RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued a warning after the state reported 1,245 positive COVID-19 cases Saturday. That marked the largest single-day jump since 1,284 cases were reported June 7.
We will be watching the public health data closely over the weekend––if the numbers don't come down, we may have to take additional steps to blunt the spread of this virus.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) July 25, 2020
Wear a mask and practice physical distancing so we don't have to move back.
Be smart and stay safe.
"We will be watching the public health data closely over the weekend –– if the numbers don't come down, we may have to take additional steps to blunt the spread of this virus," Northam wrote in a tweet posted at 1:45 p.m.
The governor urged folks to wear a mask and practice physical distancing "so we don't have to move back."
"Be smart and stay safe," Northam urged.
Saturday marked the third day this week the state has recorded more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases.
Click here for complete city/county-by-county breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Virginia
Virginia entered Phase 3 on Wednesday, July 1, which allowed entertainment venues like museums, zoos, and other outdoor sites to open at 50% capacity with a cap of 1,000 people.
Additionally, the capacity caps were lifted for restaurants and non-essential retail and rules for social gatherings expanded to allow up to 250 people.
Gyms and fitness centers were allowed increase to up to 75% of capacity and swimming pools were allowed to reopen at 75% of capacity -- with physical distancing
More than 83,600 Virginians have tested positive for COVID-19 since the state's first case was reported at Fort Belvoir on March 7. There have been 2,075 COVID-19 related deaths statewide during that same time period.
These localities saw the biggest jumps in COVID-19 cases Saturday:
Hampton Roads
Virginia Beach: 3,448 (+329)
Chesapeake: 2,079 (+126)
Norfolk: 2,661 (+76)
Portsmouth: 1,225 (+60)
Newport News: 1,385 (+29)
Hampton: 848 (+26)
Suffolk: 886 (+24)
York: 270 (+11)
Northern Virginia
Prince William: 8,417 (+47)
Fairfax: 15,265 (+34)
Loudon: 4,796 (+27)
Alexandria: 2,687 (+25)
Arlington: 2,801 (+18)
Central Virginia
Henrico: 3,261 (+71)
Chesterfield: 3,702 (+29)
Hanover: 557 (+11)
Additional Localities:
Bedford: 234 (+17)
Lynchburg: 312 (+11)
Albemarle: 695 (+10)
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Depend on CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for the most complete coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.