Virginia Agrees to Spend $27 Million for Medical Supplies

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

But First…

Experts predict we could see coronavirus peak in Virginia around April 20. According to new projections from the University of Washington, Virginia is one of the four states that could potentially see a peak in coronavirus cases a month earlier than expected. – The Progress-Index

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. 3,333 coronavirus cases in Virginia- According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are currently 3,333 COVID-19 cases statewide. There are currently 563 hospitalized residents, and 63 people have died. Overall, 28,645 people have been tested for the virus in Virginia. In central Virginia, the death total has raised to 32 people –WAVY 
   
   
2. Virginia Schools are Able to Keep Millions of Dollars of Federal Education Money- Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced that Virginia public schools will now be allowed to keep millions of dollars in federal education money. Previously, the schools would’ve been required to return that money, due to the mass school closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the money supports programs that help vulnerable students, according to Lane.  – The Daily Progress
   
   
3. Governor Says No Executive Order as Inmate Coronavirus Cases Increase- As cases of COVID-19 climb in Virginia, state prisons are finding more and more inmates and employees are also testing positive for coronavirus. Nineteen inmates and nine Virginia Department of Corrections workers have tested positive for the virus. Gov. Ralph Northam said he has no plans on an executive order to release any incarcerated individuals. –WRIC
   
   
4. Virginia Lab First in the Nation to Use Genetic Technology Against the Coronavirus- A Virginia state lab is officially the first in the nation to use genetic technology to discover the genetic makeup of the coronavirus. The Department of General Services’ Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services is trying to break down the virus’s makeup, in order to get insight on how it is spreading.  They’re also trying to discover COVID-19’s origins- WAVY 
   
   
5. Virginia Scheduled to Get $27 Million Deal on Medical Gear with Private Supplier- Virginia has officially reached a $27 million deal with a medical logistics company for medical supplies. Gov. Ralph Northam said this would help relieve the “severe shortage” of personal protective equipment in the state and across the country. “We have been working every angle to buy more PPE,” he said during a news briefing. Monday marked the first time the state has disclosed details on their efforts to supply more protective equipment since March 7. –Virginia Mercury