The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Virginia is now well-past the 5,000 mark.
According to the Virginia Department of Health’s last update on Sunday, there are now 5,274 positive cases of the virus in the Commonwealth.
However, the department’s website says that number may be an underestimate due to an effort to enhance the state’s reporting structure to provide more detailed information. The VDH website indicates that today’s reporting will return to normal – including all cases identified by 5pm of the previous day.
Nearly 40,000 Virginians have been tested for the virus. 872 people have been hospitalized and 141 Virginians have died from the illness.
Fairfax County remains the hardest-hit locality in Virginia – with more than one thousand cases there alone.
The Richmond-area – which includes Henrico and Chesterfield Counties, in addition to the city of Richmond – has 742 confirmed cases.
As of Sunday, at least seven Virginia hospitals expect difficulty in obtaining or replenishing personal protective equipment – or PPE. That’s according to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
State officials are expected to release some model information detailing the virus’ impact in Virginia Monday. Governor Ralph Northam will also provide another update on the state’s response Monday at 2pm.
Another drive-thru testing site will open in the New River Valley tomorrow. The site will be open from 10am to 3pm at the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin. It is closed to the public.
Only individuals with a letter of authorization from the Virginia Department of Health will be allowed to access the site – and that is by appointment.
Anyone in the area who thinks they need testing is asked to call the New River Health District at (540) 267-8240.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, Governor Northam has given his signature of approval to several pieces of legislation sent to him by the General Assembly last month.
That includes a bill that provides anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Virginia is the first southern state to do that.
The governor also approved legislation that gives localities power to remove or alter Confederate monuments, raises the state’s felony larceny threshold and boosts Virginia’s efforts to transition to renewable energy sources – among others.
The General Assembly will reconvene in Richmond on April 22nd to consider any amendments from Northam. He has already proposed a budget amendment that would release some prisoners amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
