Coronavirus News to Know: Top headlines on Virginia’s COVID-19 response

By NBC12 Newsroom | May 12, 2020 at 2:49 PM EDT - Updated October 21 at 11:22 AM

Locations

Richmond, Central Virginia

Last Reviewed

10/21/2020, 11:22 a.m.

Overview

The entire state is in phase three of Gov. Ralph Northam’s reopening plan. A restriction for bar seating will remain in place. An indoor mask mandate also began Friday, May 29. More info.

Social Distancing

Governor Ralph Northam issued a stay-at-home order on March 23, which ended on June 10. Northam also announced an indoor mask mandate that began Friday, May 29, and also recommends staying at least 6-feet apart when possible. More info.

Business and Facilities

The entire state is in phase three of Gov. Ralph Northam’s reopening plan, lifting more restrictions on restaurants and entertainment venues. The Hampton Roads area joined the rest of the state in Phase Three on Sept. 10, after having increased restrictions due to rising case numbers.

Events

During Phase Three, gatherings continue to be limited but can now include 250 people - up from 50. More info.

Healthcare Status

There are currently 3,960 beds available with only 23 percent of its ventilators in use. More info.

Testing

Gov. Northam announced that Virginia will join several other states in an agreement to expand rapid COVID-19 testing. More info.

Schools

Most schools have decided on how students will return to learning this fall. Central Virginia’s largest school systems will be completely virtual while others offer a hybrid learning program. Most schools returned on Sept. 8. More info.

How to Help

Donate to the Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund here.

Public Transport

GRTC has implemented guidelines and restrictions for ridership. More info. The bus lines were recently updated in efforts to increase reliability and destination connectivity. More info.

Unemployment

The Virginia Employment Commission said for the filing week ending Sept. 12, the figure for seasonally unadjusted initial claims in Virginia was 10,100. The figure was the lowest weekly total since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic’s employment impacts in mid-March. File an application here.