Hogan, Northam escalate response amid surge

By ANTONIO OLIVO, RACHEL CHASON AND GREGORY S. SCHNEIDER, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

Maryland and Virginia reported dramatic spikes in their cases of the novel coronavirus Tuesday, as Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam banned gatherings of 10 or more people in restaurants, gyms and theaters, and Gov. Larry Hogan postponed Maryland’s April 28 primary election. With nearly every local county and jurisdiction now affected by the coronavirus, the region’s total had climbed to 162 by Tuesday evening.

Northam urges restaurants to switch to takeout during coronavirus outbreak, says other businesses may need to close

By MARIE ALBIGES, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and other businesses must either limit crowds to 10 people at a time or close altogether during the coronavirus outbreak, Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday. He said restaurants will be allowed to continue carry-out service. The news came as the number of confirmed cases in the state rose to 67, two of whom have died.

Northam bans gatherings of 10 or more, urges 'high-risk' Virginians to self-quarantine

By MEL LEONOR, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Virginia is amping up public efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, including a ban on gatherings of 10 people or more, given signs of community spread. Gov. Ralph Northam’s administration issued an emergency order allowing law enforcement agencies to enforce the ban inside restaurants, gyms and theaters. How the ban will be enforced elsewhere, like workplaces and public spaces, remains unclear.

Northam orders 10-customer limit at restaurants, gyms

By ALAN SUDERMAN AND DENISE LAVOIE, Associated Press

Restaurants, gyms, and theaters in Virginia will not serve more than 10 customers at a time under an order the governor issued Tuesday in response to the coronavirus. Gov. Ralph Northam also urged Virginians to comply with new federal guidelines not to gather in groups of more than 10 and for people older than 65 to self-quarantine.

Evictions in Virginia temporarily suspended, AG Herring says

By MARGARET MATRAY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Evictions in the state will be suspended for 21 days because of the coronavirus pandemic, Attorney General Mark Herring said Tuesday. In declaring a “judicial emergency” this week, the state Supreme Court’s chief justice ordered that non-essential, non-emergency court proceedings through April 6 be postponed. That includes new eviction cases, Herring said in a news release.

Voters in May elections can mail it in

By RYAN MURPHY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Anyone casting a ballot in local May elections this year may send it by mail rather than going to the polls, the Virginia Department of Elections announced this week in the latest effort to stop crowds of people gathering due to the worsening coronavirus outbreak. In a message posted on its website, the state agency strongly encouraged people to avoid their polling places and vote absentee.

Virginia looking to cancel state SOL testing amid coronavirus pandemic

By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Virginia’s education leaders want to cancel the state’s Standards of Learning testing this year as schools remain closed in response to the spread of the coronavirus. The state Education Department announced Tuesday that the agency will seek “maximum flexibility for schools and students to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, including relief from federal and state requirements related to testing.”

Virginia wants to cancel reading and math SOL tests in light of coronavirus school closures

By SARA GREGORY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

While warning that the current two-week school closure could be extended “significantly longer,” state education officials announced Tuesday they want to cancel Standards of Learning tests this spring. “Given what we are now hearing about the potential duration of the coronavirus pandemic, we now have to seek further flexibility related to state testing," State Superintendent James Lane said

Virginia DMV customer service sites close to prevent spread of coronavirus

WAVY

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles is closed to the public until April in response to the coronavirus pandemic. 75 DMV customer service centers will close to the public on Wednesday, March 18. The sites will remain closed until April 2.

Virginia ABC to limit Peninsula store hours due to coronavirus outbreak

By JESSICA NOLTE, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority announced it will be shortening its store hours beginning Friday for the 24 stores on the Peninsula because of the coronavirus outbreak.

8 state workers asked to self-isolate after emergency management employee’s positive COVID-19 test

By GRAHAM MOOMAW, Virginia Mercury

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the agency that exists to handle the state’s crisis response functions, is relying on telecommuting and limiting access to its emergency operations center after one of its own employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Griffith: Summer should bring economic recovery

By DAVID MCGEE, Bristol Herald Courier (Metered Paywall - 15 articles a month)

The U.S. economy should recover this summer from the coronavirus pandemic unless a second wave of cases sweeps the country later this year, U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith said Tuesday.

'After today, who’s going to pay us': A bleak St. Patrick’s Day in Richmond as pubs give one last call

By COLLEEN CURRAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

On St. Patrick’s Day afternoon in Richmond, a handful of regulars sat at the bar at O’Toole’s Restaurant and Pub, nursing their last pint, while waitresses turned over chairs before shutting down the interior restaurant due to coronavirus concerns. Earlier in the day, Gov. Ralph Northam called for Virginians to avoid nonessential gatherings of more than 10 people...

Local campaign encourages buying gift cards to help restaurants

By JONATHAN SPIERS, Richmond BizSense

With public health concerns surrounding the coronavirus hitting the food and beverage industry particularly hard, a campaign from a Richmond ad agency is looking to help area restaurants and breweries stay afloat by bringing them revenue from a distance....“Buy a gift card today, and enjoy your meal later,” the site states.

Cruise ship won’t dock at Portsmouth terminal amid coronavirus concerns

By GORDON RAGO, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

A cruise ship docked in the waters off New York had been scheduled to temporarily dock in Portsmouth later this week, but because of a concern over coronavirus exposure, the ship’s arrival has been at least delayed.

Newport News Shipbuilding extends liberal leave to March 31

By JOSH REYES, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

As schools, businesses and local governments close to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, Virginia’s largest industrial employer has enacted liberal leave to allow employees to make plans for family care at home. At work, the company has made adjustments to minimize contact between employees in hopes the virus doesn’t make its way into the workforce.

Roanoke Times Plans to Unionize

By ROBBIE HARRIS, WVTF

On Monday, the sale of the Roanoke Times, to Lee Enterprises, became final. Known for buying up papers and making cuts, reporters at Roanoke Times decided to organize.

The Show Will Not Go On at American Shakespeare Center in Staunton

By SANDY HAUSMAN, WVTF

There’s a saying in the theater world – the show must go on, but in the wake of COVID-19, many theaters have closed, including the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton. The goal is to protect audiences and about 70 employees – and to re-open on June 19th.

Metro announces major reductions in service

By SOPHIE KAPLAN, Washington Times

Regional officials delivered more coronavirus-related bad news Tuesday, with Metro announcing reductions in subway service, and Maryland and Virginia reporting an uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority on Tuesday asked riders to stay home and not to travel unless absolutely necessary, as the agency prepared to cut service starting Wednesday.

UVA cancels Final Exercises, as well as all on-campus events no matter the size

By JUSTIN MATTINGLY, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

The University of Richmond is postponing its commencement ceremony, and the University of Virginia said late Tuesday that its Final Exercises have been canceled “as currently planned.” UVA also announced that online classes will remain in place for the rest of the semester — and that “all events on Grounds are canceled, no matter the size, until at least May 15.”

Students continued to congregate in groups Tuesday despite the University’s request to return home

By ALI SULLIVAN, Cavalier Daily

Several community members expressed frustration with University students after many continued to congregate in large groups in Madison Bowl, on the Corner and at fraternity houses Tuesday evening despite the University’s calls for social distancing.

Coronavirus causes community colleges to cancel commencement dates

By SAM WALL, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The coronavirus claimed its first higher education spring commencement dates in the region Tuesday as Virginia Western and New River community colleges announced their May ceremonies are canceled.

Coronavirus in Virginia: Now 67 cases in the state, Northam says

By ELISHA SAUERS, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

Gov. Ralph Northam said coronavirus cases have risen to 67 across the state. Two Virginians have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new virus spreading rapidly around the world. Both men in their 70s lived on the Peninsula, an area that has seen a cluster of infections in the past week.

VCU Health treating a second coronavirus case

By STAFF REPORT, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

VCU Health is treating its second hospitalized patient who has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal email sent to VCU Health staff. The email, signed by interim CEO of VCU Hospitals and Clinics Rob Clark, said that, as of Tuesday morning, the hospital had two COVID-19 inpatients and that they anticipate the number will continue to rise in the coming days. He also wrote that the hospital is implementing plans to reduce elective surgery ...

Resident at Westminster Canterbury Richmond retirement community tests positive for COVID-19

By SABRINA MORENO, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

A male resident in his mid-80s at the Westminster Canterbury Richmond retirement community in Henrico County has tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from a trip to Florida early last week.

Second Fleet staff member tests positive for coronavirus, isolated in Virginia Beach home

By BROCK VERGAKIS, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

A member of the Norfolk-based Second Fleet staff has tested positive for coronavirus and has been isolated at home in Virginia Beach, the Navy said Tuesday. The unidentified staff member returned from official travel in Germany on March 10 and immediately returned to his or her residence and self-quarantined, the Navy said. The positive test came back Monday.

Still no COVID-19 cases in Southwest Virginia; Carilion, VA to postpone nonessential surgeries

By LUANNE RIFE, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Carilion Clinic and the Salem VA Medical Center on Tuesday said they would postpone all nonessential surgeries and procedures. The curtailment of all operations comes amid concerns of dwindling medical supplies and as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Virginia.

Virginia hospitals could be overwhelmed, state won't say how many ventilators it has

By BRIDGET BALCH, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

State officials said Tuesday that they are working to determine how to increase capacity in hospitals throughout Virginia to prepare for the potential surge of patients as a result of COVID-19, but they wouldn’t say exactly how many ventilators are available in the state.

Hospitals increasing testing, open beds

By JENNA PORTNOY, RACHEL CHASON AND KYLE SWENSON, Washington Post (Metered Paywall - 3 articles a month)

As the number of Washington-area residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus climbs, hospitals are racing to enact a two-pronged strategy — expand testing capability and free up beds — in preparation for what could be a months-long response to the global pandemic.

Amid coronavirus, the state’s medical capacity remains a mystery

By KATE MASTERS, Virginia Mercury

Amid a growing epidemic of COVID-19, the disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus, there’s a glaring spotlight on fundamental medical equipment. Hospital beds and ventilators have become a matter of national concern, with federal experts citing limited supplies and possible shortages if there’s a surge in coronavirus-related hospitalizations. Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said Sunday that the state’s health care system would be “taxed” by wider spread of the disease.

Arlington Opening Drive-Through Coronavirus Testing Site

ArlNow

Arlington County and Virginia Hospital Center are partnering to set up a drive-through coronavirus testing site. The temporary site is set to open Wednesday at a county-owned property across from Washington-Liberty High School. The county says to expect additional traffic on N. Quincy Street north of Washington Blvd as a result.

Sentara RMH Sets Up Tents For COVID-19 Testing, Screening

By STAFF REPORT, Daily News Record (Metered Paywall - 5 articles a month)

Sentara RMH erected tents outside its emergency department for the screening and testing of COVID-19, according to the hospital's Twitter page. Potential patients must meet the hospital’s criteria before being seen in the tents, according to an email from Neil Mowbray, a spokesman for the hospital.

UVa adjusts guidance on masks in order to conserve supply

By TYLER HAMMEL, Daily Progress (Metered Paywall - 25 articles a month)

As Virginia faces a shortage of respirator masks, the University of Virginia Medical Center has recommended its staff use ear-loop masks to in order to conserve respirators. Respirators can filter small particles from the air, according to the Centers for Disease Control, while simpler ear-loop masks protect against droplets, splashes and larger particles.

Arlington Teachers Make National Headlines for Helping Low Income Students

By VERNON MILES, ArlNow

While Arlington Public Schools works to get meals to students who aren’t in school, a group of teachers have gone the extra mile and are working to get grocery gift cards to families on the free and reduced lunch list. A GoFundMe campaign for Arlington students in need is approaching $170,000 raised, with an $830,000 goal. The hope is to provide a $100 grocery gift card into the hands of every APS student that qualifies for free or reduced lunch.

School meal sites up and running across metro area

By SAMUEL NORTHROP, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Meal distribution sites are up and running for thousands across the state as families brace for an extended break from school. The school systems in Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico all announced plans to expand their programs on Monday to meet demand, with plans evolving to meet students in the greatest need.

Schools Ramp Up Food Distribution But Some Are Turned Away

By MEGAN PAULY AND IAN STEWART, WCVE

School districts across the Commonwealth are setting up free meal distribution, so kids can still get breakfast and lunch while classrooms are shut down. Gov. Ralph Northam ordered all schools in Virginia to close for at least two weeks starting Monday. This is part of a number of efforts by the state to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. One concern for school districts and families has been ensuring students still get access to free and reduced-cost meals. But there are some restrictions and at some sites, turnout has been low.

With limited guidance, some Virginia day cares remain open

By RYAN MURPHY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

On Friday, when Gov. Ralph Northam announced all K-12 schools in Virginia would be closed for at least two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, many parents’ first thought was “What about the day cares?” Questions popped up on social media, and several folks reached out to The Virginian-Pilot to ask about whether day cares would — or should — continue operating ...

What are parents and Richmond-area day care providers to do?

By SEAN GORMAN AND COLLEEN CURRAN, Richmond Times-Dispatch (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Day care operators in the Richmond region have been grappling with whether to stay open as the coronavirus spread shuttered K-12 schools this week. Parents have been trying to figure out if their day care providers who normally watch their children are open and whether to send their children there.

Virginia courts halt nearly all hearings amid coronavirus outbreak

By RICHARD CHUMNEY, News & Advance (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

Virginia courts have been ordered to halt all non-emergency proceedings for at least three weeks in response to the coronavirus outbreak, effectively putting a pause on thousands of trials as well as eviction and debt- collection lawsuits.

Jails around Hampton Roads are trying to stop the coronavirus from getting inside

By GARY A. HARKI AND SCOTT DAUGHERTY, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Local jails are trying to stop the coronavirus from infecting their populations, but are preparing for the worst. That means releasing nonviolent offenders whose sentences are almost up and a slew of other measures designed to limit the movement and intake of inmates.

‘I Thought, Here’s 10,000 Cases’: What Happened At Dulles Airport This Weekend

By MARGARET BARTHEL, WAMU

Dulles International Airport was flooded over the weekend with American travelers trying to get back into the country after President Trump’s ban on travel from certain countries in Europe went into effect. The ban does not block U.S. citizens or permanent residents from entering the country, but it does require Americans coming from Europe to land at Dulles or one of a dozen other airports to be screened for coronavirus. As a result, about 40,000 people arrived from Europe on Saturday, the first day the new policy took effect.

Most of Outer Banks shuts down to visitors

By ROBYN SIDERSKY AND JEFF HAMPTON, Virginian-Pilot (Metered Paywall - 2 articles a month)

Richard Gusler’s wife has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She sometimes has trouble breathing. Afraid of the coronavirus, he drove her up from Raleigh to their beach house in Rodanthe to get away from the crowds. On Tuesday, Dare County officials moved to ensure those crowds get even smaller. As of 2 p.m., the county closed its border to tourists in response to the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines to avoid discretionary travel.

Coronavirus: 100% of this fund will go to relief efforts on the Peninsula

Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily (Metered paywall - 3 articles per month)

The United Way of the Virginia Peninsula has set up a “United Way Emergency Fund” and is accepting donations to help relief efforts on the Peninsula. It will assist those in need in connection with the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. . . . United Way officials said 100 percent of donations made to the fund will support our local community as emergency needs arise from this health outbreak.

Pittsylvania Pet Center asking residents not to surrender animals amid pandemic

By CALEB AYERS, Danville Register & Bee

The Pittsylvania Pet Center is both asking people to not surrender healthy pets at this time and to consider fostering a dog or cat amid the international outbreak of COVID-19. Roughly 40% of the animals that come into the shelter are surrendered by their owners, and the pet center is asking those owners to wait during this national emergency.

Virginia Beach sheriff releasing nonviolent inmates from city jail amid coronavirus outbreak

By ADRIENNE MAYFIELD AND AESIA TOLIVER, WAVY

The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is releasing some nonviolent inmates from the jail in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The VBSO has identified 60 inmates in the Virginia Beach Correctional Center who qualify for their Electronic Home Incarceration program. The program uses GPS-monitored ankle bracelets to allow the VBSO to monitor the location of participating inmates.

Hampton Roads school districts to pay employees during two weeks of closure

By PETER COUTU, Daily Press (Metered Paywall - 1 article a month)

School districts in Hampton Roads will pay staff — including contracted and hourly employees like bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers — while schools are closed in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. At least for the next first two weeks of the statewide closure.

Veterans care facility could open in 2022

By COY FERRELL, Fauquier Times

Construction on a long-planned veterans care facility in the former Vint Hill Farm Station area is set to begin next month. The 128-bed Puller Center will be a state-operated nursing home for military veterans and could be ready to begin accepting patients in 2022.

Supervisor self-quarantines because of overseas trip

By DON DEL ROSSO, Fauquier Now

Returning from an overseas trip Saturday, the Cedar Run District supervisor self-quarantined “as a precautionary measure” because of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Rick Gerhardt will not attend the county board of supervisors’ budget hearing Thursday at the Warrenton Community Center at 430 E. Shirley Ave.

Roanoke-area homeless shelters say they're determined to stay open

By ALICIA PETSKA, Roanoke Times (Metered Paywall - 18 articles a month)

The Roanoke region’s homeless shelters are ramping up cleaning and conferring with health care providers to keep their doors open amid the coronavirus response.

Sen. Reeves shows us the 'art of the next best'

Free Lance-Star Editorial (Metered Paywall - 10 articles a month)

Long ago, Otto von Bismarck said that politics “is the art of the possible, the attainable—the art of the next best.” This is something Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves understands, even if others in the General Assembly don’t, in this take-no-prisoners age of American political life. Reeves recently voted for a bill to allow localities to decide the fate of monuments within their boundaries ...

Virginia is leading the way in the search for insulin solutions

Richmond Times-Dispatch Editorial (Access to this article limited to subscribers)

Earlier this month, the General Assembly passed legislation that, if signed by Gov. Ralph Northam, would make Virginia one of the first states to set insulin price controls. Carried by Del. Lee Carter, D-Manassas, House Bill 66 caps cost-sharing payments for patients at $50 per month. “It’s almost impossible to overstate how big of a deal this is,” Carter tweeted on March 6. “It’s HUGE.”