Three Virginia Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19

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…

In response to the critical shortage of face masks, Arlington volunteer group Million Mask Challenge has sewn over 2,500 masks for the doctors, nurses and other health professionals working for COVID-19 relief.  – Dogwood

Five things you need to know today …

1. Virginia COVID-19 Cases Reach 1,484, 34 Reported Deaths in the State- Virginia’s COVID-19 case total has reached 1,484 in total, with an increase of 464 positive cases since Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order on Monday. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Northam warned that Virginia might see a surge in cases in April and May. “I want Virginians to be realistic in their expectations. You need to know the truth, no sugar coating,” said Northam. There are currently 208 people hospitalized and 34 confirmed deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health. – WRIC
   
2. Three Virginia Inmates are Diagnosed with COVID-19- The Virginia Department of Corrections announced Tuesday that three inmates had tested positive for COVID-19. These mark the first three confirmed cases among inmates in a state correctional facility. The three women were incarcerated at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland. The department has confirmed that three employees and one contractor also tested positive. – Dogwood
   
3. Sheetz Announces Free Meal Programs for Virginia Kids- Starting on Thursday, Sheetz will be providing a free meal for Virginia children who need it. The meal, which consists of a turkey sandwich, chips and a drink, will be free of cost and available on a daily basis while supplies last for the next two weeks. The free meals will be available in participating stores in Roanoke, St. Christiansburg, Salem, Rocky Mount, South Boston and Wytheville. – WSLS
   
4. Richmond Has First Two Coronavirus Deaths, Both Men Worked for Greyhound- The Richmond Health District announced that two Richmond men in their 70s died from complications with COVID-19, the first deaths the city has seen. Both men reportedly spent time in New Jersey, according to the news release. Both men were also Greyhound employees, a driver instructor and driver manager. The bus company is not releasing the names of the deceased. – Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
5. Northam Encourages Absentee Votes, GOP Questions the Timing of Stay-At-Home Order- Virginia Republicans questioned the timing Gov. Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order, claiming that it will hamper the GOP’s June primary election. Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Jack Wilson said in an interview that Northam should “be more clear” so voters will “know they’re permitted to go vote on June 9”. Alena Yarmosky, a spokeswoman for Northam, said it was “not a time for partisan politics.”- Richmond Times-Dispatch