Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

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 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

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

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 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