RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will delay the reopening of northern Virginia for two weeks as coronavirus outbreaks there remain much higher than the rest of the state.

Northern said Tuesday that he will delay the reopening in northern Virginia until at least May 29, two weeks after the rest of the state is expected to enter Phase One of his reopening plan.

Northam has signed an executive order extending mandated closures and restrictions on businesses in northern Virginia, after officials in the region requested the delay.

The state health department’s latest numbers Tuesday show Northern Virginia reporting 14,060 coronavirus cases, while Southwest Virginia is reporting 883 cases.

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