Virginia – The Virginia Department of Health is reporting 274,438 cases of the coronavirus on Friday. Of those cases, 238,281 are confirmed and 36,157 are probable
VDH reports an increase of 3,395 cases from Thursday.
The total number of deaths is 4,370, an increase of 35 deaths from Thursday.
The state’s positivity rate is 10.8%.
Gov. Ralph Northam announced a modified stay-at-home order during a briefing on Thursday.
Northam announced the state will go under the order beginning Monday, Dec. 14, at 12:01 a.m.
The order will exclude those going to work or engaging in other essential travel, such as obtaining food and goods and seeking medical attention.
The Virginia Healthcare and Hospital Association dashboard on Friday reports that there are 1,749 patients hospitalized and 366 hospitalized awaiting results. Of those numbers, 427 are in the ICU and 216 are on a ventilator.
The VHHA reports that 26,190 people have been hospitalized and discharged since the beginning of the pandemic.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical. include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the VDH encourages the following effective behaviors:
- 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.
- 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 touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid contact with sick people
- Avoid non-essential travel
