RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Governor Ralph Northam will hold one of his biweekly news conferences updating his administration’s latest response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
An updated schedule published for the Governor said that performing artist and Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams will be at the news conference where Northam will make a special announcement.
Among what the Governor could talk about is when the majority of Virginia could enter Phase Three of the reopening process. At his last news conference on Thursday, he said Phase Two would last at least two weeks, which most of the state passed last Friday. The exceptions being northern Virginia and the city of Richmond, which only began phase two on Friday.
“I showed you the data today that the trends are very favorable,” Northam said on Thursday. “We will continue to watch these on a daily basis. Watch seven-day trends. Right now things look good. And again, I encourage all Virginians, don't let down your guard. We need to keep doing the great things that you all are doing.”
Northam could also address the ongoing protests related to the death of George Floyd and his order to remove the Robert E. Lee statue on Monument Avenue.
On the latter issue, since the Governor’s last news conference another lawsuit has been filed attempting to block that statue’s removal. This one was filed by six Monument Avenue residents who said they feared the removal of the statue would lead to them losing tax credits and property value on their homes.
CBS 6 will carry the news conference live on-air and online.
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.