Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The head of the Richmond and Henrico health districts is explaining the reasoning behind the decisions to close schools and limit gathers. Dr. Danny Avula says the goal is to "flatten the curve" in an epidemic.
Avula says a surge of cases is coming, as was seen in Italy. In fact, American numbers, according to Avula, are tracking similarly to what has been seen in Italy. However, Avula says if inetractions are limited, the disease may spread more slowly.
Avula says the goal is to prevent the surge of cases from getting so large that hospitals will be overwhelmed. While 80% of cases will likely be mild, five percent will be intensive, and in real numbers, that ends up being a large number of cases.
All Virginia schools are closed for two weeks, and all major area events have been postponed or cancelled.