At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Governor Ralph Northam also cancelled all large state gatherings and public events while encouraging private groups to do the same.The state of emergency declaration implements Virginia's emergency operations plan -- which will be led by Virginia Health Commissioner Norm Oliver. The declaration will make it easier to continue federal and multi-state coordination to combat the virus -- among other things.
There are now 19 presumptive, positive cases of COVID-19 in Virginia (as of Friday morning). They include the first from the Central Shenendoah Health District, a person in their 60's from Harrisonburg. The District Director says the patient is doing well, and in isolation. There are also two Virginians who have tested positive for the virus who are currently in Texas.
Virginia officials are working with that state to figure out next steps for those individuals.
Northam said he believes there are enough testing kits in Virginia currently, but also acknowledged that the number of test kits from the Centers for Disease Control has been limited. Because of that, the state will begin developing its own testing kits. State health officials are also considering drive-through testing measures.
