VA New Cases Hit Low In May, Northam Faces Backlash At Beach

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Health reported 495 additional cases of the new coronavirus Sunday, the lowest number of new cases since April 20. The latest cumulative totals are 36,244 cases, 1,171 deaths and 4,214 hospitalizations.

The Virginia Department of Health has posted Northern Virginia-specific data on key metrics as officials eye Friday, May 29 as the potential start to phase one of reopening. Northern Virginia, city of Richmond and Accomack County had a delayed start to phase one, while the rest of the commonwealth started easing restrictions on May 15.

The percentage of positive tests is on a downward trend for the region, although the percentage remains higher than the statewide average. The latest 7-day positivity rate for only polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests was 23.2 percent on May 20. Daily tests completed are trending upward for the region. The statewide 7-day positivity rate for PCR tests is 14.4 percent, down from 14.7 percent Friday. When including PCR and antibody tests, the positivity rate is 13.1 percent.

Hospitalizations have been relatively flat in Virginia, but COVID-19 patients make up a greater portion of all hospital patients in Northern Virginia. On Sunday, there were 601 hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in Northern Virginia, the lowest number since April 23.

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Statewide, the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association reported 1,351 people with pending or confirmed coronavirus test results currently hospitalized, down from 1,459 Friday. A total of 5,102 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from hospitals, up from 4,963 on Friday.

As of Sunday, 192 COVID-19 patients were using ventilators, down from 207 Friday. A total of 612 ventilators of 2,954 available at hospitals are in use, representing 21-percent use in Virginia. No hospitals are experiencing difficulty obtaining or restocking protective gear or other medical supplies in the next 72 hours.

Here are the latest cumulative case updates for our coverage areas:

• Alexandria: 1,733 cases, 175 hospitalizations, 38 deaths
• Arlington County: 1,873 cases, 364 hospitalizations, 98 deaths
• Fairfax County: 8,989 cases, 1,194 hospitalizations, 327 deaths
• Fairfax City: 52 cases, six hospitalizations, three deaths
• Falls Church: 47 cases, 10 hospitalizations, five deaths
• Loudoun County: 1,821 cases, 150 hospitalizations, 52 deaths
• Manassas: 806 cases, 59 hospitalizations, seven deaths
• Manassas Park: 239 cases, 28 hospitalizations, four deaths
• Prince William County: 4,468 cases, 414 hospitalizations, 84 deaths
• Fredericksburg: 118 cases, 15 hospitalizations, no deaths
• Spotsylvania County: 401 cases, 34 hospitalizations, five deaths
• Stafford County: 581 cases, 67 hospitalizations, four deaths

Northam visits Virginia Beach without mask

Virginia Beach was allowed to open beaches for recreation on Friday, May 22. One of the visitors over Memorial Day weekend was Gov. Ralph Northam, who faced backlash for not wearing a face covering.

The governor was spotted outside taking selfies with visitors and talking with members of the media on Saturday. Northam is expected to announce a policy requiring face masks this week. NBC12 reports that the policy will cover public places indoors.

The governor responded in a statement to NBC12.

Northam expressed support for how the beach reopening unfolded in Virginia Beach, according to the Virginian-Pilot. Virginia Beach's visitors are allowed to sunbathe, swim, fish, surf and exercise but are urged to follow social distancing guidelines. Parking is capped at 50 percent capacity.

Part of the city's plan for enforcement involves beach ambassadors, who patrol beaches and remind visitors to practice social distancing. Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer told the Virginian-Pilot visitors have overall been cooperative. He added that police were on hand for enforcement but did not know of any concerns on Saturday.

Virginia Beach was the only locality approved to open beaches for recreation. Beaches in other localities can only be open for fishing and exercise. Northam previously said Virginia Beach's beach reopening plan should be a model for other beachfront localities.

SEE ALSO:

• Mask Mandate Policy To Be Revealed By Virginia Governor
• Virginia Reports Smallest Daily Jump In Hospitalizations Of Week