Governor Northam says the multi-phase reopening plan offered by the White House this week is consistent with what's already being done in Virginia.
The Governor says the updated CDC Guidelines for reopening start with 14 days of decreasing case numbers, but he says Virginia is not there yet. The Virginia Department of Health reported today 602 new coronavirus cases in the state from the previous day, which is the highest single day number of new cases so far.
Northam says Virginia would also need more testing equipment and supplies, and a better ability to trace contacts and isolate those who test positive before the state can look to easing stay-at-home and business restrictions.
The Governor says he continues to coordinate plans with the governors of Maryland and North Carolina as well as the mayor of Washington, DC.
Northam reminds Virginians to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines and the recommendation to wear masks out in public. He says these measures are working to slow the spread of the virus and keeping cases to a level that Virginia hospitals can handle.
The state has received a shipment of personal protective equipment (PPE) including 24,000 N95 masks along with gowns and gloves. Northam says getting enough supplies, though, is still a problem.
Northam issued an Executive Order easing the licensing procedures for some health care professionals including Nurse Practitioners and out-of-state physicians in order to help with staffing shortages, especially in long-term care facilities.
In addition, volunteer health care workers from the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps have been assigned to many long-term care facilities.
Northam has urged local authorities to use alternatives to sending someone to jail, such as home monitoring. This has led to a 17% decrease in Virginia's local jail population in the past month.
More than 400,000 Virginians have applied for unemployment benefits in the past month. Northam says the Virginia Employment Commission has added several new call centers and 50 more workers to help process applications.
Workers with special circumstances, such as temporary workers, gig workers and the self-employed, are urged to apply for unemployment benefits due to new federal qualification guidelines.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.