Poll: What Do You Think of Virginia’s COVID-19 Response?

Virginia is ranked #35 for states with the most aggressive response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new report by WalletHub.

WalletHub says the rankings for the 50 states and D.C. were determined after weighting 51 metrics under three dimensions:  “Prevention & Containment,” “Risk Factors & Infrastructure” and “Economic Impact.”

New York topped the “Most Aggressive States Against the Coronavirus” report’s list of states with the most aggressive measures against the virus, while Oklahoma came in last.

Virginia’s Response 

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in the state.

As of today, there are 3,333 confirmed cases and 63 deaths statewide, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County, has the highest number of cases in the state with 532 cases as of today.

Gov. Ralph Northam issues a stay-at-home order last Monday (March 30).

The order, which 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. Gatherings of 10 people or more are currently banned.

Recreation and entertainment businesses have been ordered closed, while restaurants and retailers have been able to stay open under modified operations — restaurants can stay open for delivery and take-out options, while non-essential businesses must limit the number of shoppers in stores.

Recently, Northam urged Virginians to wear cloth face masks or coverings to reduce the spread of the virus — especially by asymptomatic people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people wear cloth face coverings — not surgical masks or N-95 respirators that medical workers need.

What Other States Are Doing

Nearby, all non-essential businesses are temporarily closed in Maryland and D.C., which both have stay at home orders. In WalletHub’s report, D.C. was ranked #2, while Maryland was #13.

Other states have taken different approaches to combating the virus.

On March 19, California’s governor announced a statewide shelter-in-place order — restricting Californians to only essential errands.

MSN reported yesterday (Monday) that Iowa’s governor is urging people to stay home but has not made it an order, while Oklahoma’s governor has only ordered people who are elderly or who have immunodeficiencies to stay home.

Let Tysons Reporter know in the poll below what you think of Virginia’s response so far to the pandemic.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash