Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has issued a limited state of emergency aimed at providing operational relief for hospitals and healthcare workers strained due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
Northam said on Monday that the 30-day state of emergency will expand bed capacity limits and increase staffing at hospitals.
“The goal is to provide some relief to hospitals by providing more beds, which the hospitals say they need and in particular the hospitals need more help with their staffing throughout the system,” said Cynthia Bailey, counsel to the governor, during a press conference. “It expands who can do work in Virginia, who has an out-of-state license.”
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The order allows out-of-state providers with active licenses, in good standing, to practice in Virginia, including through telemedicine. It also allows more flexibility for those that can administer vaccines, among other temporary measures.
Over 3,500 patients are hospitalized in Virginia as a result of COVID-19, with a seven-day average of 3,118 patients hospitalized as of Jan 9., according to a press release. It also stated that an increasing number of flu and respiratory syncytial virus cases are contributing to the strain on hospitals.
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Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin will take office later this week on Jan. 15 and could rescind the state of emergency order if he chooses. Northam indicated in the press conference that he has spoken with Youngkin and anticipates he will have his support.
“Health care workers and hospitals are exhausted, and they are again facing increasing numbers of patients, affecting their ability to provide care,” Northam said. “These steps will help ease the strain, giving medical professionals more flexibility to care for people.”
