Virginia’s Coronavirus Cases Reach Over 42,000

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

But First…

Minneapolis police officer who killed George Floyd has been charged with 3rd degree murder. Former officer Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with 3rd degree murder and manslaughter. The killing sparked days-long protests nationally. — Dogwood

Five Things You Need to Know Today

1. Virginia’s Coronavirus Cases Reach Over 42,000- There are currently 42,533 positive cases of coronavirus reported in Virginia. That’s an increase of 1,132 cases or 3% since yesterday. According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are currently 4,529 people who have been hospitalized and 1,358 people who have died due to the virus. The VDH also reports 296,321 have been tested for COVID-19 across the commonwealth. — Dogwood
   
   
2. Virginia is Reopening, Here’s Everything You Need to Know About the Mask Order- With several parts of Virginia, including northern Virginia, Richmond and Accomack County, beginning to reopen, Gov. Ralph Northam has mandated that masks are worn by Virginians over the age of 10 to prevent further spread of COVID-19. However, there has been much pushback from conservative legislators. — Dogwood
   
   
3. Virginia Renewal Deadlines for ID Cards and Registration Extended-  The renewal deadlines for ID cards, vehicle registrations and drivers’ licenses are extended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Licenses and ID cards due for renewal on or before July 31 and drivers’ licenses due for renewal in March through May will receive a 90-day extension. Vehicle registrations due for renewal in July will receive a 30-day extension, while those in June will get a 60-day extension. — WSLS 
   
   
4. Virginia Nursing Home at the Center of COVID Outbreak Down 69 Employees- The Canterbury Rehabilitation & Health Care Center has lost 69 members of their staff due to “COVID-19 related issues or fears”. This includes 36 direct-care workers who tested positively for the coronavirus and later returned to work in the facility. The center, at one point, housed the deadliest coronavirus outbreak in the United States with a reported 51 deaths to date. — Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
   
5. The Virginia Department of Health Won’t Be Holding Inspections to Enforce New Mask Order- The Virginia Department of Health won’t be conducting inspections of restaurants and other businesses to enforce Gov. Northam’s recent mask order, according to VDH spokeswoman Maria Reppas. “The VDH expects the public to voluntarily comply with the provisions with the order,” said Reppas to the Virginia Mercury.  A call center where people can report “inquiries on alleged violations” will be established instead. — Virginia Mercury