Virginia Could Take Away Teacher Pay Raise Due to Coronavirus

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…

Virginia’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is providing emergency benefits to aid in COVID-19 relief. Participants will receive the maximum benefit possible for March and April, under a provision included in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. People who would want to apply for SNAP benefits may apply online or by phone (855)635-4370. –WTVR

Five things you need to know today …

1. Coronavirus cases up to 463 in Virginia- There are currently 463 cases of the novel coronavirus in Virginia, with 65 new cases since March 25. As of Tuesday, the Virginia Department of Health has tested 5,370 people. The new cases were scattered throughout the state, with eight new cases each in Arlington, James City County and Loudoun County. – WSLS
   
   
2. Unemployment Claims Hit Records in State– Nearly 47,000 people filed unemployment claims in Virginia last week, marking another grim record in the novel coronavirus pandemic. Within a week, the number of claims filed jumped nearly 18 times higher, from 2,706 claims last week to 46,885 this week. The same effect is happening across the entire United States. Over 3 million Americans filed for unemployment last week, which made it the highest number of claims since October 1982, when 695,000 claims were filed. – Dogwood
   
   
3. Virginia ABC Reducing Hours in Stores- Virginia ABC stores will be reducing their hours starting Friday, March 27. Announced on March 26, the authority said stores will remain open for as long as they can safely do so during the coronavirus pandemic. Virginia ABC urged residents to follow Gov. Northam’s recommendations to limit their gatherings to less than 10 people. The authority also encourages social distancing by ordering through their online store.  –NBC 29
   
   
4. Virginia Lawmakers Could Take Teacher Pay Raise due to Coronavirus- Earlier this month Virginia lawmakers passed a budget that included a pay raise for teachers for the first time in years. But that pay raise may disappear after projected state revenues drop significantly due to the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Ralph Northam is likely to make serious changes to the budget as before it is sent to legislators for a final vote. – Dogwood
   
   
5. Gov. Northam Orders a Stop on Elective Surgeries- Gov. Ralph Northam has required all hospitals in the state to stop all elective surgeries and procedures. The governor aims to conserve medical supplies, such as face masks and gloves, and medical beds during the COVID-19 pandemic. This directive does not apply to procedures that would harm a patient if delayed. Before the order, many hospitals had already postponed these surgeries. –WAVY