Virginia Governor issues stay-at-home order

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order Monday during his 2 p.m. press conference.

The governor previously said he planned to make a "major announcement" about Virginia's response to COVID-19 during the press conference.

The order would still allow for people to leave their homes for certain essential activities like shopping for food and seeking medical treatment.

State health officials revealed Monday more than 1,000 Virginia had tested positive for the virus which has killed, to date, 25 people in Virginia.

Governor Northam previously stated he was coordinating response efforts with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

Governor Hogan said Monday that no Maryland resident should leave home unless it is for an essential job or an essential reason such as getting food and medicine or seeking urgent medical attention. Hogan says the order will be effective at 8 p.m. Monday.

Last week, Northam explained why he had not yet issued a stay-at-home order.

"As I've said throughout this process, we are looking at this as a very dynamic situation," Northam said during a Friday news briefing on the COVID-19 crisis. "It changes literally hourly. We monitor that and make decisions that we think are appropriate."

Northam then responded directly about why he has not issued a stay-at-home order like some other governors.

"OK, we're talking semantics here," Northam said. "We're talking about how to enforce this. I, I think if you go back and listen to my comments, not only from today, but from previous days, I have said repeatedly stay at home unless it's essential that you get out."

This story was originally published on WTVR.