Bob Good opposes a gold medal, a severe storm approaches and another school expands in-person options.

Daily Number

1644-Colonists settled in Virginia in 1607 and by 1644, they had already engaged in two wars with the local natives. In 1644, they made it three, starting what would be known as the Third Anglo-Powhatan War. The war ended in 1646 and boundaries were established. The natives and colonists couldn’t cross over to the other side without a special pass, given at one of the border forts. 

Severe Storms Coming, Be Careful

We talked about this a bit last night as well. Be careful today. A series of severe thunderstorms will hit Southern Virginia at least and possibly Central Virginia as well.

Bob Good Opposes Congressional Gold Medals

On Wednesday, the U.S. House passed a bill giving three congressional gold medals. One would be given to the U.S. Capitol Police, paying tribute to officers Eugene Goodman, Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. The second would go to the DC Metropolitan Police, in honor of Officer Jeffrey Smith. The final one would go to the Smithsonian Institution, to be displayed in tribute to all those who protected the Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack. 

Sicknick died from injuries sustained during the attack. Liebengood and Smith, meanwhile, committed suicide days after the event. Goodman diverted rioters from the Senate Chamber during the attack and is now the acting Sergeant at Arms for the U.S. Senate. 

The bill passed almost unanimously on Wednesday, with a final vote of 413-12. Virginia District 5 Rep. Bob Good was among the 12 who voted against the proposal. He opposed language in it calling the people who attacked the Capitol “insurrectionists.” 

The language in question says “on Jan. 6, 2021, a mob of insurrectionists forced its way into the U.S. Capitol building and congressional office buildings and engaged in acts of vandalism, looting and violently attacked Capitol Police officers.” 

Bob Good also put out a statement on his Twitter feed afterwards, saying that “law enforcement officers are worthy of gratitude and praise for their service and sacrifice in our communities every day, not just when politically convenient for Speaker Pelosi.”  

Pharmacies Expand Who’s Eligible For Vaccine

Some good news today for anyone trying to get their vaccine shot from a local pharmacy. As of Wednesday, Virginia pharmacies expanded the list of who’s eligible to sign up. Now, in addition to anyone 65 and older, people between 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions can also get the shot. Some essential workers made the list as well. They include: 

• All fire department staff, hazmat staff and police officers
• Corrections and homeless shelter staff
• Food and Agriculture staff
• Anyone working in manufacturing
• All grocery store employees
• Public transit staff
• All mail carriers, both Postal Service and private companies
• Clergy and faith leaders
• Janitorial and cleaning staff
• Judges, judicial workers and others that maintain government 

Registration for vaccination appointments will be available on the CVS website, the Walgreens website or by calling (800) 746-7287. 

Centra Lifts Some Visitor Restrictions 

Starting Friday, Centra’s medical facilities in Virginia will lift some COVID-19 restrictions. The company, which operates in Bedford, Amherst, Gretna, Brookneal and Lynchburg, will allow two visitors for each adult patient. Visitors can take turns, but only two at a time can come in. 

That goes for all non-COVID related patients. The emergency room will still be limited to just one visitor. However, the company said in a statement there are some exceptions. Professional doulas and clergy members don’t count toward the limit. 

• Visitors must be at least 18
• All visitors will be screened, asked questions and given a temperature check
• All visitors must wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

Visiting hours will be limited to just 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

Should the General Assembly Be a Full-Time Job?

Loudoun County Schools Will Expand In-Person Instruction

Yet another Virginia school district announced plans Wednesday to expand their in-person instruction options. Loudoun County officials announced Wednesday that anyone currently enrolled in hybrid learning could return to in-person classes on April 20.

The district will offer in-person instruction to those hybrid students four days a week. For anyone still learning remotely, however, it’s too late to switch. Bringing in the remote learners, the district said in their statement, would cause too much trouble with schedules at this late date.

Now for the hybrid kids to return, they will have to follow some requirements.

• Everyone has to wear a mask and practice social distancing
• The social distancing requirement will be 3 ft., rather than the regular 6 ft.

Sentara Healthcare Employees Will Be Getting Pandemic Bonuses

Some good news today for employees at any of Sentara’s medical facilities in Virginia. The company announced Wednesday night it will give employees pay bonuses for working through the pandemic.

Now there are a couple of requirements. Anyone who works directly with patients in a Sentara hospital or ambulance will get $1,500. Other employees will get $750.

It’s unclear when exactly the bonuses will be given out.