Virginia Public Radio

The COVID-19 pandemic and changes in Virginia law are forcing local governments to change the way they normally prepare for a presidential election. And with restrictions on gatherings, required public meetings are becoming difficult to manage.

Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

More now from Fred Echols.

(Credit: Va. Dept. of Juvenile Justice)

Twenty-five young people held in state custody have tested positive for COVID-19. That’s according to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The numbers amount to about one-eighth of the population at the Bon Air Correctional Facility, outside Richmond.

As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, 21 of the cases were asymptomatic. 

Gov. Ralph Northam

Governor Ralph Northam is extending his executive order that closes many businesses in Virginia.

Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest.

Getting on the ballot is not easy for candidates under normal circumstances.

As Michael Pope reports, it’s now becoming a very difficult hurdle for candidates across Virginia.

Ponies munching on grass near a pond at the refuge. (Credit: Pamela D’Angelo)

Every April, hundreds flock to see the Saltwater Cowboys round up famous wild ponies for a bi-annual health check.

But this year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be different.

Pamela D’Angelo reports.

Credit: Flickr CC

It might seem strange, but during this pandemic many doctors and nurses are struggling financially.

Sandy Hausman explains why and what’s being done to help them.

For thousands of Virginians without a place to live, staying at home isn’t an option.

Earlier this month, Governor Northam announced $2.5 million in emergency funding to help those experiencing homelessness.

Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.

(Credit: CDC)

New models from the University of Virginia show social distancing is helping slow the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Mallory Noe-Payne has the latest.

The COVID-19 outbreak is proving to be especially challenging for schools where internet service is spotty. And while many restaurants are laying off staff during there’s at least one that’s been hiring.

Those have been among the most read stories over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

More now from Fred Echols.

Credit: dcJohn via Flickr.com / CC

Even though schools are closed for the rest of the year, teachers are trying to keep their students engaged through distance learning.

Many districts are going online. But, as Cat Modlin-Jackson found, the shift might be especially challenging for English learners.

The Covid-19 outbreak is disrupting elections at every level as governments and political parties adjust.

Stories about the political process have been among the most read over the past week at the Virginia Public Access Project’s Va. News link.

More now from Fred Echols.

  A sign informs visitors of the closure of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. It also includes recommendations for social distancing in the museum’s outdoor areas.
(Credit Cat Modlin-Jackson)

Hundreds of museums across Virginia have closed, just as droves of field trippers and after-hours crowds were set to gather for spring events.

So what happens now that the lights are out and would-be visitors are stuck at home?

Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.

(Credit: CDC)

During the COVID-19 crisis world leaders might do well to consult a professor of public policy at the University of Virginia.  In 2018, he developed a complex game called Pandemic.

Sandy Hausman reports on what that simulation showed.

Under normal circumstances, lawmakers would be preparing to head back to Richmond in a few weeks to consider actions taken by the governor on all the legislation they passed this year.

But, as Michael Pope reports, this year may end up being different.

Three inmates at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women have tested positive for the novel coronavirus along with a contractor at the prison in Goochland.

A guard at the Indian Creek Correctional Center also has the disease, and prisoners around the state are terrified as Sandy Hausman reports.

(Credit: U. S. Census Bureau)

Now that schools and many offices are closed due to coronavirus, families have more time for other activities, like filling out the Census.

And though door knockers are on hiatus, advocates want every resident counted, especially the little ones with a big impact.

Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.

(Credit: Alexander G via flickr.com / CC)

Many industries are having a hard time right now, and many are seeking help from the federal government.

As Michael Pope reports, the coal industry is no exception.

  Karen Acree with her patient Tyrone Jones.
(Credit: Karen Acree)

Many people with disabilities, or who are elderly, rely on home health care workers to come to their houses and help them stay safe and healthy.

Tens of thousands of people in Virginia work as a home health or personal care aide.

Now those low wage workers are on the front lines of a pandemic. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

(Credit: CDC)

In just a matter of weeks, life as we have known it has dramatically changed with the arrival of COVID-19.

And while the requirements to self-isolate or stay away from people is challenging our social fabric, people are finding ways to cope.

Robbie Harris has more.

Virginia’s new restrictions on people and businesses begin at midnight Tuesday.

Restaurants can only serve carry out or delivery, gatherings of more than 10 people are banned, and any recreational or entertainment business must close.

Mallory Noe-Payne reports.

Kara Goodrow, a circulation clerk at Northumberland Public Library, disinfects a returned book. (Credit Pamela D’Angelo)

Communities are rolling up their sleeves and coming up with ways to deal with the consequences of social distancing and business closings due to the coronavirus.

Public libraries are at the heart of rural communities. They’re a gathering spot, a portal for internet access and a safe place for teens and neighbors to meet up. But the coronavirus has changed all that.

Pamela D’Angelo reports from one rural library in Virginia’s Northern Neck.