JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has issued a mandatory closure for government offices on the Peninsula for two weeks.
In addition to the closures, the governor issued a ban on events with more than 50 people on the Peninsula.
On a state-wide level, the governor has banned events with more than 100 people.
James City County Chairman Jim Icenhour confirmed to 13NewsNow the first death happened in James City County. The patient was a man in his 70s who contracted the virus through an unknown source.
As government offices close, emergency services and grocery stores will remain open.
Sandra Harvey Pankey, a resident of James City County said people should take self distancing seriously.
"Everybody should watch who they are associating with, keeping themselves healthy," said James City County resident Sandra Harvey Pankey.
Other shoppers, like Anthony Dipette, said they're approaching the coronavirus differently.
"If it wasn’t as advertised as a big deal than it would just be a regular flu season and everybody will be going about their business but I understand the concern," said Anthony Dipette.
Other's, like Teresa Diehl said they're concerned about the new restrictions.
"What happens if somebody in the next 14 days, 16 days comes down with it? Do we go with another 14 days out of school and things being shut down. Where does it end?," said Teresa Diehl.
Icenhour spoke with Governor Ralph Northam about the closures.
"When we made that original announcement it was for two weeks and we will take a look at it and evaluate. I think at that point, if we're still in the middle of it, it will probably be extended," said Icenhour.
Icenhour spoke about the state's first coronavirus death in James City County.
"It was a little unsettling but probably not unexpected, because we have a high percentage of people who are retired, elderly, and a lot of travel. I know a tremendous number of people in my community who have been overseas traveling," said Icenhour.
Icenhour emphasized the need to stay healthy.
"Social distancing is the critical thing for us in order to slow down the spread of this, in order from keep from overwhelming the medical facilities we have, it's really important that everybody participates," said Icenhour.
All Peninsula county offices will be closed until March 29th.