Tag: Northam
Everyone in Virginia could get COVID vaccine by this summer
Every Virginia resident who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should be able to get one by this summer, Gov. Ralph Northam said in a briefing on vaccines Jan. 6. COVID is surging in Virginia – the number of cases reported daily is way above what it was last spring – and this trend could continue to … Continued
Virginia healthcare workers start getting COVID vaccines
Yolanda Dumas, an emergency room nurse at Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk got the first COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia. Virginia received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines and began inoculating healthcare workers yesterday. Supplies are limited, so high-risk groups will be vaccinated first. The state’s initial shipment included 72,150 doses and is targeted to healthcare workers. … Continued
Virginia Gov. Northam imposes new restrictions in response to COVID surge
Northam speaks at a briefing on COVID Dec. 10. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Dec. 10 announced new rules aimed at combatting a surge in COVID 19 cases, including a curfew and stepped-up enforcement. COVID cases are now at the highest level ever since the pandemic started last winter. Statewide, there are now 4,000 new … Continued
Virginia working group identifies issues for marijuana legalization
A working group appointed by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has outlined a series of issues that need to be addressed if the state legalizes marijuana. The Virginia Marijuana Legalization Work Group was mandated by legislation decriminalizing marijuana enacted earlier this year. In November, Northam said he supports legislation in the upcoming General Assembly to legalize … Continued
Virginia governor supports marijuana legalization
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam supports the legalization of marijuana for recreational use by adults. “It’s time to legalize marijuana in Virginia,” Northam said Nov. 16. “Our commonwealth has an opportunity to be the first state in the South to take this step, and we will lead with a focus on equity, public health, and public … Continued
New Virginia laws address police reform
Gov. Northam [Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury] Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a series of laws on police and justice reform that were approved during the General Assembly’s special session. The measures were generally driven by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police this summer. The omnibus policing reform legislation (Senate Bill 5030) … Continued
Virginia governor proposes improvements in absentee voting
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced a series of proposals Aug. 18 to ensure people have safe access to voting in the Nov. 3 election amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These measures, to be considered by legislators during a special session of the General Assembly, include the following: Northam’s proposed budget includes $2 million for … Continued
Northam cracks down on COVID violations
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced the adoption of statewide emergency workplace safety standards July 15 in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases across the state. These rules mandate appropriate personal protective equipment, sanitation, social distancing, infectious disease preparedness and response plans, record keeping, training, and hazard communications in workplaces across Virginia. Face coverings are … Continued
Virginia to enter Phase 3 next week
Virginia will enter Phase 3 on Wednesday, July 1, Gov. Ralph Northam announced June 23. That includes Northern Virginia, along with the rest of the state. Phase 3 of the Forward Virginia Plan continues to lift public health restrictions put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Health data are moving in a positive … Continued
Northam says Northern Virginia is ready for Phase 2
Northam Northern Virginia can enter Phase 2 of the state’s plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions on Friday, June 12, Gov. Ralph Northam announced today. According to Northam, positive Covid-19 tests have declined to about 10 percent of tests given in Northern Virginia and are trending downward. The region is two weeks behind the rest of … Continued
Fairfax County stays in Phase 1 of reopening plan, as Virginia moves to Phase 2
Personal grooming businesses, such as Heidi’s Nails in Annandale, were allowed to open by appointment only on May 29. Northern Virginia will remain in Phase 1, while most of the rest of the state will enter Phase 2 on Friday, June 5. Gov. Ralph Northam announced June 2 that the health metrics are on track … Continued
Fairfax County to begin reopening May 29
A COVID testing event at Annandale High School on May 23. Fairfax County, along with other Northern Virginia jurisdictions, will be able to meet the criteria for entering Phase 1 of Gov. Ralph Northam’s plan for reopening, states Board of Supervisors chair Jeffrey McKay. As a result, Fairfax County will enter Phase 1 on Friday, … Continued
Virginia decriminalizes marijuana
A Beyond Hello medical marijuana dispensary owned by the Jushi Co. The company plans to open a state-approved dispensary in Manassas. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law several bills May 21 passed by the General Assembly relating to the decriminalization of marijuana possession. The new laws take effect July 1. Anyone caught by the … Continued
Virginia Beach will open Friday
Virginia Beach on a typical summer weekend. (Kaitlin McKeown/Virginia Media) Virginia Beach will reopen Friday, May 22, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced during a coronavirus briefing today. Recreational activities – including sunbathing, swimming, and fishing – will be allowed, although beach goers are urged to maintain social distancing. No group sports, alcohol, tents, speakers, or … Continued
Northam delays Phase I of reopening plan for Northern Virginia
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order May 12 stating that localities in Northern Virginia can delay Phase I of the state’s plan to ease restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Northam had previously announced that Phase I, which allows non-essential businesses, barbershops, hair salons, and places of … Continued