HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - There are now 45 people in Virginia who have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Around 9 a.m., Congresswoman Elaine Luria spoke at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital to discuss how local hospitals will be handling the coronavirus outbreak.
Starting Monday, Sentara officials said all routine visiting is being suspended until the transmission of the coronavirus is no longer a threat to patients, staff and to the community.
Sentara leaders said there are exceptions to this new rule. Some of the few are patients who are undergoing child birth may have one partner and one birth support person with them. Patients who are not expected to survive may have two visitors. Patients visiting the emergency department, may have one person with them only during their stay. Children under the age of 12 are prohibited inside of the hospitals during this time.
We are also learning there will be a Sentara COVID-19 call center which is already open to the public now. The call center will be operating seven days a week from nine in the morning to seven at night.
Sentara hospitals now have dedicated respiratory units for in-patients who have tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus or who are waiting for their test results.
This morning news three spoke with Congresswoman Elaine Luria about some of the challenges health leaders have faced and what the public should continue to do.
Congresswoman Luria said to “Prevent as much face to face interaction as you can have with people because it is a national emergency.”
There will also be Sentara COVID-19 drive-thru screening and testing sites. They will be set up at three different locations starting today from 1 – 6 p.m.
Gatherings over 100 people has been banned in Virginia and over 50 are banned on the peninsula.
All local government buildings on the peninsula are closed to the public for two weeks. The buildings will continue to provide services they're just not open to public.
Governor Northam says police, Sheriff's Offices and firefighters will still provide services as well and trash collection will go on as scheduled. City buildings will remain closed to the public through March 30.
The City Manager of Williamsburg Andrew O. Trivette says city staff will continue to do the business of the city. Payments or other paperwork that need to be delivered can be placed in the outside drop box at the municipal building.
Trivette also says many business transactions can be completed and submitted online. Staff will be available to take calls and answer emails, during normal business hours as well.
Governor Northam added that there is no state mandated quarantines at this time but all events over 100 people are banned and social gatherings are not recommended.
