Governor Ralph Northam banned all gatherings of more than 100 people statewide, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia grew to 45.
Northam said the measure was necessary to slow the spread of the illness. "If you are able to stay home, then stay home," Northam advised on a Sunday conference call with health officials, government leaders and reporters. Northam also emphasized the importance of handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. Northam advised organizers of any event where attendance is expected to exceed 100 people to cancel the event. Northam said Virginia is not yet at the point of a state-mandated quarantine and these additional measures can help to prevent the state from getting to that point.
Northam and officials from the Virginia Department of Health also announced additional steps in the Peninsula Health District, where there is a cluster of eight cases and one person died Saturday. All public and government buildings there will close for two weeks, though services like trash collection and public safety will continue. The Peninsula Health District includes Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. Additionally, all gatherings of more than 50 people in that area are banned.
Health officials in the Peninsula area say a team of 40 health professionals are working 12 hour shifts to trace some 284 people who came into contact with the eight cases there. So far, they've reached about 200. Those people are being told to self-quarantine.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Mangement confirmed Sunday afternoon that one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. In a news release, the department said it has notified other employees who may have had contact with the person and is working with the Department of Health.
Click here for more information about COVID-19 from the Virginia Department of Health
