RICHMOND, Va. - All U.S. and Virginia flags will be lowered to half-staff to honor those who have died from COVID-19, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday.
They will remain in this position until sunset on Friday, Feb. 26 in accordance with a proclamation from the White House.
President Joe Biden held a remembrance ceremony Monday evening at the White House to honor those who lost their lives to the virus.
Monday, it was announced that the U.S. had passed the threshold of more than 500,000 Americans having died from the virus, nearly a year after the first wave led to widespread lockdowns and stay-at-home orders. As of Monday, at least 28 million Americans are said to have contracted the virus, and that number may be much higher.
The U.S. leads the world in coronavirus deaths as well as total recorded COVID-19 cases with nearly 30 million.
Gov. Northam says 7,486 Virginians have died from the virus.
"As we mourn the lives lost and pray for the grieving families, friends, neighbors and loved ones left behind, let us unite in our resolve to defeat this virus," the governor wrote, adding that everyone must keep doing their part to slow the spread and protect others by wearing masks, social distancing and getting vaccinated.
