Masks in Public in Virginia are Very Likely in Response to 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…

This Virginia school isn’t letting the coronavirus ruin their spirit week. Without violating Northam’s remote learning order, these Dinwiddie teachers are finding creative ways to celebrate spirit week with their students. –Dogwood. 

Five things you need to know today …

1. Virginia Coronavirus Cases Reach Over 2,000, 46 Deaths Total- Coronavirus cases have topped over 2,000 in Virginia, with 312 hospitalizations and 46 deaths. The Virginia Health Department has reported 2,012 positive cases as of this morning. There is a chance that the Virginia Department of Health potentially under-reported these figures. On Wednesday, State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver reported 305 hospitalizations, but the VDH only reported 246. –WAVY
   
   
2. Masks in Public in Virginia Likely due to COVID-19 Pandemic- While not finalized, public health guidance is beginning to shift toward wearing non-medical masks in public in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Since medical grade masks are in short supply, the new guidance suggests t-shirts or bandannas to cover the nose and mouth while in public, even if you don’t exhibit symptoms. –WTOP
   
   
3. Gov. Ralph Northam Orders a Hiring Freeze in Government Jobs- Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered a hiring freeze of state employees and told agency heads to look for ways to cut their budgets during the pandemic. Chief of staff Clark Mercer told agency heads in a memo that a recession is coming. According to Mercer, state revenues will be far below “even our pessimistic forecast” from last year.  – Dogwood
   
   
4. Fourth Inmate Diagnosed with Coronavirus at Central Virginia Women’s Prison- The fourth inmate at Central Virginia Correctional in Chesterfield County was diagnosed with the coronavirus, according to the Virginia Department of Corrections. Along with the three other inmates, four department employees and one contractor also tested positive at the same  facility. – Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
   
5. Virginia National Guard to Conduct Drill Weekends Remotely due to Coronavirus- The Virginia Army National Guard will be doing monthly drills remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. A spokesperson said units conduct drills on different weekends but many units expect to conduct drills on Saturday and Sunday. Spokesman A.A. “Cotton” Puryear insists that the soldiers and airmen will practice hand washing, staggered work schedules and social distancing. – NBC 12