Virginians Required to Wear Masks in Public Starting Friday

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

But First…

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, multiple Virginia summer camps have decided to not host campers this season. Here is a breakdown of which summer camps are closing their doors. — Dogwood

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Virginia Coronavirus Cases Rise by Over 1,500 in 24 Hours- There are currently 39,342 total cases of coronavirus reported in Virginia, an increase of 1,615 since Memorial Day however there was a possible lag in data due to the holiday. According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are 4,325 people who were hospitalized and 1,236 people who have died due to the virus. So far, 265,279 people have been tested for COVID-19 so far. — Dogwood
   
   
2. Northam Announces Face Masks are Mandatory in Public Places Starting Friday- Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that all Virginians aged 10 years or older are mandated to wear face masks in public to prevent further spread of COVID-19. There are exceptions to the rule including while eating, drinking or exercising. These rules will be enforced by the Virginia Department of Health instead of law enforcement. — Dogwood
   
   
3. Over 1,000 Inmates Test Positive for COVID-19 in Virginia Prisons- According to the Virginia Department of Corrections, 1,141 inmates and 118 staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in several prisons across the commonwealth. The VaDOC has reported that six people have died due to the virus. The correctional facilities that were hit the hardest include Buckingham Correctional Center, Dillwyn Correctional Center, Greensville Correctional Center and Haynesville Correctional Center. — WRIC
   
   
4. Federal Appeals Court Hears Transgender Bathroom Ban Case on Tuesday- The Gloucester County School Board before defended their transgender bathroom ban before a federal appeals court this Tuesday. Gavin Grimm was barred from using the boys’ bathrooms as a student due to the school’s policy. Last year, a judge ruled that the school board had discriminated against Grimm, but the board appealed that ruling in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. — WAVY
   
   
5. Everything You Need to Know About Voting by Mail in Virginia- With the coronavirus pandemic still raging across the nation, it appears as though voting by mail will play a huge role in this year’s June primaries. The primaries, delayed by two weeks due to the pandemic, will take place on June 23. And with Election Day right around the corner, here’s everything you need to know about voting absentee in Virginia. — Dogwood