RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Governor Ralph Northam addressed why the state tax deadline cannot be extended to July 15, which is the extended deadline for filing federal taxes.
Northam said during a Wednesday news briefing that state officials previously extended Virginia's tax payment deadline from May 1 to June 1, but May 1 remains the filing deadline.
"We're on different cycles at the state level than we are at the national level," Northam explained. "And... unlike the national level, we can't print money here in Virginia."
The governor said another reason the deadline cannot be extended is that the state's budget cycle ends on June 30.
"We need to balance our budget," Northam said. "We need to continue to keep our essential services open."
Northam also announced Wednesday he is extending Executive Order 53, which temporarily closed restaurant dining sections, entertainment/recreational businesses, and non-essential retail businesses that could not practice social distancing and was set to expire on April 23, for another two weeks until May 8.
“We will continue to monitor health data in the meantime to determine what needs to happen after that,” Northam explained . “It’s important to remember that the stay-at-home order remains in effect until June 10.”
Virginia health officials reported Wednesday that the death toll in the state from the coronavirus has jumped to 195, an increase of 41 deaths from the 154 reported Tuesday.
The Virginia Department of Health reported that 6,500 people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19 out of a total of more than 44,000 people tested.
The total number of cases in Virginia increased by 300, from 6,200 on Tuesday.
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.