Virginia reports 940 new coronavirus cases, 44 more deaths

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia health officials reported 940 new coronavirus cases Sunday and another 44 deaths, the largest single-day increase in deaths for the state during the pandemic.

A total of 660 people in Virginia have died from the virus, according to data released Sunday by the Virginia Department of Health. The total number of cases in the state has reached 18,671, which includes 17,873 confirmed cases and 798 probable cases in people are symptomatic but have not been confirmed by a positive test.

Of the 660 deaths, 644 of those people tested positive for the virus, while 16 are probable cases. More than half of the deaths have been reported in nursing homes.

The number of positives cases has jumped in recent days as the state has increased its testing. Virginia has lagged behind many other states in testing. The Virginian-Pilot reports that approximately 5,800 more people had been tested overnight.

While the number of cases has increased, hospitalizations have declined for a fourth consecutive day, with 1,413 COVID-19 patients currently hospitalized, according to the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.

Gov. Ralph Northam has said he wants to see a 14-day decline in hospitalizations before the state can begin to reopen.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death. The vast majority of people recover.

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