Governor Northam says the latest data models from the University of Virginia predict a peak surge in coronavirus/COVID-19 cases in the state sometime in late April or early May.
Northam says the stay-at-home order and social distancing measures are working to slow the spread of the virus and are keeping Virginia's hospital capacity manageable, but lifting the order too early could cause a second, even higher spike in cases.
"We need to keep doing what we're doing," Northam said. "Social distancing is the best tool to fight this."
Northam has made some modifications to the state budget bill which would eliminate more than $2 billion in descretionary spending over the next two years. The bill now goes back to the General Assembly for approval.
Dr. Laurie Forlano, head of the state's task force helping nursing homes and long-term care facilities, says there was another outbreak in a facility over the weekend and that the task force was able to provide testing, PPE and supplemental staffing for the facility quickly.
State Health Commissioner, Dr. M. Norman Oliver, says his department is continuing to work with health care providers to collect race and ethnicity data at the time of testing in order to make sure minority communities are getting the care and information they need.
The Governor also announced a new educational program for use by Virginia teachers and students called "Virtual Virginia" that will allow teachers to hold virtual classes with their students.
Northam says he will make an announcement on Wednesday concerning the closure of personal care businesses such as barber shops and hair salons. The Governor's original executive order closing those businesses was set to expire on April 23, but Northam may extend the closures since Virginia has not reached its peak case surge yet.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 -WSET.