Northam Orders a Stay-At-Home Mandate For Virginia in Response 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…

The Virginia Tourism Corp. has declared this “Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week” in an effort to support local Virginia restaurants. –Richmond Times-Dispatch

Five things you need to know today …

1. Northam Announces Stay at Home Order Until June 10- Gov. Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order for Virginia in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Residents are only allowed to leave their homes for essential activities like seeking medical treatment, banking or shopping for food. The order also cancels all in-person classes for Virginia universities and closes beaches, except for fishing and exercise. “We need everyone to take this seriously and act responsibly,” said Northam. The order is until June 10. – Dogwood
   
   
2. 1,025 Cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, 124 new cases statewide- There are currently 1,025 “presumptively positive” cases of coronavirus in Virginia, with 124 new cases since Sunday. Three localities have reported their first case of COVID-19: Smyth, King William and Henry counties. The Virginia Department of Health has tested over 12,038 people as of Monday at 9 a.m. – WSLS
   
   
3. Average Gas Price Drops 59 Cents Since Last Year- Virginia’s average gas prices have dropped to $1.85 per gallon, the lowest price since 2015, according to the American Automobile Association. Several cities and counties are paying significantly less than the state average. In metro areas, gas prices dropped by as much as 15 cents this week. Cumberland county has the cheapest gas at $1.14 per gallon. – NBC 12
   
   
4. Several Liberty University Students Exhibit COVID-19 Symptoms- After returning to campus after spring break nearly a dozen Liberty University students have exhibited symptoms of the coronavirus. The university, located in Lynchburg, made the unusual decision to have students return last week, even though classes will be held online. –Dogwood
   
   
5. Virginia Hospitals Prepare for Influx of Patients- Several Virginia hospitals are working to prepare for an influx of patients that could occur due to COVID-19 pandemic.  The Mary Washington Hospital of Fredericksburg has created a make-shift field hospital to handle patients beyond what it can handle, while VCU Medical Center moved students’ belongings out of a dorm to convert it to a hospital for non-COVID-19 patients. – Virginia Mercury