Coronavirus Testing Location Scheduled to Open in Virginia Beach

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

But First…

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Virginia lawmakers are set to hold their legislative veto sessions in unorthodox locations this year.  The House of Delegates plan to meet under a tent outside the Capitol while the Senate meets in an event space in the Virginia Science Museum. — Dogwood

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Virginia Coronavirus Cases Jumped 7% in One Day- Since yesterday, Virginia’s coronavirus cases jumped from 8,990 to 9,630 cases, increasing by 7%. There are a reported 640 new cases in the commonwealth. According to data from the Virginia Department of Health, 58,534 have been tested statewide. 1,581 people have been hospitalized and 324 have died according to the VDH. –Dogwood
   
2. VCU Treating COVID-19 Patients With Plasma From Those Who’ve Beaten the Virus – VCU Medical Center is asking for plasma donations from those who’ve previously recovered from the coronavirus in order to treat COVID-19 patients. The Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Program approved the medical center to administer anti-body rich plasma to treat COVID-19. “Patients are transfused with the donor’s plasma in hopes that it will help the patient’s own immune system attack the virus and recover faster,” said Infectious Disease Specialist Jeffery Donowitz, M.D. – WRIC
   
3. More Virginians Plan to Protest Northam’s Stay-At-Home Order Wednesday– Organizers are planning another rally in opposition of Gov. Northam’s closure of non-essential businesses in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In response, the governor addressed protesters, asking them to remember that they’re all on the same team. But Organizer David Britt said the stay-at-home order “going until June 10 is absolutely unworkable.” —  WRIC
   
4. Rite Aid Announces Coronavirus Testing Site in Virginia Beach – Rite Aid is scheduled to open a coronavirus self-swab testing location in Virginia Beach. The testing site will open Wednesday, April 22 at 2293 Upton Drive and will take place in the store’s parking lot. The location will have the capacity to test 5,000 people a day. — WTKR
   
5. Virginia Gym Owner Plans to Fight Charges Filed for Keeping Gym Open  – Virginia gym owner said he plans on fighting misdemeanor charges brought against him for keeping his business open during the coronavirus pandemic. The owner, Thomas Milton, was cited by Roanoke police for defying Gov. Northam’s stay-at-home order.  Milton’s attorney believes the citation is the first of its kind in Virginia to be issued against the owner of a private fitness club. — CBS 6