Posts Tagged Coronavirus
State Lawmakers Must Balance Budget Amidst COVID: What Does that Mean for Legislative Priorities?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
Credit: NPR
As lawmakers prepare to go back to Richmond and put together a revised budget, they’ll be confronting a number of difficult decisions. Michael Pope has this report about one of those decisions involving maternal mortality.
The Paradox of a Rural County: Few Cases of COVID but a Big Economic Impact
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
The Omni Homestead employs 700 people in Bath County. It closed for three months due to COVID, reopening in late June. (Credit: Omni Homestead)
While the COVID-19 pandemic has largely spared rural Virginia, the economies of many communities have taken a big hit. That’s clearly the case in Bath County – a tourist mecca on the West Virginia border where meal and lodging taxes dropped dramatically and unemployment rose to more than 20%. Sandy Hausman paid a visit and filed this report.
And in this report, Sandy Hausman details how locals in Bath County are still hopeful, and how a creative spirit is spreading as they find ways to survive the economic downturn.
Checking in With Virginia’s Latinx Community Following Passage of Workplace Safety Rules
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
Liz Zavala at her job in Harrisonburg. (Credit: Cat Modlin-Jackson)
In May, we brought you the story of a Mexican-American woman whose family was deeply impacted by the spread of COVID-19 in poultry plants. Cat Modlin-Jackson checked in with Liz Zavala after Virginia became the first state to pass mandatory workplace safety rules amidst the pandemic.
Senator Warner Wants to Protect Workers of Big Businesses
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2020
Almost a million jobs in Virginia were preserved by the Paycheck Protection Program, according to new data from the Small Business Administration. But, that doesn’t help people who work for big businesses. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Reaches Grim Milestone: One Million Unemployment Claims in 2020
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2020
Unemployment claims in Virginia have surpassed an unprecedented milestone: one million claims this year. Now state and federal lawmakers are raising the alarm about a backlog of Virginians still waiting on money. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
State Democrats Split Over Paid Sick Days
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2020
As members of the General Assembly prepare to return to Richmond next month, many of them are looking for a way to make sure workers in Virginia get sick days. Michael Pope reports.
Congressional Delegation Weighs In: Should Deregulation Efforts Remain Post-Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2020
Credit: Rog Cogswell / Creative Commons
The Trump administration has aggressively moved to unwind an array of federal regulations since the coronavirus pandemic hit America, and to Virginia lawmakers it’s not as cut and dry – even across party lines. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Becomes First State to Pass Coronavirus Workplace Rules
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2020
Virginia has become the first state to pass mandated health and safety standards for workplaces, amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Labor activists are celebrating the new enforceable standards. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
A Look at the Virginia Cultural Institutions that Received PPP Help
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2020
The Montpelier Foundation was among several Virginia non-profits to receive loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. (Credit: Montpelier Facebook Page / facebook.com/JMMontpelier/photos)
More than 130 museums, performing arts institutions and historical sites in Virginia received a boost from Paycheck Protection Program loans, according to data released this month by the U.S. Treasury Department. Cat Modlin-Jackson took a look at how that money helped salvage a pandemic summer.
COVID-19 Hit Vulnerable Communities Hard: What Happens When You’re In More Than One?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 14, 2020
Credit: CDC
The pandemic has exposed how some communities are more vulnerable than others. But what happens when people are in more than one vulnerable group? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Faces Hefty Price Tag to Send Kids Back to School
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 13, 2020
The question about when and how to reopen schools isn’t just a question about health and safety. As Michael Pope reports, it’s also a matter of dollars and cents.
Requirement or Recommendation: How Should Virginia Guide Businesses Reopening Amid COVID-19?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2020
Credit: CDC
Businesses across Virginia are reopening, although state leaders are at odds over what kind of requirements they should be facing. Michael Pope reports.
Packing on Pandemic Pounds: Expert Advice on Avoiding Stress Eating
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2020
Melanie Brede counsels UVA students about nutrition. (Credit: UVA)
College students sometimes joke about the “freshman 15” – the weight they gain from eating more high-calorie food at the campus cafeteria. These days, nutritionists are also talking about the COVID-19 – pounds added during a pandemic. Sandy Hausman spoke with an expert on stress eating and filed this report.
School Reopening Efforts are Becoming Increasingly Political
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2020
School is out for summer. But what happens when classes start again this fall?
Michael Pope has this preview of the coming political debate over the fall semester.
COVID-19 and the 2020 Census
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 7, 2020
Credit: CDC
The count of Virginia’s population this year during the Census is likely to be clouded because of the pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
As Virginia Considers Workplace Health Requirements, Businesses Are Already Lashing Out
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 26, 2020
Credit: CDC
Virginia is considering strict new workplace safety requirements for businesses that are now reopening. And, the proposed standard is controversial in the business community. Michael Pope reports.
A Temporary Moratorium on Evictions Will Soon End
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 23, 2020
The Supreme Court of Virginia (Credit: Morgan Riley / Creative Commons / Wikimedia Commons
The Supreme Court of Virginia is ending the eviction moratorium, a move that could spell trouble for people caught up in the economic crisis. Michael Pope reports.
Voting in a Pandemic: A Look at Safety Precautions for Tuesday’s Primary Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 22, 2020
Credit: NPR
Voters across Virginia will vote in primary elections Tuesday – casting ballots during a pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
Consumer Behavior: What Have Virginians Been Buying During the Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 16, 2020
New numbers from the federal government show how the pandemic is influencing consumer choices in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
State Officials Weighing Emergency Medicaid Services for Undocumented Immigrants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 12, 2020
Credit: CDC
Undocumented immigrants are being hit hard by the COVID-19 health crisis, and access to health care is a major stumbling block for many. But, Virginia could take action to increase availability of testing and treatment. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Schools Face Another Financial Crisis Thanks to COVID-19 and Economic Woes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 10, 2020
In August, lawmakers will return to Richmond for a special session, and money for schools will be one of the key areas they’ll focus on. Michael Pope reports.
State Officials Outline Plan for Reopening Virginia’s Public Schools This Fall
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 9, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam during a recent COVID-19 update.
State officials outlined a plan Tuesday to reopen Virginia’s public and private schools this fall amid the ongoing pandemic. Nick Gilmore has details.
Here is more information from Governor Northam on the school plan, and details about what each phase of his reopening plan will mean for the state’s schools.
Rent Still a Concern for Many Struggling Economically, But Some Relief Possibly on the Way
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 5, 2020
The Virginia Supreme Court halted evictions Monday while state leaders work on a rent-relief program.
Meanwhile, new data from the Legal Aid Justice Center shows just how tenuous the situation is for many families struggling with the ongoing health and economic crisis.
Michael Pope reports.
You can find the court’s order here. And you can find more information on the report from the Legal Aid Justice Center here.
**Editor’s note: this story has been updated to include the eviction order from the Virginia Supreme Court.
As Unemployment Rate Soars, Will Job Losses Be Temporary?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 28, 2020
Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment in Virginia hit a new record this week. Michael Pope reports.
Assessing Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 26, 2020
Since 2011, private colleges and universities have offered more online learning opportunities. (Credit: Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at UVA)
The pandemic is changing many aspects of life as we now know it, and that’s a trend that will only continue for the rest of the year. Michael Pope has this preview for the fall semester of higher education.
Virginia Finalizing Phone App For COVID-19 Tracking
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 21, 2020
Credit: CDC
State officials expect to have an online COVID-19 self-check tool up and running within the next few days. Virginians will be able to record symptoms and get referred to testing. It’s just one aspect of the digital effort to control the pandemic. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
COVID-19 Benefits: Should Virginia Provide Them to Undocumented Immigrants?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 20, 2020
Should state and local governments in Virginia be helping undocumented immigrants who are being left behind in federal recovery programs? Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Nursing Homes Report Lack of N95 Masks, Isolation Gowns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 19, 2020
Credit: CDC
Nursing homes in Virginia continue to have difficulty obtaining personal protective equipment. That’s according to new data published this week by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Working Groups to Northam: Recommendations Should Be Requirements
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 13, 2020
Most of Virginia is about to start opening back up for business, and groups representing Virginia workers are hoping the governor adopts some emergency regulations first. Michael Pope reports.
COVID-19’s Economic Impact is Hitting Communities of Color Harder, Too
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 12, 2020
Credit: The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia is seeing massive amount of unemployment, and massive amount of claims for unemployment insurance. But, some groups are being hit harder than others. Michael Pope reports.
Here’s more information from the Commonwealth Institute.
“The hardest decision I’ve ever made…” Why One Northern Virginia Official Says More Time is Needed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 11, 2020
Credit: CDC
Virginia may be on the verge of opening back up for business, at least most of Virginia. The governor is now moving toward a regional approach. Michael Pope reports.
Wexton Pushes for More Flexibility in Paycheck Protection Program
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 8, 2020
Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton
Congress is about to put together another coronavirus relief package, and one member of the Virginia delegation has a suggestion on helping businesses. Michael Pope reports.
Unemployment Benefits: What Happens after the Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2020
Congressman Don Beyer (Credit: United States Congress / Wikimedia Commons)
Unemployment insurance is temporary, and it’ll eventually run out. That’s why one Virginia congressman is trying to expand it, although not everywhere all in the same way. Michael Pope explains.
Stress Injuries Common During COVID Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 7, 2020
Credit: CDC
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been watching for certain symptoms – fever, for example, or cough. But for anyone touched by this crisis there may also be psychological symptoms. Sandy Hausman reports.
A Congressional Push to Ensure Localities Don’t Shutoff Utilities During Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 6, 2020
Before the pandemic struck, the city of Petersburg shut off water to thousands of homes — leaving many without running water during Governor Ralph Northam’s stay-at-home order. (Credit: Ken Lund / Flickr, CC)
Congress is now considering the next round of economic relief prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. And, it might have a provision aimed at helping restore water to dozens of homes in Petersburg. Michael Pope reports.
Churches and COVID-19
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 5, 2020
Credit: Steven Coutts / Flickr, CC
Virginia may be on the verge of opening up again soon. But for now, churches across the Commonwealth are closed. And, that’s led to a legal challenge. Michael Pope reports.
Some State Lawmakers Want to Make it Easier for Long-Term Care Facilities to Share Case Information
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 1, 2020
How many cases of Coronavirus are in your neighborhood? Localized data on the pandemic has been difficult to come by. Michael Pope reports.
Expired Sticker? How the State is Handling Vehicle Inspections During a Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 30, 2020
Credit: VSP Facebook Page
Did your inspection sticker expire at the end of April? There is some good news: You don’t have to worry about it – for the most part. Michael Pope reports.
Elective Surgeries Will Soon Be Allowed to Resume
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 29, 2020
Credit: CDC
In his Wednesday afternoon briefing, Governor Northam said medical, dental and veterinary facilities will be allowed to resume non-emergency procedures on Friday. Nick Gilmore has details.
Racial Inequity and COVID-19
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 28, 2020
Credit: CDC
The pandemic is hitting blacks and Hispanics hardest in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Voting in a Pandemic: The Debate Over Next Month’s Local Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020
Credit: NPR
Next month, voters across Virginia will be heading to the polls to vote in local elections. That’s despite efforts to move those elections to June or November. Michael Pope reports.
Health Officials Working to Combat COVID-19 in Meat Processing Plants
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020
Credit: CDC
A team of federal health officials is expected on the Delmarva Peninsula this week to address growing concerns of coronavirus amidst poultry plant workers. Mallory Noe-Payne has more.
Virginia Congressional Delegation Wants to Protect Contract Workers, Split on Best Strategy
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 27, 2020
Before the global pandemic shut down the economy, President Trump had proposed ship and submarine cuts that were almost universally opposed by Virginia lawmakers. The delegation is now fighting to help the state’s contracting industry while debating how best to do it. Matt Laslo reports.
Northam Lays Out Blueprint for Loosening Restrictions as Deaths from COVID-19 Surpass 400
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 24, 2020
Credit: CDC
During a news conference Friday, Governor Northam offered the first details on a blueprint for how he plans to reopen Virginia. Nick Gilmore has details.
Barring Executive Action, Local Elections in Virginia Will Go Forward in May
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 23, 2020
Credit: NPR
Dozens of elections across Virginia are scheduled to take place a few days from now. As Michael Pope reports, efforts to move those elections have failed.
Some State Democrats Want May Elections to Take Place in June Instead of November
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Spotlight on WVTF Public Radio 2012, Virginia's News on April 20, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a General Assembly with social distancing. One issue that could become a flashpoint is what happens to local elections. Michael Pope reports.
Monday: Deaths from COVID-19 Reach 300 in Virginia; State Forms Testing Work Group
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 20, 2020
Credit: CDC
In an afternoon news briefing, Governor Ralph Northam announced the formation of a COVID-19 testing work group. The group will be made up of state health officials, as well as representatives from private and community health care providers. Nick Gilmore has details.
Virginia COVID-19 Cases Jump to 7,491, Northam says Economic Reopening is Tied to Case Data
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 17, 2020
Credit: CDC
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in Virginia jumped to 7,491 Friday, according to the Virginia Department of Health. That’s an increase of 602, the largest daily increase since the health department began reporting the data. Nick Gilmore has details from Governor Ralph Northam’s April 17th briefing.
Opponents of Stay-At-Home Orders Rally at Virginia Capitol
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 16, 2020
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Even as confirmed deaths from COVID-19 rose above 200 today in Virginia, a few dozen people gathered on Capitol Square to protest Governor Ralph Northam’s stay at home orders. Mallory Noe-Payne was there and has this report.
Northam Extends Executive Order Closing Entertainment and Recreational Businesses By Two Weeks
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 15, 2020
Credit: CDC
During a press conference Wednesday, Governor Ralph Northam said social distancing is working, and because of that, the state is flattening the curve of COVID-19. But, as Mallory Noe-Payne reports, the governor is continuing an executive order closing many businesses across the Commonwealth.
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