The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia jumped to 7,491 Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That's an increase of 602, the largest daily increase since the health department began reporting the data.
The number of deaths grew to 231, up from 208 reported Thursday. Nearly 49,000 tests have been conducted for the illness and 1,221 Virginians have been hospitalized.
Health officials are working to contain an outbreak at a skilled nursing facility in Fluvanna County. County officials said in a statement Thursday that all residents and staff at The Envoy at the Village have now been tested for COVID-19. The facility has received several shipments of personal protective equipment and is coordinating with the health department, hospitals in Charlottesville and county emergency managers. The statement said there are 68 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county, as of Thursday. Data on the Virginia Department of Health website shows a lower number, but there is often a lag in reporting.
The state's health commissioner, Dr. Norm Oliver, said part of the jump in new cases reported Friday is tied to an outbreak in a health care facility in the Shenandoah Valley. Oliver said state law prevents the health department from releasing specific information without the facility's consent.
Northam says economic reopening tied to case data
During his Friday news briefing, Governor Ralph Northam addressed calls to ease restrictions that are adversely affecting the economy. Northam noted that step one of the White House guidelines to reopen economic activity requires a 14 day downward trend of positive COVID-19 tests. "We have not met that criteria," Northam said. He added that Virginia's plan will require extensive preparations for screening as well as tracking and isolating positive cases. Northam said he's been working with the governors of Maryland and North Carolina, as well as the mayor of Washington, DC and there will be regional cooperation on reopening economic activity.
Northam said Virginia has received $1.9 billion in federal relief funding. That money will be used for COVID-19 response efforts.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
