WATCH: Governor delays reopening of Northern Virginia later than rest of the state

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is delaying northern Virginia’s reopening amid the coronavirus outbreak until at least May 29, two weeks after the rest of the state is expected to reopen.

Watch Northam’s remarks in the video player above.

Northam said Tuesday he’s signed an executive order extending mandated closures and restrictions on businesses in northern Virginia, a heavily populated area where regional officials have said they’re not yet ready to reopen.

“Northern Virginia is our most populous region by far and shares its economy and its workforce with D.C. and Maryland,” said Northam.

“Our health metrics show that the majority of Virginia’s positive cases are in the Northern Virginia region. And while that region’s percentage of positive test is trending downward, it still has a higher percent of positive cases and of people hospitalized with a positive or pending test.”

Northam ordered some businesses closed two months ago and his planned first phase of reopening will retain severe restrictions.

“Phase one represents a small step forward, but we will remain vigilant,” said Northam.

“We will continue to monitor health data closely. I again want to remind all Virginians this virus has not gone away and everyone needs to act accordingly.”