Gov. Northam returned to his office today, 19 days after testing positive for COVID-19. Northam says he and his wife only had mild symptoms and have been cleared by the Richmond City Health Department to return to work.
Northam says 65 staff members and other contacts were tested and had isolated for at least 10 days and none has tested positive.
The Governor says the increase in Virginia's COVID-19 case numbers remains steady and that 15,000 to 20,000 tests are being performed in the state daily with the positivity rate remaining under 5% (most recently at 4.5%).
Northam asks Virginians to stay vigilant and to continue to practice social distancing, frequent handwashing, and to continue to wear masks in public indoor settings.
The Governor signed a bill today to give immunity from civil liability lawsuits for those who care for COVID-19 patients. He also signed a bill to make Juneteenth an official state holiday.
Virginia has distributed $220 million in Federal CARES Act money to schools around the state to help with COVID-19 preparedness and costs. An additional $30 million has been allocated for increasing broadband internet services in rural areas, and $12 million more has been earmarked for mortgage and rent assistance.
Northam says the state is working on a plan to give hazard pay to frontline health workers and first responders.
The state is also working on the Rebuild Virginia Program to help small businesses.
Meanwhile, a cut fiber optic cable in the Richmond area has affected several state agencies, including the state Board of Elections. Today is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming election, and the state Attorney General's office is looking at ways to possibly extend the deadline due to the computer outages.
More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.