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Richmond: Four COVID-19 Cases, Stoney Says Federal Economic Relief is Needed Today

Richmond's mayor said Wednesday that four city residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19.  Levar Stoney also praised the responsible actions of residents and businesses to limit exposure and called for federal economic relief "today."

Stoney was joined by the city's health director, Dr. Danny Avula.  The four cases involve two men in their 20's and two men in their 30's.  All had recently traveled outside Virginia.  Three of the cases were uncovered through contact tracing of an earlier Henrico County case, according to Avula.  Avula said all four cases were identified and isolated fairly quickly.

Avula also said testing operations by both private health care systems and the health department are ramping up quickly now.  The area's first remote, popup testing clinic will begin operation Wednesday afternoon.  Avula said people with symptoms should call a regional health department hotline at 804-205-3501.  Symptoms will be evaluated and if necessary an appointment will be scheduled for the testing clinic.  Avula also said Bon Secours health system is getting ready to open 4 or 5 remote COVID-19 evaluation and testing sites, though he did not know exactly when they would be operational.

Stoney praised the efforts of residents and businesses so far to limit exposure.  Stoney said the community is united in its effort to help flatten the curve of infection, but also added this is just the beginning.  He especially thanked restaurants that have followed the state order to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.   Stoney said federal economic relief was needed "today.  It's going to save a lot of communities like Richmond," Stoney added.

Dr. Avula said because of Thursday night's emergency order from the governor, public health inspectors are empowered to monitor and enforce the 10 person limitation on gatherings.  A business that is not adhering to the limitation can have its health permits revoked and law enforcement can also intervene.

David Seidel is Radio IQ's News Director.