Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced tighter restrictions on Thursday for everyone across the Commonwealth of Virginia in an attempt to combat the fast spread of COVID-19.
3,915 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Thursday morning by the Virginia Department of Health. The 7-day average of new cases reported is currently 3,791.
“Case numbers have been rising for weeks, they are now at record high levels,” said Northam in a press conference Thursday. “They are higher now than they ever have been.”
Hospitalizations have increased by more than 80% in Virginia over the last four weeks. The Governor said the biggest problem in hospitals right now is staffing. “The nurses and doctors are literally exhausted,” said Northam.
“I put an ungodly amount of bodies into body bags,” said Emily, a healthcare worker in southwest Virginia. “This is real. I understand the sacrifice but seeing these people die that can’t breathe. It starts to take a toll on you.”
In an effort to reduce the spread, Governor Northam announced a statewide modified state-at-home order that will be in place from midnight to 5 a.m. The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday. “If you don’t need to go out, stay home,” said Northam. Exceptions include obtaining food and goods, traveling to and from work, and seeking medical attention.
In addition to a statewide curfew, Northam reduced the number of people allowed to gather in one location from 25 to 10. “When groups are smaller, it spreads less,” said Northam. Social gatherings include, but are not limited to, parties, celebrations, or other social events, regardless of whether they occur indoors or outdoors. This does not apply to religious services, employment settings, or educational settings. Restaurants and retail stores are already governed by strict social distancing requirements, and are not included in this limit.
Masks will also be required if you are outdoors and unable to maintain a distance of six feet from each other. “We can all do that, so please wear a mask,” said Northam. This order expands the current statewide mask mandate, which has been in place since May 29, and requires all individuals aged five and over to wear face coverings in indoor and outdoor public settings outside of their own household. These changes are consistent with new CDC guidelines, released December 4, which recommend universal wearing of face coverings.
There will be no additional restrictions to dining establishments. Bars are closed, no alcohol sales after 10 p.m., there must be six feet between table, where a mask if youre not eating, and every employee must wear a mask.
These new orders will remain in effect until Jan 31st. He said he does not intend to extend the order, but cautioned that he might have to, depending on the virus.
Northam said enforcement of these orders will step up.
This will not change anything for schools in Virginia, at any level according to Northam. “We know that [school] is the best place for our students.”
The press conference is still ongoing. We will update you as it continues.
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