The number of known COVID-19 cases in Arlington County has risen above the 100 mark.
There are currently 104 reported cases in the county, a 20% jump from just a day earlier. There are now 1,250 cases, 165 hospitalizations, 27 deaths, and 13,401 people tested statewide, according to new Virginia Dept. of Health data. Arlington’s larger neighbor, Fairfax County, is now reporting 244 cases.
On Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay at home order for the Commonwealth through June 10, with potential criminal penalties for many gatherings of 10 or more people, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. There are exceptions for buying food and beverages, caring for family members, going to work, certain volunteer work, and exercising outside.
County officials echoed Northam’s call for hunkering down at home.
“Every Arlingtonian must do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Board Chair Libby Garvey said in a press release. “It will take all of us complying, not just most of us. Social distancing and frequent handwashing are the best way to combat the coronavirus. So stay at home to help save lives.”
“We have to protect our most precious asset in Arlington — people,” said County Manager Mark Schwartz. “The coronavirus affects people of all ages. People who are gathering still put themselves, their neighbors, our healthcare workers and other frontline personnel at risk.”
Garvey promised enforcement of the governor’s order.
“Those few people who have not been taking the COVID-19 crisis seriously and who have not been taking the responsible measures we all must take with social distancing are likely to experience increased enforcement,” she said.