RICHMOND, Va. -- The Virginia Department of Health said Monday that 254 people have tested positive for COVID-19, up 35 cases from Sunday.
The amount of deaths linked to COVID-19 is officially at six after health officials announced Sunday three elderly women in the Peninsula region died of respiratory failure.
Health officials also announced 38 people remain hospitalized with the illness in the Commonwealth, up six from Sunday.
Northam on Sunday said COVID-19 will affect life for months, not weeks, and the sooner people adopt new ways of living the sooner the challenges will end.
The governor is expected to announce on Monday what's going to happen with public schools, which are now in the middle of a two-week closure.
He is scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. You can watch the governor's announcement here.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.
- Avoid crowds of more than ten people.