See below for video of Gov. Ralph Northam, speaking on the one-year anniversary of the first case of COVID-19 in Virginia:
“One year ago today, on March 7th, Virginia reported its first positive coronavirus case – at Fort Belvoir. None of us could have imagined what was coming, or how the pandemic would touch every one of us in virtually every aspect of our lives. Tragically, we have lost more than 9,000 Virginians to this disease, leaving behind families, friends and neighbors to mourn loved ones lost too soon. Many Virginians have suffered other losses – lost jobs, lost income, a loss of security, and of knowing what will happen next lives. For the past year, our lives have been different. We have changed our habits – wearing masks, socializing outside and maintaining 6 feet of distance from others. Weighing risks we never had to consider a year ago. For far too many people, life will never be the same again. It has been a hard year, but I have been so encouraged by the resilience and strength of Virginians in very corner of our Commonwealth. I am proud of Virginia. And we continue to see such generosity – people stepping up and doing their part to keep our community safe and healthy. One year into this pandemic, we are seeing an ever-brighter light at the end of a long tunnel. We are putting vaccines into thousands of arms every day, and around 16% of Virginians have had their first shot. And we are exceeding our goal of administering 50,000 doses each day. The vaccines are our way forward to a more normal life like we had a year ago. To every Virginian, I thank you for your hard work and sacrifice over this past year, and I encourage you to get vaccinated when your turn comes. In the meantime, please keep wearing masks, washing your hands and social distancing. It’s been a long year, but the end of this pandemic is in sight. There is every reason to be hopeful that things are getting better for all of us.”
One year ago today, Virginia confirmed its first case of COVID-19 at Fort Belvoir.
It has been a year filled with much loss, but Virginians have met every challenge with resilience and generosity.
And today, we are seeing an ever-brighter light at the end of a long tunnel. pic.twitter.com/1C5xEOf2dR
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) March 7, 2021
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