(Tuesday, March 17, 2020) – Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is calling on residents and businesses to operate with common sense, saying everyone has a role to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.  The governor made that statement as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Virginia hit 67 with two deaths.  Northam also announced he wants Virginians to follow the federal guidelines of limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people and  persons 65 and older should self-quarantine.

Northam stopped short of an overall mandate, limiting his suggestions to recommendations.  He has also called on all bars and restaurants to curtail their operations and said that St. Patrick’s Day activities should be cancelled.  “I want everyone to practice good sense and judgement.  We all have to think of others.  I want young people to think of your parents and grandparents.”  He wants restaurants to move to deliveries and takeouts.

The governor is providing relief for those impacted by the coronavirus guidelines.  Persons who become unemployed will have the usual one-week waiting period waved.  Northam is closing down the state MVA and said persons whose licenses expire will have a 60-day extension if they are not able to do on-line services.