Coronavirus Cases Surpass 600 In Virginia, 14 Deaths Reported

VIRGINIA — Cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, increased by more than 100 from Thursday to Friday, according to the latest count from the Virginia Department of Health. Cases are up to 604 statewide, with 83 of the patients hospitalized. The state reported 14 deaths. The number of people tested in Virginia increased from 6,189 to 7,337.

The state's death total may not reflect the latest reports from localities. Loudoun County reported the death of a staff member with Loudoun County Public Schools Thursday. The death was Northern Virginia's second related to COVID-19; the first death was reported in Fairfax County last weekend.

According to NBC12, a fourth person at Henrico County's Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center died. These were central Virginia's first deaths due to COVID-19. Southside Virginia's first death happened in the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. Seven deaths were reported in the southeastern Peninsula Health District, and Virginia Beach reported one death.

The Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City, has the most cases in the state with 124. The next highest numbers were 63 in Arlington County, 55 in James City County, 44 in Prince William County, 43 in Loudoun County, 29 in Virginia Beach, 28 in Henrico County, 18 in Alexandria and 17 in Richmond. Various other localities have reported cases of COVID-19.

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New state data shows the age group of patients with COVID-19, as well as the dates when illness began. The 50 to 59 age group has the highest number of cases (108), followed by the 60 to 69 age group (101 cases), 40 to 49 age group (100 cases), 30 to 39 age group (95 cases) and 20 to 29 age group (93 cases). There are 66 cases in the 70 to 79 age group and 25 among ages 80 and up. Seven of the cases are among children up to seven years old, and nine cases are reported in the 10 to 19 age group. Data may be impacted by testing capacity; doctors make the decision on ordering testing for patients through commercial laboratories, and the state laboratory reserves its testing for priority investigations.

The highest number of cases appeared in mid-March, but that could change as additional illnesses are confirmed. As of Friday, preliminary numbers show 80 cases that began on March 17, followed by 65 that began on March 16. Virginia's first case dates back to Feb. 28. The dates reflect the time symptoms started, or when the state health department received the case report if the time symptoms began isn't available. Illnesses that began March 19 and onward may not be reported yet.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will provide the latest updates on the state's response in a press conference Friday afternoon. Return to Patch as we provide continuing coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.

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