Northam Takes to Twitter to Answer COVID-19 Questions

(Updated 7 p.m.) Gov. Ralph Northam has been hosting live-streamed briefings during recent weeks to provide updates on the coronavirus. But today (Thursday), he answered questions on Twitter.

Using #AskGovNortham, people tweeted concerns about personal protective equipment (PPE), claiming unemployment benefits and if Virginians will need documentation for destinations when traveling.

Tysons Reporter has compiled some of the information from the governor’s thread:

I know Virginians are hurting right now. Here's what we are doing:

✅ Suspending eviction proceedings until April 26th

✅ Developing a program to defer mortgage payments for mortgages backed by @VHDA

✅ Halting evictions for 60 days for people with housing choice vouchers https://t.co/FNst9uemlK

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020

On Monday, Northam issued a stay-at-home order for Virginia today as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state continues to climb.

The order, which went into effect immediately and will last until June 10, lets people leave their homes for essential services — including medical care, food, supplies, work and more — and social-distanced outdoor activities that do not involve gatherings larger than 10 people.

Our Commonwealth is large and geographically diverse, which means the virus may peak at different times in different places. We are developing a Virginia-specific model that will tell us more, but for now, we want all Virginians to be prepared for this to last months, not weeks. https://t.co/71Gyk14CJP

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020

In mid-March, local public health officials said they found evidence of community spread of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia.

As of Thursday, there are 1,706 confirmed cases and 41 deaths statewide, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church and towns in the county, reported 328 COVID-19 cases on Thursday. Five people have died from the novel coronavirus in Fairfax County.

On Wednesday, Northam said that Virginia will likely see “a surge in the number of people who test positive between late April and late May.”

▪️ We've directed hospitals to stop performing elective surgeries to conserve PPE
▪️ We've received our third shipment from the national stockpile
▪️ And we'll continue looking at any and all leads. Businesses who want to donate PPE should email [email protected]. https://t.co/ld8csR6ME0

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020

Absolutely. @VDOE_News has already requested any PPE not needed by our school staff be donated, and many have provided us with extra masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer. We're so grateful to our schools for pitching in to protect our healthcare workers and those in need. https://t.co/F2SUzoOiqI

— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) April 2, 2020

Image via Ralph Northam/Twitter