The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia hit 6,500 Wednesday. But the number of daily new cases dropped for the third straight day, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health.
Wednesday's daily reported increase was 329 cases, down from 424 Tuesday and 473 Monday.
The health department reported 195 deaths statewide from the illness. That's an increase of 41 from Tuesday. There have been 1,048 hospitalizations. 44,169 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the state.
Northam extends business closures and restriction on gatherings
During a press conference Wednesday, Governor Ralph Northam said social distancing is working, and because of that, the state is flattening the curve of COVID-19. He also said Virginians efforts are working to slow the virus so that hospitals and other healthcare facilities can keep up. That means accepting the new normal of wearing face masks, working from home if possible and continuing to maintain social distancing, though.
The governor has also extended an executive order that closed entertainment and recreational services for an additional two weeks. The order was set to originally expire next week. That includes a prohibition on gatherings of 10 or more people.
Northam said the state's revenues were soaring to begin the month of March, but obviously things are very different now.
He announced that $70 million from the CARES Act will go to Virginia's childcare providers. That funding will come in the form of direct cash assistance for childcare facilities that have remained open. It will also be used to transition some schools into childcare centers for children of essential services -- in addition to other initiatives.
State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver said health officials are continuing to track down racial information on cases, but that process is difficult because the data is simply missing in several cases. He said that African-Americans make up about 30% of the reported cases so far. They account for 35% of the state's deaths from the virus.
Call for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers
Governor Northam is again asking volunteers to sign up for the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps to help combat the virus.
State officials estimate they need upwards of 30,000 volunteers to help with the expected surge of COVID-19 patients at hospitals and long-term care facilities. Around 14,700 people have volunteered so far.
Northam says his office and the MRC are working with colleges and universities to get students involved – especially those enrolled in medical or health degree programs.
You can find more information here.
Roanoke honors essential workers
Several Roanoke landmarks will turn blue each night to honor health care and other essential workers.
The city’s mayor says the Mill Mountain Star, the Wells Fargo Tower and the Berglund Center will be lit with blue and white lights starting tonight. The lights will remain through Sunday night.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
