State health officials say the tally of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia stands at 114, with at least 35 tests pending.
And as more businesses temporarily shut down, affected workers are being encouraged to file unemployment claims.
During Friday morning's news conference, Dr. Norm Oliver said the number of positive cases will continue to grow. There has been some increase in state testing capacity, but still not enough for any widespread testing effort. Oliver said the Virginia Department of Health would likely issue new guidance to make it easier for testing people over the age of 65 or those in senior-care facilities, since that segment of the population is the most vulnerable.
Governor Ralph Northam thanked residents and businesses that have observed the restriction on gatherings of 10 or more people. He said there are reports of a small number of businesses that are not complying. Northam said local governments are authorized to enforce the restriction if a business won't comply. Dr. Norm Oliver echoed the call for continued social distancing. "We do not have medicine for COVID-19. We do not have a vaccine. The only thing we have to prevent the spread is social distancing," Oliver said.
The state's chief workforce development advisor, Megan Healy, said there were more than 16,000 unemployment claims filed on Thursday alone. Another 14,000 were filed earlier in the week. The state is increasing capacity for online filing and is also shifting a DMV call center to handle additional claims. Healy said an online claims portalis the best way to apply. She also encouraged anyone affected to apply, even if you think your claim will be denied. "The rules change daily, maybe hourly," Healy said. So even if you are denied at first, the Virginia Employment Commission will keep your data and reprocess it as eligibility changes.
The City of Richmond will open an emergency childcare facility Monday morning. It will serve children of essential medical personnel while the city’s schools are closed.
The first site will be at the downtown YMCA, but the city hopes to open more and serve other people working in other essential jobs like emergency services, sanitation, and grocery stores.
Click here for more information about the facility
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
