Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood. We’ve got a roundup of Virginia news coming right up.
But First…
You’ve probably seen a meme comparing wearing a mask during the coronavirus pandemic to wearing pants in the presence of someone uncontrollably peeing everywhere. And even if you haven’t…we asked health experts about the meme’s accuracy. — Dogwood
Five Things You Need to Know Today
- Coronavirus Cases in Virginia Rise to Over 19,000- With an increase of 821 new cases, Virginia now has a total of 19,492 cases statewide. So far, 2,700 people have been hospitalized and 684 have died due to the virus. Overall, 122,788 people have been tested for COVID-19, a rise of 17,104 people over the weekend. — Dogwood
- Virginia Extends Closure of Non-Essential Businesses for Another Week- Gov. Ralph Northam announced nonessential business closures has been extended until May 15. Northam said he expects Virginia to enter Phase 1 of his plan to reopen business in the next 2-4 weeks, when people will be allowed to get haircuts and go to restaurants, albeit at greatly reduced numbers. — Dogwood
- Speeding Has Reportedly Increased During Stay-At-Home Order- According to law enforcement officials, speed complaints in residential neighborhoods have increased since the stay-at-home order was put in place. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has provided law enforcement with social media posts encouraging citizens not to speed. According to Virginia DMV Safety Office Director John Saunders, fatal and non-fatal related speed-related crashes have increased since 2019. —WRIC
- VA Department of Corrections Confirms 200 Cases of COVID-19 in Dillwyn Correctional Center- The Virginia Department of Corrections has confirmed that there are over 200 cases of the coronavirus in the Dillwyn Correctional Center. With 209 total cases, 204 are reported to be offenders while five are staff members. Two people have been hospitalized. — WAVY
- Virginia Beach Non-Profits Provides Relief Fund for Hospitality Workers- A local organization is providing 30 Virginia Beach families the chance to win groceries in an effort to aid those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Ping Pong Gives Charity Foundation, working in collaboration with the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and the Virginia Beach Hotel Association, has raised enough money to provide 30 local families with their own $100 Food Lion gift card. —WAVY
