The Shadow
RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam again stressed the need for people to stay at home as the number of Coronaviris cases in Virginia continues to rise.
“Stay at home unless you have to leave for essential reasons,” Northam said during his daily 2 p.m. press briefing Wednesday.
The governor announced additional measures to contain the spread of the virus. State parks will be open for daytime use only, beginning Friday.
Campgrounds, cabins and bath houses will be closed to the public.
As of Wednesday, 391 cases of Coronavirus had been confirmed in Virginia and nine people had died.
“We are just at the beginning. We are not talking about weeks, we are taking about months. And, unfortunately, these numbers are going to continue to rise,” Northam said.
Carilion Clinic in Roanoke said Wednesday morning that it treated six patients who have tested positive for Coronavirus.
Five of the patients are self-isolated in their homes, Carilion said.
The Virginia Department of Health said cases have been confirmed in Botetourt County, Rockbridge County and Roanoke County.
Northam said state officials are concerned about the strain growing cases could place on the state’s health care system.
Up to 10 medical professionals, some being trained in specialized care, will be needed to treat each coronavirus case, he said.
State officials are also concerned about a possible shortage of hospital beds. The state is in talks with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about constructing make-shift hospital units if the needs arises.
The state is also calling for medical professionals, including medical students and retired doctors and nurses, to volunteer their time to help handle the anticipated influx of patients.
Virginia Secretary of Finance Aubrey Lane applauded the U.S. Senate’s passage of a $2 billion stimulus package to boost the economy during the pandemic.
The package approved by the Senate would give $1,200 to individuals and $2,400 to married couples to help cope with the economic downturn. The direct payments from the federal government will be based on income.
The package also includes $350 billion for loans to small businesses. The loans could converted to grants if certain requirements are met.
The Senate is also providing $350 billion to boost unemployment benefits by $600 per week on top of state benefits for up to four months.
Northam said additional money has been added to SNAP benefits for families. The additional dollars will hopefully allow families to buy essential food items in bulk and reduce the number of trips to stores, he said.
