RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Northam updated Virginians about the coronavirus pandemic after the Peninsula Health District announced a second death from the virus in their area on Monday.
On Tuesday morning Northam said there are now 67 confirmed cases in Virginia. A cluster of the virus has been confirmed on the Peninsula. There are also 48 other pending coronavirus tests in state labs.
Breaking down cases in Virginia, there are nine in the central region, 18 in the eastern region, 38 in the northern region, four in northeast region and none yet in the southwest region.
He also said Virginia will follow the national advisement of not gathering with 10 people or more, adding people should not go to St Patrick's Day parties. "If you do you are literally putting others at risk," he said.
All restaurants, malls, fitness centers, theaters must significantly change how they do things to be able to meet standards of less than 10 people, Northam said.
The one week waiting period for unemployment benefits has been lifted for eligible people.
Northam also said DMV buildings are closed to the public but online services are open. A 60 day extension for expiring licenses has been activated.
VDH reported Saturday that a James City County man in his 70s was the first patient to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
The second patient was a male in his 70s and he acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. Officials said the cause of his death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
There are now 51 cases of COVID-19 reported in Virginia and 33 in North Carolina, according to the CDC.
At 11 a.m., Tuesday Gov. Northam will provide updates on Virginia’s COVID-19 response efforts.
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