RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. Monday to update his administration’s latest his administration’s latest response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CBS 6 will carry the news conference on-air and online.
Among what could be discussed this afternoon is an announcement related to beaches in the Commonwealth.
Even though most of Virginia began phase one of the reopening process on Friday, beaches remain closed to anything but fishing and exercise. However, at his Friday news conference, Northam said he was “prepared to make an announcement probably on Monday” regarding beaches as the Memorial Day weekend approaches.
“Virginia Beach with our Secretary of Natural Resources and their staff are working on a very comprehensive plan for Virginia Beach,” said Northam on Friday. “The most important thing, and why I'm so proud of the city of Virginia Beach and the approach they're taking, is to do it safely. And that's what all of us agree on. We understand it's Memorial weekend. We understand what's going on with our economy in Virginia. But, the top priority for all of us is to do it safely and to make sure that that that the beach goers will feel accountable. trouble coming back to our beaches.”
WTVR’s sister station WTKR reported that Virginia Beach’s mayor hoped the beaches will be allowed to open for the Memorial Day weekend.
Dyer has been calling for the beach to be reopened for weeks. The city has a plan to enforce social distancing and he says the beaches are essential to the city's economy.
"We have to find this balance that people can start functioning again, but they have to know we have the responsibility to do it in a very safe way," he said.
COVID-19 Stats
As of Monday morning, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 31,140 cases of COVID-19. This is an increase of 752 from Sunday.
218,393 tests have been reported. This is an increase of 7,568 from Sunday.
1,014 people have died from the virus. This is an increase of 5 from Sunday.
In terms of the impact of COVID-19 cases on Virginia’s hospitals, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) reported Monday that X patients are currently hospitalized. This is a decrease of X from Sunday.
4,107 people have been treated and discharged from hospital. This is an increase of 114 from Sunday.
21% of ventilators in the state are in use. This is unchanged Sunday.
For a further breakdown of the current COVID-19 numbers in Virginia click here.
COVID-19 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 contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.