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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has declared a state of emergency in response to novel coronavirus.

This will create more flexibility in the commonwealth’s ability to respond to the health crisis and resulting issues, Northam said.

At least 21 states plus Washington, D.C., have declared emergencies, which allows them to waive certain regulations. However, a governor has to ask the President to issue a declaration that would free up federal funds and kickstart the process to provide additional resources.