Reopening VA: 1700 New Coronavirus Cases, 32 Deaths This Weekend

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Health Department on Sunday reported seven more coronavirus deaths and 705 new cases, bringing the state's death toll to 1,009 and the total number of cases to 30,338. This weekend, there were 1,716 new cases confirmed and 32 deaths in the state.

Of the 1,009 total deaths, 34 have been classified as probable; and of the 30,338 cases, 1,487 have been categorized as probable. Probable deaths and cases count people who likely had COVID-19 but never got tested.

Compared to the state's other jurisdictions, Fairfax County has the highest number of cases. The total: 7,643. It also has the highest number of deaths in the state, with 282.

Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.

In its tabulations, Virginia lumps confirmed and probable data together.

On Friday, certain businesses and services began reopening in the Commonwealth as part of phase one of Gov. Ralph Northam's "Forward Virginia" recovery plan.

The Democrat encouraged localities to request a delay if leaders were not comfortable moving into phase one. He approved Northern Virginia leaders' request to delay the phase one reopening, keeping the region in "phase zero" through at least May 28. A similar request from leaders in Richmond and Accomack County was granted Thursday.

In phase one, churches and nonessential businesses can reopen at 50 percent capacity, but restaurants must remain closed to indoor dining. Businesses with a permit for outside seating will be allowed to serve customers outdoors if they reopen at half-capacity and space out tables.

SEE ALSO:

• Richmond, Accomack Join NoVA In Delayed Coronavirus Reopening
• Unemployment Claims Near 400K In Virginia; DC Claims Still Rising
• Face Coverings To Be Required On Alexandria's DASH Buses
• Northam To Make Announcement On Beaches, Virginia Beach Prepares