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Virginia Health Officials: Concerned About Community Spread of COVID-19

Virginia Department of Health

During a Tuesday news conference, Virginia's Health Commissioner said he's concerned about the community spread of COVID-19.

The governor also announced the total number of positive cases stands at 67.  There has also been one case in a long-term care facility.

Governor Ralph Northam said the state will follow the CDC recommendations and ban all gatherings of 10 or more people.  Northam said places like malls, fitness centers and theaters will have to reduce capacity or close to comply with the recommendation.  Restaurants can stay open to meet the need for food, but should consider providing take out service only.  Northam pleaded that people stay home from St. Patricks Day parties.  "If you go, you are literally putting others at risk," Northam said.

Northam also recommended people in at-risk catgeories, like people with chronic health conditions or people over the age of 65, should self-quarantine.  Northam asked neighbors and families to step up and check on those who might be shut-in.

All of the state's DMV offices will close, though online transactions will continue.  Expired licenses will get a 60 day extension.

Northam said he knew the restrictions might begin to affect workers and their income.  He said the state will waive waiting periods for unemployment benefits and look for other relief for workers.

Click here for more about the measures announced Tuesday

Dr. Norm Oliver said there are dozens of outstanding tests at the Virginia state lab and private labs, so the number of cases will continue to grow.  Oliver said there were two concerning developments since Monday: A positive case within a long-term, skilled nursing facility and the increasing liklihood of communty spread of the illness.

Oliver said the patient who tested positive in the long-term care facility is being isolated to keep the illness from spreading there.   Oliver did not name the facility.  Later Tuesday morning, Westminster Canterbury, a senior living community near Richmond, announced one of its residents tested positive for COVID-19.

Oliver also said medical professionals are beginning to observe cases where the transmission cannot be traced, which is the definition of community spread.  "This is a serious, serious pandemic," Oliver added.  Oliver said don't think that COVID-19 will be like a cold.  The 80% statistic of mild symptoms includes conditions like pneumonia. 

Oliver and Northam both stressed the need to observe the limit on gatherings, even in southwest Virginia where there have not been any reported positive cases.

Click here for more information about COVID-19 from the Virginia Department of Health

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
David Seidel is Radio IQ's News Director.
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