Schools in Virginia Scheduled to Reopen in the Fall with Restrictions

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

But First…

First…Gov. Ralph Northam has appointed the first Black judge to the State Corporation Commission, which was created in 1902.  Jehmal Hudson will oversee Virginia’s utilities, insurance, securities and banking industries. — Virginia Mercury 

Five Things You Need to Know

1. Schools in Virginia Could Reopen with Restrictions in the Fall- Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that Virginia schools will be reopening in phases. Northam’s guidelines include several restrictions that will help prevent the spread of  COVID-19. The three stages range from initial remote learning to the second phase that pays attention to in-person instruction. Schools could possibly see mask-wearing and daily health screenings for staff and students. — Dogwood
   
   
2. Virginia COVID-19 Testing Backlog Includes 13,000 Testing- The Virginia Department of Health announced it has a backlog of 13,000 coronavirus test results that haven’t yet been reported. The VDH also said the data could be skewed due to the delayed tests, because “staff had prioritized positive test results which means the remaining backlog largely negative tests.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch
   
   
3. Virginia Coronavirus Cases Update- There are currently 51,738 reported cases of coronavirus in Virginia, an increase of 487 since yesterday. According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are 5,203 people who have been hospitalized and 1,496 people who have died due to the virus. The VDH also reports that 388,480 people who have been tested for COVID-19 statewide. — Dogwood
   
   
4. Northern Virginia Enters Phase Two of Reopening on Friday- Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that Northern Virginia will enter Phase Two of reopening this Friday, meaning looser restrictions for COVID-19 restaurants and gyms. Under Phase Two, restaurants will be allowed to have indoor dining at 50% capacity. Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to open at 30% capacity. — Washington Post 
   
   
5. The Robert E. Lee Statue’s Original Deed May Prevent Its Removal- A lawsuit was filed on Monday argues that the original deed signed in 1890 prevents Richmond’s Robert E. Lee statue from being removed. William C. Gregory is the great-grandson of two signatories of the deed and filed an 18-page complaint saying that under the deed the state is supposed to deem the monument “perpetually sacred.” — WRIC