Most of Virginia Started Reopening Today. Here’s What to Expect.

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

But First…

As most of Virginia begins to reopen, some non-essential businesses are opening their doors to Virginians, with some restrictions still in place. Here’s what to expect from restaurants, gyms and other non-essential businesses as they begin to reopen. — Dogwood

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Virginia’s Coronavirus Cases Rise to Over 28,000- There are currently 28,672 cases of COVID-19 in Virginia, an increase of 859 or 3% since yesterday. Across the commonwealth, 3,657 people have been hospitalized and 977 people have died due to the virus. So far, 195,636 people have been tested in total. — Dogwood
   
2. Most of Virginia Begins Reopening Today. Here’s What it Looks Like- Most of Virginia, excluding northern Virginia, Richmond and Accomack county, will began Phase One of Governor Northam’s three-phase reopening plan today. Under modified restrictions, some non-essential businesses will be allowed to reopen. Northam has been criticized by black lawmakers for reopening too soon and by Republicans who said he has not moved quickly enough like some other states. — Dogwood
   
3. Northam Grants Two Week Delay in Reopening to Certain Parts of the State- While the rest of the state is set to reopen on Friday, Northern Virginia, Richmond and Accomack county have been granted two-week delays in the governor’s Phase One in his three-step plan to reopen.  Gov. Ralph Northam said in a news release, “I have encouraged local leaders to request exemptions when appropriate, and I am pleased to grant the delays for both Accomack County and the City of Richmond.” These areas are not scheduled to begin reopening until May 29. — WAVY 10
   
4. Three Richmond Food Plants Had Employees Test Positive for COVID-19- Three manufacturing plants that produced food products have had employees test positive for the coronavirus, but all of the plants continue to operate. Sabra Dipping Co., Maruchan Virginia Inc. and Tysons Food Inc. all released statements that they had employees test positive. Sabra and Maruchan are both located in Chesterfield while Tysons is in Hanover county. — Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
5. Virginia Voter Registration Has Dropped by Over 70% From Past Presidential Elections Years- The 2020 presidential election is less than six months away, and Virginia’s voter registration numbers have dropped to historic lows compared to past presidential election years. It’s no surprise that officials say the coronavirus pandemic is to blame. This April, Virginia’s numbers dropped by 73% in comparison to 2016 of the same month and dropped by 81% compared to April 2012. — Dogwood