Virginia Coronavirus Updates: Things To Know For Week Of March 22
This article originally appeared on the Kingstowne-Rose Hill Patch
VIRGINIA — As cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, continue to rise in Virginia and the U.S., Patch will continue to provide updates as more information is released. The Virginia Department of Health said Monday there are six deaths and 254 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19. Presumptive positive cases were tested at the state or local level and need to be confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far 3,697 people were tested for COVID-19 in Virginia.
Five of the six deaths are in southeast Virginia's Peninsula Health District, and the sixth happened in Northern Virginia. The three latest deaths involved women in their 80s from Newport News, Williamsburg and James City County, one of which was at a long-term care facility. The first death in Northern Virginia involved a Fairfax County man in his 60s. The cause of death for all six patients was respiratory failure due to COVID-19.
Of the 254 presumptive positive cases in Virginia, 38 are hospitalized. The breakdown of cases by local jurisdiction is: 43 in the Fairfax Health District, 34 in Arlington County, 34 in James City County, 18 in Prince William County, 17 in Virginia Beach, 15 in Loudoun County, 11 in Henrico County, nine in Chesterfield County, eight in Richmond, six in Alexandria, six in Stafford County, five in York County, five in Williamsburg, four in Norfolk and four in Charlottesville. Numerous other counties have reported one or two cases.
LAST WEEK'S COVERAGE: Virginia Coronavirus Updates: What To Know For Week Of March 15
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Here are the latest developments regarding the new coronavirus in Virginia. Click on each link for the full article.
Third Staffer At Loudoun School Tests Positive For Coronavirus
A third staff member at Waxpool Elementary School in Ashburn has tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to Loudoun County Public Schools. The staff member is currently receiving medical care, the school system said Monday evening.
VA Governor Orders Schools Closed For Rest Of Year: Coronavirus
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Monday ordered K-12 schools, both public and private, to remain closed for the rest of the academic year in an attempt to minimize the spread of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19. Northam originally ordered schools to close through this Friday, but some local school officials already have been planning for a much longer closure.
Leesburg Restaurants, Breweries Ready To-Go During Coronavirus
Leesburg restaurants are finding ways to keep their customers satisfied in these uncertain times. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced the state's latest restriction Monday related to the new coronavirus, or COVID-19 when he issued an executive order that will allow restaurants only to provide carryout and delivery service. The governor's order is scheduled to go into effect at midnight Tuesday.
Arlington Restaurants Offering Take-Out During Coronavirus
Following Gov. Ralph Northam's order for restaurants and the public to avoid gatherings of ten or more people, eateries are offering take-out and delivery to keep business open. Arlington County has an ongoing list of restaurants that have closed and those still operating during the new coronavirus outbreak.
What The School Closure Order Means For Fairfax County Schools
After Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam ordered K-12 schools to close for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year, Fairfax County Public Schools is determining the next steps. The School Board is meeting for an emergency session Monday.
Coronavirus Closes Fairfax County Park Playgrounds, Skate Parks
Playgrounds, skate parks and restrooms at parks operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority are closed amid the new coronavirus outbreak, the park authority announced Monday. The changes took effect immediately and continue until further notice. Open-air parks and trails are open.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority also announced updates to its operating status Monday. While many parks are open, playgrounds are closed, NOVA Parks Headquarters is closed and NOVA Parks programs are canceled. Check each individual park for opening status and hours.
Huntington Provider Offers Drive-Thru Testing For Coronavirus
A drive-thru testing site for the new coronavirus has opened for patients of Alexandria Immediate Care, a primary care and urgent care center in Huntington. AllCare has three drive-thru testing sites in the DC region: Alexandria Immediate Care, AllCare Ellicott City, and AllCare DC. Testing is available for patients following a telemedicine video appointment.
Metrobus Offers Free Service To Prevent Spread Of Coronavirus
All Metrobus riders must enter and exit buses through the rear door, starting Tuesday, to prevent bus drivers and the public from getting exposed to the coronavirus, or COVID-19, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Because all farebox and SmarTrip equipment are located at the front door, Metro is temporily suspending fare collection for Metrobus riders, the transit system said.
Coronavirus: Inova Halts Hospital Visitation In Most Situations
Inova Health System suspended in-person hospital visitation in most situations as of 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. The decision was made for the safety of patients, staff and the community in light of the new coronavirus outbreak. The restrictions apply to Inova Fairfax, Inova Alexandria, Inova Fair Oaks, Inova Loudoun and Inova Mount Vernon, while the children's hospital and women's and childbirth services outlined similar policies. The hospitals encourage families to connect through video meetings.
Leesburg Closes Playgrounds, Dog Park In Response To Coronavirus
Due to the coronavirus, or COVID-19 crisis, the Town of Leesburg, effective Sunday, closed all playgrounds and other enclosed outdoor places where people gather. Residents will still be allowed to use the non-enclosed areas of most town parks.
Playgrounds, Most Alexandria Government Facilities Closed
The City of Alexandria announced Sunday most of its facilities are closed, while the remainder are accessible by appointment only due to the new coronavirus outbreak. The closures impact the city's recreation centers, nature centers, art centers, museums, indoor historic sites and libraries. City Hall and other city facilities are open by appointment only.
Fairfax City Businesses Adapt During Coronavirus Outbreak
The growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, is creating uncertainty in plenty of ways. In the business community, this is especially true for small businesses and their employees. With all residents advised to practice social distancing and high-risk individuals urged to stay home, Fairfax City businesses are adapting with creative solutions.
VA Coronavirus Deaths Double As State Reports 3 New Victims
State health officials reported the deaths of three people in southeastern Virginia Sunday, lifting the number of deaths in the commonwealth from the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, to six. All three victims were women in their 80s who had been hospitalized, according to the Peninsula Health District.
Second New Coronavirus Case Found At The Kensington Falls Church
A second presumptive positive case of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, has been identified at The Kensington Falls Church, an assisted living and memory care facility. The Fairfax County Health Department made the announcement Sunday.
Virginia In Early Stages Of Coronavirus 'Curve Rising': Governor
Virginia health officials on Sunday reported 219 confirmed positive cases of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, and three deaths related to the disease. At his daily coronavirus press briefing, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam emphasized that the state is still in the early stages of the "curve rising" and urged residents to take all possible steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
'Severe Blood Shortage:' Red Cross Needs Donations Amid Outbreak
The American Red Cross has issued an emergency call for blood donations to replenish a dwindling blood supply in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
First Coronavirus Death In Fairfax County Reported
On Saturday, the Fairfax County Health Department reported its first death related to new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. It marked the third death related to COVID-19 in Virginia. The other two deaths happened in southeast Virginia's Peninsula Health District.
Loudoun School Principal Tests Positive For Coronavirus
Two additional Loudoun County Public Schools staff members, including a principal of an elementary school, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, bringing the current total to three staff members who have tested positive, according to Loudoun County Public Schools.
Coronavirus Emergency Relief Fund Created For Loudoun, Fauquier
The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has established a Community Emergency Relief Fund to raise money for coronavirus emergency response and relief efforts in Loudoun County and northern Fauquier County.
VA Coronavirus Cases Surpass 150; Hospitals Free To Add More Beds
Virginia health officials confirmed Saturday morning the state has 152 confirmed positive cases of the new coronavirus, also known COVID-19. In response to the spread of the virus, Gov. Ralph Northam signed an executive order Friday night to allow hospitals and nursing homes greater flexibility to add more beds.
NoVa Churchgoers Warned To Self-Quarantine Over Coronavirus
The Fairfax County Health Department is asking individuals who attended a church service in Bailey's Crossroads to self-quarantine for 14 days after a 40-year-old man tested positive for the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
