Virginia State Of Emergency Declared: What Does That Mean?

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Thursday with 17 presumptive cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, statewide. During a state of emergency, state agencies can perform actions that normally would not be permitted in order to respond to the emergency.

While Virginia officials have been planning the response to COVID-19 for weeks, a statement from the governor says the declaration gives the state flexibility to east regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination and continue access to critical services.

"From our health department, to our schools, to our hospitals, to our transit systems, Virginia’s agencies and institutions have been thoroughly planning for every scenario," said Northam in a statement. "This emergency declaration will ensure we can continue to prepare for and appropriately respond to Virginians’ needs during this time."

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Along with the state of declaration, Northam announced other additional measures in response to the spread of COVID-19. Specially-scheduled state conferences and events will be cancelled for at least 30 days. Northam directed state agencies to limit in-person meetings and non-essential work gatherings.

Northam is asking localities and nonprofits to limit large public events and consult with their local and state health departments on these decisions. Localities with high populations and proximity to COVID-19 cases are especially urged to change their event guidance by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

SEE ALSO: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

The governor also banned official travel outside of Virginia by state employees, although there is flexibility for essential personnel and people commuting from out of state. This policy will be reevaluated in 30 days.

The state government will phase in a transition to teleworking for state employees. The Department of Human Resources Management will work with the Virginia Department of Health’s Equity Workgroup to assist state employees unable to work from home, such as janitorial, food, and grounds staff. State employees can obtain public health emergency leave in the event of exposure to COVID-19 or travel from high-risk areas. Northam encourages private businesses to look at telework and paid time off options, including for hourly workers.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Northam addressed the availability of testing kits for the new coronavirus. "Right now we believe we have enough testing kits in Virginia, and we believe more will become available, said Northam. "It is clear however that the CDC supply chain is in fact limited."

Dr. Denise Toney, director of the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, said there's capacity to test 500 to 600 individuals.

The state is looking into developing its own test kits, and private labs are allowed to conduct testing. The option of drive-thru testing is being considered too. Individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough and shortness of breath) should first call their doctor, who can order tests.

The Virginia Department of Health expanded its testing criteria to make nursing homes a top priority and provide immediate testing to residents with symptoms. Updated nursing home and senior care facility policies call for additional visitor screening and increased monitoring of patients.

Dr. Lilian Peake, the incident commander in charge of Virginia's COVID-19 management team, said there have not been "signs of community spread." The 17 Virginia cases identified so far have been attributed to international travel or from other patients known to have COVID-19. The 17 presumptive cases of COVID-19 are pending testing confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new coronavirus first emerged in Wuhan, China and has infected over 127,000 people worldwide. According to Johns Hopkins University, there have been more than 1,300 confirmed cases in the United States and 38 deaths as of Thursday afternoon.

Residents can find new coronavirus information and updates from trusted sources such as their local health department, the Virginia Department of Health and CDC.