Gov. Ralph Northam on Sunday banned all events in the state with more than 100 people.
Hours later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that gatherings of 50 people or more in nation be canceled or postponed over the next eight weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The dramatic recommendation Sunday night came as Americans struggled to come to terms with how to change their daily habits.
The CDC added that proper precautions should be taken at any event, including making sure people are washing their hands and not getting too close.
But in a sign of the difficulty of striking the right balance, the statement from the CDC also said the recommendation does not apply to “the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses.”
James City County became the epicenter of Virginia’s coronavirus outbreak, having the first virus-related death in the state.
Northam strongly urged residents, specifically in the Peninsula, to limit contact with large crowds.
“If you’re planning to go to a restaurant, church or a bar on the Peninsula, I would discourage you from doing so,” Northam said, stopping short of ordering a full statewide quarantine. “These are critical steps to reduce and slow the spread of this virus.” (Story continues below the gallery).
The first death was in James City County — a man in his 70s who acquired COVID-19 through an unknown source. The cause of death was respiratory failure as a result of COVID-19.
As of Monday, Virginia had 51 people who have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), Northam said, citing a report from the Virginia Department of Health.
James City County had 10 positive cases, according to VDH’s website Monday. York County has one.
Officials from James City County, Williamsburg, York County, Newport News, Hampton and Poquoson issued a joint statement Saturday night, urging Peninsula residents “to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people. This includes church services, civic/social organization meetings, and public events and festivities.”
Empty shelves greeted shoppers in the Peninsula, as most sought-after items like toilet paper, hand sanitizers and cleaners, were out of stock.
Several store chains modified their hours and are closing early – mostly to disinfect the stores and, for some, re-stock shelves.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
RELATED STORIES:
- Five things you need to know: Traveling during the threat of coronavirus
- Northam bans gatherings of 100+, discourages going to Peninsula restaurants, bars as 1st coronavirus death hits James City County
- Coronavirus: Aldi, Walmart, Trader Joe’s adjust hours
- Here’s a list of events canceled due to the coronavirus
