By Carol Vaughn —
Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order for Virginians Monday, as the Commonwealth continues to see a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“Our message today is very clear — that is, to stay home,” he said at a briefing in Richmond.
“To date, this has been a suggestion to Virginians. Today, it’s an order,” Northam said.
Virginians still may go out to buy groceries or other essentials, to go to work, to seek medical attention, or to exercise, but Virginia’s beaches are now closed except for exercising and fishing.
Golf courses also may remain open, but clubhouses are closed and groups of more than 10 are not allowed.
Private campgrounds also are now closed for short-term stays, according to the order.
The announcement came after large groups were seen congregating at beaches over the weekend. “Some of our beaches and recreational areas were literally packed,” Northam said.
“It is clear more people need to hear this basic message — stay home,” he repeated, calling those who congregated at Virginia beaches “very, very selfish.”
Restaurants continue to be allowed to offer takeout and delivery meals, he said.
Additionally, all higher education institutions were ordered to cease in-person instruction and to cancel any gathering of more than 10 people.
“If you can work remotely, you need to do so — and companies need to allow for that,” Northam said.
Northam also asked people coming to Virginia from hard-hit areas to self-quarantine for 14 days.
With 1,020 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Virginia as of Monday, and 25 deaths, Northam said almost half the cases are in people under age 50.
“No age group is immune to this virus,” he said.
Northam urged Virginians to continue to follow social distancing guidelines and practice frequent hand washing.
“What we are seeing now is the result of how people interacted two or three weeks ago,” he said, adding it will take time to flatten the curve in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the state.
Virginia currently has around 2,000 intensive care unit beds, but will need more, Northam said.
State officials are looking at several different models, including from FEMA and universities, to help predict how the disease may act in Virginia.
Still, all the models indicate there will be a surge in patients needing to be hospitalized, according to Northam.
The Army Corps of Engineers is assessing potential sites for use as overflow patient facilities, and some entities have identified buildings that can be used for the purpose.
Northam mentioned Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, which has established a field hospital; VCU, which has identified a dormitory that can be used as a hospital; and Lonesome Pine Hospital in Wise County, which has been designated as a treatment and quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients.
Northam, in another executive order last week, ordered postponement of elective surgeries during the COVID-19 crisis.
Northam also said the U. S. Department of Defense on Friday approved federal support for Virginia’s National Guard to respond to the crisis.
Northam said he is working closely with Maryland’s governor and the mayor of Washington, D.C., and also has been in communication with North Carolina officials, noting the details in the stay-at-home order “are very similar” to those in surrounding states.
Northam called health care providers heroes who potentially are putting their own health at risk.
“Think of those health care providers” when deciding whether it is really necessary to leave one’s home, Northam said, adding, “I ask you just to do the right thing.”
The complete text of the order is at: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-55-Temporary-Stay-at-Home-Order-Due-to-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
According to Executive Order 55, individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of: a. Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53; b. Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services; c. Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member; d. Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care; e. Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements; f. Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work; g. Traveling to and from an educational institution; h. Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and i. Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.
The order remains in effect through June 10, unless it is rescinded or amended.
