JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. - The Virginia Department of Health announced the first death in Virginia from coronavirus.
VDH says there are currently 41 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia.
According to VDH, eight of the confirmed cases are in James City County and three other cases are in Virginia Beach. Fairfax County has ten confirmed cases of coronavirus.
VDH reported Saturday that a James City County man in his seventies has died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Governor Northam released a statement following the announcement of the death:
“The health of Virginians and our communities is my most important priority right now. As a Commonwealth, we have taken major, critical steps to stop the spread of COVID- 19. I have declared a state of emergency, closed K-12 schools across the state, restricted visitors at nursing homes and correctional facilities, limited state employee travel, and canceled large events. This is a public health crisis—we must all treat it as such. Again, I urge Virginians: take this seriously. Take basic health precautions, avoid large gatherings, telework if possible, and stay home if you are sick. That will stop the virus from spreading."
The third Virginia Beach confirmed case was an 80-year-old man, VDH reports.
The governor says he will meet with local officials and speak to the community Sunday at 12 p.m.
Those who have traveled in any level three countries and are symptomatic meet the criteria to be tested, according to the Hampton and Peninsula Health District.
Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, fever, and shortness of breath. If you do not meet any of the criteria, you will be told to return home to watch symptoms and isolate. If the flu test comes back negative and symptoms still persist, then a coronavirus test may occur.
Officials advise those living with people older or those who have compromised immune system to keep distance.
395 test have been received, according to the Virginia Department of Heath.
As the virus continues to spread, Governor Northam ordered all public schools to closefor two weeks.
Schools will close from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, at a minimum.
City officials have urged residents to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people including church services, social organization meetings, and public events.
For more information regarding the virus, please call the Peninsula Health District at 757-594-7069.
