While Alexandria and Fairfax County are seeing more cases of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the number of cases across the commonwealth appear to be flattening.
Fairfax County reported 40 new positive cases on Tuesday, bringing the total to more than 1,200. There have been 21 total deaths. On Wednesday, the Alexandria Health Department confirmed 26 additional cases of COVID-19 and two additional fatalities in Alexandria, bringing the total number of cases to 273 (including 6 fatalities).
There are more than 6,500 cases in Virginia, including 195 deaths. The vast majority of people who get COVID-19 recover.
Physical distancing seems to be slowing the spread of coronavirus, Gov. Northam said Wednesday afternoon. While the state is still seeing a large number of new cases, it looks like hospitals will be able to manage the expected surge in cases later this month.
“But if we let off the brakes and let things to go back to the way they were, we’ll see another spike in cases that could overwhelm our hospitals,” he said.
That’s why Gov. Northam is extending his March 24 executive order for an additional two weeks. That means that gatherings of more than 10 people will remain banned, and entertainment and recreation and personal care businesses will remain closed, until at least May 8. In addition, restaurants are limited to carry-out or delivery orders only.
The stay-at-home order remains in effect through June 10 for Virginia residents, which very strongly encourages Virginia residents to stay home for all but absolutely essential trips out.
