Health & Fitness
Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15
Get the latest developments on the impact of the new coronavirus in Virginia, including cases, government actions and more.
As the new coronavirus situation continues to evolve, cases are on the rise in Virginia and the U.S. The Virginia Department of Health confirmed two deaths and 114 presumptive positive cases of new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, as of Friday. The two deaths were reported in southeast Virginia's Peninsula Health District. Presumptive positive cases were reported to public health officials by laboratories and need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patch will be running regular updates as more information is released.
Virginia's first death related to COVID-19 was a man in his 70s in James City County. He was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 and died Saturday. The second death involved a man in his 70s who was hospitalized in the Peninsula region, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The two patients were exposed to COVID-19 from an unknown source. The cause of death for both was identified as respiratory failure resulting from COVID-19.
Among the 114 presumptive positive cases, 20 are hospitalized. The breakdown by local jurisdiction is: 19 in James City County, 17 in Arlington County, 16 in Fairfax County, 12 in Prince William County, nine in Loudoun County, five in Chesterfield County, five in Richmond, four in Virginia Beach, four in Williamsburg, three in Alexandria, three in Henrico County, three in York County and two in Stafford County. Jurisdictions with one case each include Spotsylvania County, Prince Edward County, Hanover County, Goochland County, Gloucester County, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Charles City County and Accomack County. These numbers may not reflect the latest totals reported by localities.
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LAST WEEK'S COVERAGE: VA, DC Coronavirus: Schools Close, New Cases, Concerts Canceled
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Here are the latest developments regarding the new coronavirus in Virginia and DC. Click on each article for the full story.
NoVa Churchgoers Warned To Self-Quarantine Over Coronavirus
The Fairfax County Health Department is asking individuals who attended a church service in Bailey's Crossroads to self-quarantine for 14 days after a 40-year-old man tested positive for the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
9 New Positive Coronavirus Cases Reported In DC
The D.C. Department of Health confirmed nine new positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Friday night, bringing the total to 77 positive cases in the District.
BJ's Opening Early For Shoppers 60 And Older During Coronavirus
Beginning Sunday, all BJ's Wholesale Club locations in Virginia will open one hour early every day for members who are age 60 or older to help them during the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, crisis. This special opening hour will be from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily and there will be a designated entrance for them to use.
GMU Student At Arlington Campus Tests Positive For Coronavirus
George Mason University learned Thursday night that one of its students who attended classes in Arlington tested positive for the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Fairfax County Police Modify Services Due To Coronavirus
The Fairfax County Police Department is altering the way it responds to Fairfax residents reporting crimes due to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Top Prosecutor Seeks Alternatives To Jail During Coronavirus
In an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Prince William County, the Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney said Friday it is cooperating with defense attorneys, the county jail and the courts to facilitate the release of nonviolent offenders who do not pose a risk to the public. But the commonwealth's attorney office stressed that it will work to protect the community from people who the office believes pose a threat to public safety.
New VA Coronavirus Task Force To Investigate Fraud Claims
Virginia law enforcement officials have teamed up with federal prosecutors and the FBI to create the Virginia Coronavirus Fraud Task Force, a partnership that will investigate and prosecute fraud related to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The task force will include assistant U.S. attorneys from the eastern and western districts of Virginia as well as FBI and Virginia State Police officials.
1st Coronavirus Death In DC Confirmed; Closure Orders Modified
Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed the District's first death due to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. She also pushed back the date when her mass gathering order would end, as well as when D.C. schools would reopen.
Falls Church Restaurants, Grocery Stores Operate With Changes
Some Falls Church restaurants continue to operate with modifications in light of the new coronavirus outbreak, according to a new list posted by the city government. Some grocery stores limited hours to account for restocking and cleaning needs.
Loudoun Animal Shelter Creates Wish List During Coronavirus
As the spread of the new coronavirus continues, animal shelters and animal rescue groups in Northern Virginia are doing their best to help animals. These groups are now reaching out for the public's help. In Loudoun County, the animal shelter, together with its partners, is seeking pet food and monetary donations to help families who are struggling to find the means to feed their dogs and cats.
How To Support Vienna Businesses During Coronavirus Situation
Vienna's businesses are sharing ways they are reaching customers during the new coronavirus outbreak.
VA Coronavirus Cases Surpass 100, Workers Told To Contact OSHA
Virginia health officials said Friday the state has 114 confirmed positive cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. Every region in the state now has a positive coronavirus cases after southwest Virginia reported its first case Friday.
DC Health Reports 32 New Coronavirus Cases In The District
The Washington, D.C. government confirmed 32 new positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Thursday night, bringing the total to 71 positive cases in the District.
Multi-Day Meals To Be Distributed By Alexandria School District
Alexandria City Public Schools announced changes to its meal distribution during the extended school closure related to the new coronavirus outbreak. The changes will allow the school district to provide multiple meals at a time.
NoVa Housing Expo For Hard-Up Residents Postponed Until Autumn
The 10th Annual Northern Virginia Housing Expo, scheduled for Saturday, April 4 at Dominion High School in Sterling, has been postponed due to efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The event is expected to be rescheduled for the fall, officials said.
Coronavirus: Restrictions Eased To Aid Alexandria Businesses
The City of Alexandria is suspending enforcement of some regulations to aid local businesses during the new coronavirus outbreak. The changes took effect on March 19 and continue until further notice.
Falls Church Farmers Market Suspended This Saturday
The Falls Church Farmers Market is canceled for at least one upcoming date in response to new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The city announced the farmers market is suspended on Saturday, March 21.
Loudoun Elementary School Staffer Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A staff member at Waxpool Elementary School in Ashburn tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to Loudoun County Public Schools. The staff member is recovering at home, the school system said.
A child in eastern Virginia's Gloucester County tested presumptive positive for the new coronavirus and is recovering at home, Gov. Ralph Northam announced at a press conference Thursday afternoon. The Virginia Department of Health reported 94 cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, as of noon Thursday. Of these cases, there were 19 hospitalizations. The number of deaths remains at two. Northam said community transmission was observed in the northern, central and Peninsula regions.
Curbside Pickup: Spotsylvania Restaurants Adapting To Coronavirus
While restaurants in the Fredericksburg area may have their dine-in section closed due to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, their curbside and delivery options are still available. In order to bring in revenue and avoid laying off workers, restaurants are adapting to what could be several months of social distancing in the age of the coronavirus.
NoVA Community Transmission Prompts Guidance In Fairfax County
The Fairfax County Health Department called for extra "vigilant social distancing" Thursday in response to indications of community transmission of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Northern Virginia. Community transmission, also known as community spread, is the spread of an illness with an unknown source of exposure.
3 DC Firefighters Test Positive For Coronavirus
Chief Gregory M. Dean of D.C. Fire and EMS confirmed Thursday that three firefighters in his department have presumptive positive tests for the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Loudoun Offering Only Curbside In-Person Absentee Voting
The Loudoun County Office of Elections and Voter Registration is encouraging voters to cast absentee ballots in the upcoming May elections in the towns of Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville and Round Hill to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. Absentee voting for the May 5 town elections begins Friday.
Fairfax County Public Schools has opened additional sites for free grab-and-go meal distribution to students during the extended school closure related to the new coronavirus outbreak.
Small Business Owners Band Together During Time Of Coronavirus
Realizing many other small business owners in the area might be in the same boat, a duo decided to produce a video public service announcement (PSA) that would remind residents in Herndon, Reston, and Chantilly to support local businesses during these times of social distancing.
Coronavirus: Alexandria Restaurant Partners Closes Most Eateries
Alexandria Restaurant Partners is temporarily closing all restaurants but Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap in response to the new coronavirus outbreak. The decision came after Gov. Ralph Northam's public health emergency order prohibiting restaurants, theaters and fitness centers from having more than 10 customers.
Manassas Closes All City Buildings To Public Due To Coronavirus
The City of Manassas has closed all city government buildings to the public, effective immediately and until further notice, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, the city said Thursday morning. Residents may not enter city buildings but can access Manassas government services online at www.manassascity.org for information and to pay bills and complete city forms.
VA Republicans Postpone Richmond Convention Due To Coronavirus
The Republican Party of Virginia's executive committee voted Wednesday night to postpone its 2020 Quadrennial State Convention due to the coronavirus, or COVID-19. The Republican Party said "its top priority is the health and well-being of Virginia's citizens." The party said it has not decided on a new date for the convention.
Virginia Coronavirus: Simon Malls Close, Others Adjust Hours
Simon Property Group announced Wednesday it will temporarily close all malls, outlets and shops it operates in Virginia and others in a response to the ongoing new coronavirus outbreak in the United States. In Northern Virginia, that includes Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, Leesburg Premium Outlets and Potomac Mills. Its other Virginia properties include Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, Norfolk Premium Outlets and Williamsburg Premium Outlets.
Novant Suspends Some Procedures To 'Conserve Critical Resources'
Starting Friday at 5 p.m., Novant Health UVA Health System is postponing all elective and non-time sensitive surgeries and procedures at its facilities in cases where postponement will not have a negative impact on a person's health, the health system said Thursday. Novant Health said the decision will allow its health care system to "conserve critical resources and focus care on those who need it most."
First Presumptive Coronavirus Case Identified In Falls Church
The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed the first presumptive positive case of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the City of Falls Church. The patient is a resident of The Kensington Falls Church, an assisted living and memory care facility on West Broad Street.
New Coronavirus Rule Alters How DC Diners Are Served Alcohol
Diners in the District looking to have a drink with their dinner will have to take it with them or have it delivered to their home thanks to a new measure aimed at mitigating the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Fairfax County Coronavirus: Presumptive Cases Up To 14
The Fairfax County Health Department reported Wednesday evening the number of presumptive positive new coronavirus cases is up to 14. Health officials identified how exposure happened in 13 of the cases.
Arlington Coronavirus Sample Collection Site Open For Business
Arlington's drive-thru coronavirus sample collection site processed 6o samples from county residents on its first day, which is more than Melody Dickerson, Virginia Hospital Center's (VHC) chief nursing officer, anticipated.
New Coronavirus Spurs Changes To Vienna Police Operations
The Vienna Police Department announced changes to operations aimed at reducing the chance of spreading the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. In a letter, Police Chief Jim Morris says the department will handle "relatively minor and non-violent crimes" through reports by phone. This would apply to cases where evidence collection isn't required, but documentation of the incident is required.
Absentee Voting By Mail Encouraged For Fredericksburg Election
The Virginia Department of Elections is encouraging Fredericksburg residents to vote absentee by mail in the May elections for local offices in light of concerns about the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5. Voters will choose the mayor, two at-large city council members and two at-large school board members.
McLean Project Helps At-Risk People During Coronavirus Outbreak
The Fairfax County school district closure has given a McLean High School student time to start a project helping at risk-individuals during the new coronavirus outbreak.
Alexandria Businesses Adapt During Coronavirus Outbreak
The growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, creates uncertainty in plenty of ways. In the business community, this is especially true for small businesses and their employees. With all residents advised to practice social distancing and high-risk individuals urged to stay home, Alexandria businesses are adapting with creative solutions.
Manassas Takes Measures to Help Downtown Merchants Survive Crisis
The City of Manassas temporarily designated several parking spaces in the historic downtown area as 15-minute parking areas to facilitate pickup and delivery options during the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, crisis. The designated on-street parking spaces are located along Battle and Main streets between Church Street and the railroad tracks.
Coronavirus Outbreaks Identified, Cases Up To 77 In 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.
Leesburg Approves Coronavirus State Of Emergency Through May 2
The Leesburg Town Council approved a declaration of local emergency Wednesday morning in response to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, a declaration scheduled to remain in effect until May 2. Under the state of emergency declared by Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Leesburg said it will continue to provide essential services to its residents.
Coronavirus Projected To Overwhelm DC Hospitals: ProPublica Study
Despite these measures, the number of people contracting COVID-19 is expected to rise in our area, and the District is projected to run out of hospital beds for patients if the number of infected people rises by even a few hundred.
The warning about the potential for overwhelmed hospitals comes from an analysis by Harvard Global Health Institute and ProPublica.
Presumptive Positive Cases Increase To 4 In Alexandria
On Tuesday evening, the Alexandria Health Department identified two additional presumptive positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. That brings the total number of presumptive cases to four in Alexandria. In light of the growing outbreak, public health officials urge all residents to change daily behaviors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Loudoun Schools Consolidate Meal Sites During Coronavirus Closure
After studying the demand for meals during the last three days, Loudoun County Public Schools is discontinuing meal service at 12 sites across the county to concentrate resources where they are needed most, the school system said Tuesday. The school system also has changed the meal pickup time at schools to 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Coronavirus Closes Virginia DMV Centers, Extensions Offered
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is closing all 75 customer service locations as well as mobile services from March 18 until April 2 as a result of the growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19. In addition, the DMV is extending the expiration date for credentials set to expire up to May 15. Online and mail services and DMV Direct call centers continue to run.
Fredericksburg Issues Coronavirus Rules For Restaurants, Centers
The City of Fredericksburg issued emergency regulations for restaurants and gathering places Tuesday following Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's announcement earlier in the day that he was limiting gatherings to 10 people or less in all settings. The emergency regulations are scheduled to last through March 31.
Manassas Declares State Of Emergency To Deal With Coronavirus
The City of Manassas declared a local state of emergency Tuesday in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance on avoiding contact with groups of 10 or more people to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Metro Cuts Service, Urges Only Essential Trips Amid Coronavirus
Metro is making more service reductions Wednesday and asking riders to use transit only for essential trips due to the growing concerns about new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. With reduced service, Metro is aiming to support essential trips for personnel like hospital staff, government officials, and emergency responders.
Novant Health Toughens Visitor Policy In Response To Coronavirus
The Novant Health UVA Health System is toughening its visitation polices to reduce the risk of transmitting respiratory illnesses. Effective immediately, the hospital system is suspending all visitation, except for laboring mothers who can designate one person to be with them and patients who are minors who will be allowed one parent or guardian to remain with them.
Seafood Restaurant Starts Curbside Service In Time Of Coronavirus
A popular seafood restaurant in Gainvesville is providing curbside service to residents who need their seafood fix but are practicing social distancing to contain the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. Starting Wednesday, in fact, Blue Ridge Seafood is closing its dining room and will be offering carryout and curbside service in response to Gov. Ralph Northam's announcement Tuesday pushing a 10-person limit at restaurants and bars.
Alexandria Mayor Outlines Possible Coronavirus Response Actions
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson outlined a number of actions for City Council to consider in response to the new coronavirus outbreak.
DC Council Approves Emergency Coronavirus Legislation
The D.C. Council approved emergency legislation Tuesday that will provide relief for District residents and businesses impacted by the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
How Fairfax County Schools Are Tackling Learning During Closure
Fairfax County Public Schools are closed through April 10 due to concerns about the new coronavirus outbreak, and there is an initial plan in place for continuity of learning. The first two weeks of the closure, or Monday, March 16, to Friday, March 27, won't feature teacher instruction, and learning activities aren't required for students.
Fairfax County Declares State Of Local Emergency Over Coronavirus
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted on a declaration of a local state of emergency at its Tuesday meeting in response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. County Executive Bryan Hill signed the declaration and the Board voted to approve it.
VA Governor Waives Waiting Period For Coronavirus Worker Benefits
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam offered workers in the state some relief Tuesday from coronavirus-related financial concerns by waiving a one-week waiting period for workers to receive unemployment benefits through the Virginia Employment Commission. Northam's executive action also will broaden the number of workers who will be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if an employer needs to temporarily slow or cease operations due to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.
VA Governor Opposes Closing Restaurants To Contain Coronavirus
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday he is adopting the federal government's guideline of limiting gatherings to 10 people or more in a confined space in response to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. But the governor did not order restaurants and bars in the state to close as some local officials in Northern Virginia requested Monday.
DC Health Reports 5 New Coronavirus Cases In The District
The Washington, D.C. government confirmed five new positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, Monday night, bringing the total to 22 positive cases in the District.
Falls Church Declares Local Emergency In Response To Coronavirus
On Monday, the Falls Church City Council approved a local emergency declaration to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak.
Arlington County Implores Restaurants To Close Over Coronavirus
Arlington Board Chair Libby Garvey and County Manager March Schwartz sent out a letter Monday asking restaurants and bars in the county to close their dine-in services by 10 p.m. Unlike other jurisdictions in the area, Arlington doesn't have the authority to order them to do so.
Closures, Cancellations In Vienna Related To Coronavirus Outbreak
The new coronavirus, or COVID-19, situation continues to change rapidly, and the Town of Vienna continues to announce changes. As cases of the new coronavirus continue to rise daily in Virginia, there have been closures, event cancellations and other impacts.
Alexandria Mayor Calls For Leniency On Residential Rent Payments
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is calling for action from multifamily property owners to help tenants who may struggle to pay rent during the new coronavirus outbreak.
VA Coronavirus Count Climbs Above 50; UVA Reports First Case
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed a total of 51 new coronavirus cases in the state Monday, an increase of six from the day before. Two more cases were reported in James City County where the state on Saturday reported the first death from the coronavirus.
Officer Based Near Franconia-Springfield Has New Coronavirus
A Metro Transit Police officer assigned to the police station near the Franconia-Springfield Metro tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19.
What's Open, Closed In Fairfax County Amid Coronavirus Concerns
The new coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak continues to rapidly evolve, and Fairfax County is announcing operating changes. As cases of the new coronavirus continue to rise daily in Virginia, there have been closures, event cancellations and other impacts.
DC Ends Seating At Restaurants, Bars Under Coronavirus Response
As federal health experts urge tighter controls on gatherings and social distancing, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday ordered all bars and restaurants to end table seating Monday night. The ban on indoor dining is in place until April 1.
The Loudoun County government declared a local emergency Monday morning in response to the continued spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Del Ray Restaurants Adjust To New Coronavirus Situation
Public health officials are urging residents to practice social distancing in response to the new coronavirus, bringing into question how to approach restaurant operations.
Fredericksburg Declares State Of Emergency To Handle Coronavirus
The City of Fredericksburg declared a state of emergency Monday in response to growing concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus known as COVID-19.
White House Easter Egg Roll Canceled Due To Coronavirus
The Office of the First Lady canceled the 2020 White House Easter Egg Roll Monday "out of an abundance of caution" in connection with the National Emergency Declaration concerning the coronavirus, according to a release.
Arlington Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know
Arlington County is taking a number of steps to ensure the health and safety of its employees and the community in response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. While essential government services continue, some programs and services will be curtailed or canceled.
Social Distancing Urged By Alexandria Health Department
While the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, health officials urge social distancing in public.
Prince William Closes Libraries To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
Prince William County decided late Sunday to close its libraries beginning Monday to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. The libraries will be closed until further notice, the library system said.
More Free Meal Sites Open During Fairfax County School Closure
Fairfax County Public Schools has opened additional sites for free grab-and-go meal distribution to students during the extended school closure related to the new coronavirus outbreak. The 29 sites also offer low-cost meals to adults.
Herndon Closes Facilities, Cancels Programs Due To Coronavirus
On Sunday, March 15, the Town of Herndon closed several facilities and canceled some programs and upcoming events in response to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Mary Washington Healthcare Treating Its First Coronavirus Patient
Mary Washington Healthcare is treating its first novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, patient at its Stafford Hospital, the hospital system said Sunday night.
First Coronavirus 'Community Spread' Case Reported In Virginia
Virginia is seeing its first cases of "community spread" of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in an area around Williamsburg where the first person in the state died Saturday from the disease, according to government officials.
VA Governor Bans Gatherings Of 100 Or More Due To Coronavirus
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a statewide ban Sunday on all public events of more than 100 people in response to the new coronavirus known as COVID-19.
Second Presumptive New Coronavirus Case Identified In Alexandria
The Alexandria Health Department announced a second presumptive positive case of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Sunday.
Teacher Among 4 More Fairfax County Presumptive Coronavirus Cases
A Springfield teacher is among the four additional patients who tested presumptive positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, the Fairfax County Health Department announced Saturday.
VA Grocery Stores Cut Hours For Coronavirus Cleaning, Restocking
Hordes of shoppers stocking up on peanut butter and fighting in store aisles over the last package of toilet paper are prompting grocery stores in Northern Virginia to adjust store hours to allow staff more time to restock and clean store shelves.
Fairfax, Loudoun Shut Down Libraries In Response To Coronavirus
The Fairfax County Public Library system decided Sunday afternoon to close its libraries for two weeks due to the novel coronavirus threat facing the state.
Virginia Reports First Coronavirus Death As Cases Jump To 41
The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Virginia jumped to 41 Saturday, with the state reporting its first death, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Most DC Cherry Blossom Events Canceled Because Of Coronavirus
With the peak bloom period of DC's famed cherry blossoms just a week or two away, the national emergency declared to combat the spread of the new coronavirus has forced organizers to cancel or postpone many of the National Cherry Blossom Festival's most popular events.
Mary Washington Healthcare To Implement No Visitor Policy
Mary Washington Healthcare is not allowing visitors, effective Sunday at 8 p.m., to its facilities, including Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital, in response to concerns about spreading the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19, the health care system said Saturday.
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