The Virginia Department of Health reported 604 positive cases of COVID-19 Friday, up from 460 the day before.
The update posted Friday morning also shows 83 hospitalizations and 14 deaths from the illness. The number of Virginians tested for COVID-19 has steadily increased and now stands at more than 7,000.
Virginia Tech logged its first case Friday. An email from the university said a student, who lives off campus in Blacksburg, is in isolation. It's believed the that student contracted the illness during recent international travel.
Earlier Friday, VDH mapping incorrectly showed a positive case in Roanoke City. Health officials say a Roanoke County case was incorrectly entered as a Roanoke City case. There are no confirmed cases in the city, as of early Friday afternoon.
Centra Health reported its first hospitalization for COVID-19 Friday afternoon. A spokesperson says the man is in his 60's and is in critical condition. He is in an isolation room at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Supply of Personal Protective Equipment
In an afternoon news briefing, Governor Ralph Northam renewed his call for Virginians to stay home. Northam said that's the only way to slow the spread of the illness and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed. Those efforts will likely need to continue for several more weeks, the governor predicted.
Northam said disruptions from foreign manufacturers are affecting the supply of personal protective equipment for health care workers. Northam said he and other governors have asked the federal government to be more active in the coordination of stockpiles. Otherwise states and health providers are just bidding against each other. Northam said the state welcomes donations of PPE and has set up a website to catalog potential donations and new suppliers.
Northam thanked Virginians who have signed up for the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. He encouraged other former or retired health professionals and medical students to volunteer at the VAMRC's website.
VCU Health announced a suspension of visitation in its facilities, effective Friday. Visitors will not be allowed at hospitals and clinics. Some exceptions will be made for pediatric and obstetric patients and end of life situations.
