Virginia Preps for Local May Elections Amidst Coronavirus

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up.

But first…

While the coronavirus has disrupted a lot of normal life in Virginia, there are still multiple municipal elections taking place in May. (Over 550 across the state to be exact!) Check out our guide on how to still fulfill your civic duty in the midst of this pandemic.

Five things you need to know today …

1.91 new cases of Coronavirus, statewide total is 391- According to the Virginia Department of Health, there are currently 391 positive cases of coronavirus in Virginia, up 101 cases from Tuesday. The number of hospitalizations also continues to rise, with 59 total. Currently, 5,370 tests have been administered. The VDH also reported three new deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 12. –Richmond Times-Dispatch & WAVY

2. Fairfax County Extends Tax Deadlines- Several Northern Virginia counties announced that they’re extending tax deadlines in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In a vote on Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors decided to delay the deadline for individuals and businesses until June 1. The original deadline was May 1, and the consequence for missing the deadline was a 10% penalty.  – WTOP

 3. VCU Health Develops In-House COVID-19 Test – Virginia Commonwealth University Health has developed an in-house test to detect the novel coronavirus, which will be used in a pilot program for inpatients. VCU Health aims to reduce the spread of the virus by decreasing wait times for test results. Christopher Doern, VCU’s director of microbiology, said the ability to test patients in their own laboratories will be a “game changer”. – WRIC 

4.Baby Wipes Back Up Pipes in Fredericksburg- Fredericksburg public works officials are urging residents to stop flushing baby wipes and products down the toilet. According to Stafford county officials, wipes, paper towels and rags have been found in sanitary sewers, causing problems with sewer collection systems. Public works director Jason Towery warns that even wipes that are labeled flushable can still lead to issues. Richmond Times-Dispatch

5. Virginia Farmers Worry About Next Seasons’ Crop Amid Coronavirus Pandemic- Many Virginia farmers are worried about demands for their crops during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The agricultural market has tanked recently, meaning the prices for soybeans, corn dairy, cattle and hogs dropped significantly. The price for cattle has declined so much that Pittsylvania County farmer Robert Mills described it as a “bloodbath.” – Virginia Mercury