RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Northam updated Virginians once again Wednesday about the coronavirus pandemic.
Northam said on Tuesdaythat there were 67 confirmed cases in Virginia. On Wednesday, he confirmed that there are now 77 cases in Virginia.
A cluster of the virus has been confirmed on the Peninsula. There are also 48 other pending coronavirus tests in state labs.
In our region, the Peninsula Health Histrict has reported 15 cases (James City County) and the Virginia Beach Health District has reported four cases (Virginia Beach City).
"That's certainly an option that is on the table." - @GovernorVA on calling in the National Guard to help at Virginia hospitals. https://t.co/Aeb9EQ2Lnm
— Jessica Larché (@JessicaNLarche) March 18, 2020
Also on Tuesday, Northam and State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, MA issued a public health emergency order prohibiting more than 10 patrons in restaurants, fitness centers and theaters.
The order gives local and state law enforcement the ability to enforce this ban, which Northam announced earlier Tuesday when he announced there are now 67 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state.
Northam explained that DMV buildings are closed to the public but online services are open. A 60 day extension for expiring licenses has been activated. Also, the one week waiting period for unemployment benefits has been lifted for eligible people.
VDH reported Saturday that a James City County man in his 70s was the first patient to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
The second patient was a male in his 70s and he acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. Officials said the cause of his death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
