3,645 Coronavirus Cases in Virginia

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…

Sixteen year old TJ Kim is putting his flight school lessons to good use by delivering medical supplies to rural hospitals in need. The high school sophomore calls his plan Operation SOS (Supplies Over Skies) and delivers everything from surgical masks to hand sanitizer. —Dogwood

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Up to 3,645 Coronavirus Cases in Virginia, 75 Deaths- There are currently 3,645 cases of the coronavirus in Virginia. So far, the Virginia Department of Health has tested 30,645 people for the virus, with 615 people hospitalized. According to the VDH, there are 75 reported deaths caused by the virus, an increase of 12 since yesterday. Due to a lack of widespread testing, lags in reporting and long wait times for results, Virginia is likely to have more COVID-19 cases than the VDH reports. —The Daily Progress
   
   
2. Northam Recommends Postponing Local Elections Until November–  Gov. Ralph Northam recommends that Virginia push local elections from May to November, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  Northam also said that the June congressional primaries will be pushed back two weeks from June 9 to June 23. There are approximately 550 local elections in Virginia scheduled for May. —Dogwood
   
   
3. Virginia’s Coronavirus Peak Prediction Shifts to Late April- Virginia’s peak for coronavirus cases has been bumped up to early April, an entire month earlier than previously predicted, according to health officials. Originally predicted in late May to early June, experts now say that April 20 is when the state should have the highest number of cases. Director of Richmond Health Districts Dr. Danny Avula said the projection is based on the “dip of the death rate New York was seeing.” —WRIC
   
   
4. Two Virginia ABC Stores Close Down Due to Coronavirus- Two Northern Virginia ABC stores have closed due to employees testing positive for the coronavirus. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority confirmed the cases on April 8. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, ABC stores have reduced their hours statewide from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Last week, ABC stores located in Richmond and Virginia Beach reopened after positive cases of COVID-19 caused them to shut down. —NBC 12
   
   
5. Virginia Man Files Lawsuit Against Northam, Says Stay-At-Home Order Violates the State Constitution- A southwestern Virginia man has filed a lawsuit against Gov. Ralph Northam, claiming the governor’s executive order has had a “chilling” effect on his right to religious freedom. Larry Hughes of Russell County argues the order, which limits gatherings to less than 10 people, violates Virginia’s constitutional guarantee of the enjoyment of life and liberty. Hughes argues that “other secular activities are permitted conditioned only by the guidelines of social distancing”. —WRIC