RICHMOND, Va. – The number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia has risen to 15,846, an increase of 885 in 24 hours.

The Virginia Department of Health reported 552 coronavirus-related deaths in the state as of Thursday, an increase of 30 from Wednesday’s figure of 522.

2,322 people have been hospitalized. 90,843 people have been tested.

Gov. Ralph Northam must now decide whether to extend nonessential business closures  past May 8, when his current order expires. Some Republicans have been pushing Northam, a Democrat, to open sooner, like some other Southern states have done.

Northam said Wednesday that he’s continuing to look at data on testing, hospitalization and other information before deciding whether to extend that order. He reiterated that he is open to the idea of opening businesses on a regional basis.

“We’re going to do it as soon as we can, as soon as it can be safely,” Northam said.