response and implications of the executive orders. The state is looking at models that anticipate the coronavirus outbreak will peak in four to eight weeks in Virginia. However, Northam says residents' actions could affect that projection. As of Thursday, the state has 1,706 positive cases, which includes 246 hospitalizations. There have been 41 reported deaths. So far, 17,589 people have been tested in Virginia.

"Our Commonwealth is large and geographically diverse, which means the virus may peak at different times in different places," Northam tweeted. "We are developing a Virginia-specific model that will tell us more, but for now, we want all Virginians to be prepared for this to last months, not weeks."

Northam said he considers decisions like the stay-at-home executive order by looking at daily data such as new cases, deaths, trend of hospitalizations. The governor's stay-at-home executive order maintains that people can only go out for certain essential tasks, such as obtaining food and medical services and exercising outside. Under the order, law enforcement will not seek documentation for people leaving their homes for an essential purpose. Enforcement of social distancing violations focuses on the 10-person gathering ban.

"Not only can you be charged with a misdemeanor for violating the ban on 10-person gatherings, but you're putting yourself and others at risk," said Northam.

Northam says availability of personal protective equipment and testing 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. The state 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.

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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.

A number of questions focused on residents with less or no work, or those staying home for health reasons. With the coronavirus outbreak impacting work availability, hundreds of thousands of Virginians applying for first-time unemployment benefits last week. On March 17, Northam directed the Virginia Employment Commission to eliminate the one-week waiting period for benefits. Workers may be eligible for benefits if their employer temporarily closes or reduces operations due to coronavirus. In addition, workers can receive benefits if they were directed to self-quarantine or are caring for a family member and aren't receiving paid sick or medical leave. Virginia residents can apply for unemployment benefits through www.vec.virginia.gov.

Northam said the U.S. Department of Labor will provide guidance on how the state can release unemployment funds to independent contractors, gig workers and sole proprietors.

New federal legislation may address paid leave for employees of some businesses. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act gives tax credits to U.S. businesses with fewer than 500 employees to give workers paid leave and stay on the payroll. This leave would be provided for the workers' health needs or to care for family members.

The state has a few measures that help some residents struggling to pay rent or mortgages. Eviction proceedings are suspended until April 26, and evictions are suspended for 60 days for individuals with housing choice vouchers. The state is working on a program to defer payments for mortgages backed by the VHDA.

Additional answers about the "stay at home" order, employment, businesses, outdoor recreation and more are provided at www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/faq.

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