Governor Ralph Northam announced the selection of three Alternative Care Sites in Virginia which will handle overflow hospital capacity during the coronavirus/COVID-19 case surge expected sometime in May.

The sites include the Dulles Expo Center in Northern Virginia, the Hampton Roads Convention Center and the Richmond Convention Center. These sites combined can house over 1,100 acute beds or over 1,800 non-acute beds. Northam says the sites will be ready in six weeks. Sites in Charlottesville and Roanoke are expected to be evaluated next week.

The Federal Government approved Virginia's request for a Major Disaster Declaration which will bring funding for hospital supplies and equipment, and funding for food and shelter for up to 1,500 homeless Virginians. Clark Mercer, the Governor's Chief of Staff, says more than 500 hotels in the state have joined in the effort and will accept the housing vouchers.

More than 114,000 Virginians applied for unemployment benefits in the past week. The Virginia Employment Commission is increasing its website capacity and upping its call center staff. Benefits will also be made available for self-employed workers. To file for unemployment benefits, visit the VEC Website or call 1-866-832-2363.

The Governor has directed state agency heads to re-examine expenditures and find budget cuts. A state government hiring freeze has been implemented.

Northam says state parks and public lands remain open, but that people must abide by social distancing and no group gatherings guidelines. "We will be watching this weekend. I don't want to have to close these lands," Northam said.

State Health Commissioner, Dr. M. Norman Oliver, says Virginia is experiencing widespread community transmission of the coronavirus and noted that there have been more than 500 new cases in the past two days, and five deaths in the last 24 hours. He says his department has analyzed data from several models and a surge in coronavirus/COVID-19 cases is expected in Virginia sometime in May.

Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Dr. Daniel Carey, says his department is committed to finding all the personal protective equipment (PPE) the state needs. "Getting supplies is still an issue, but we're doing everything we can."

Northam once again asked faith communities to use alternative means of worship including online sermons and drive-in services.

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