Dogwood Daily: Virginia Schools Close for Two Weeks

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up.

But first…

On Friday afternoon Gov. Ralph Northam ordered all K-12 school in Virginia to close starting Monday, March 16, until March 27. In a statement Northam said they were closing schools to “keep Virginians as safe and healthy as possible, and to minimize exposure to COVID-19.” Several school districts and universities had already chosen to shut down. You can see our list here.

Five things you need to know today …

1. 30 Cases of Coronavirus Confirmed in Virginia: According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are 30 Virginians who have been infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus. Fairfax County and James City County have the highest number of cases with six and seven each, respectively. There are no details about the new cases just yet. Virginia hospital administrators said their primary concern is the lack of tests and equipment, like ventilators and masks. – Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
2. Doctors Share How to Treat Virus: Without a vaccine or antiviral medication for the coronavirus, doctors are strongly suggesting that we go back to basics in order to manage the symptoms. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of the virus include shortness of breath, cough and fever. However, symptoms vary from person to person. Common medicine like acetaminophen and ibuprofen will manage a fever, while cough syrup will help with breathing.- WHSV 3
   
3. Dominion Bill Dies in Extended General Assembly Session: Legislation that would have give Dominion Energy the power to purchase, manage or control electrical school buses died in conference committee after members couldn’t resolve issues. Critics said the bill could’ve expanded the monopoly that Dominion currently has over the state’s energy industry. – the Daily Press
   
4. Officials Urge Residents to Look into Private Labs for Coronavirus Testing: Health officials are encouraging Virginia residents who don’t meet the state’s official risk assessment to pursue coronavirus testing through private labs. LabCorp and Quest, the two largest private laboratories in the nation, announced that they were releasing their own coronavirus tests for doctors and health care providers. Dr. Lillian Peake, the state epidemiologist, warns of the state’s limited test availability. “Testing at the state lab is being prioritized for people who have respiratory symptoms and were in contact with a confirmed case,” said Peake.   –Virginia Mercury
   
5. Arlington Cemetery Closed in Response to Coronavirus, Funerals will Continue: In a series of tweets, Arlington National Cemetery announced its closure on Friday in response to the pandemic, but said that funerals will continue as planned. Families arriving for the funeral are asked to remain in their cars before queuing up and the rest of the cemetery will only be open to those with a family pass. – Richmond Times-Dispatch