Virginia Coronavirus Cases Jump by 400 in 24 Hours

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…

The Dolce Vita Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar has been open for 25 years in Fairfax, and they aren’t letting a global pandemic shut them down. Read what it’s like keeping their business alive here.

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Over 4,000 Cases of Coronavirus in Virginia- There are 4,042 coronavirus cases in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health, and 685 people are hospitalized. A reported 109 people have died. Gov. Ralph Northam reminded residents in a press conference that social distancing is the most important thing we can do to keep cases down right now. —  ABC 13
   
   
2. VCU Health Researchers Develop Mask Decontamination Process For Medical Workers– Virginia Commonwealth University health researchers have developed a process to decontaminate masks and replenish medical supplies currently in short supply. According to a news release, VCU Health can now decontaminate 12,000 N95 masks, ten times what is currently available.  “We have to preserve what we have,” said Dr. Stephen Kates, VCU’s chair of Orthopedic Surgery. — Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
   
3. Virginia Unemployment Benefits Increase to $600- Virginians are scheduled to receive an extra $600 in unemployment benefits for all claims filed between March 29 to July 31. The Virginia Employment Commission said that increased benefits will start to be paid next week. Virginia currently ranks third in the country in when it comes to the biggest increase in unemployment due to the coronavirus, according to Wallethub. — CBS 6 & ABC 13
   
   
4. Virginia’s Data on the Effect of Coronavirus on Minorities is Incomplete- According to Gov. Ralph Northam, many Virginia medical providers are not reporting the data necessary to pinpoint how coronavirus affects racial minorities. Reports in other areas of the country show that the coronavirus is disproportionately killing African-Americans. Virginia needs to measure these cases by race, Gov. Northam said at a press conference Wednesday, to reduce racial inequities in healthcare and education. —  Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
   
5. Virginia Bus Agency Suspends Service Due to Low Ridership- A Virginia bus agency is suspending service due low ridership caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Virginia Breeze, which connects Blacksburg to Washington D.C., will be stop services on Friday. According to the agency director, Jennifer Mitchell, it is no longer feasible to maintain service during the stay-at-home order. —  NBC 4