Posts Tagged COVID-19
Southwest Virginia lab switches focus from COVID testing to genomic sequencing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 10, 2022

As more people have become vaccinated against COVID-19, testing for the virus isn’t as frequent. But, at the height of the pandemic it was vital. Mallory Noe-Payne visited a lab in southwest Virginia that played a crucial role in making testing accessible.
As COVID vaccines and at-home tests have become more accessible, labs across the country have shifted focus from COVID testing to genomic sequencing. Mallory Noe-Payne visited one lab in Roanoke and has more on how scientists are now working to stay ahead of the curve.
The secret to predicting COVID trends? Look at human behavior, study says
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 14, 2022
A new study could make predicting future pandemics more accurate – by combining math with research on human behavior. Roxy Todd has more.
Richmond and Henrico Health Districts expand home vaccinations to all
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 25, 2022
Over 72% of Virginians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. That number is even higher for Adults – 82%. Efforts to vaccinate the rest are continuing. Jahd Khalil tells us about a new program in Richmond.
Federal judge sides with parents of high-risk students in masking lawsuit
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 24, 2022
One of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s first moves in office was to weaken school mask mandates. Some parents and administrators quickly challenged that move in court. Reporter Jahd Khalil has this update on one lawsuit that stood out from the others.
Some state Senators want protective plexiglass in the chamber removed
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2022

Mask mandates are being lifted in schools across Virginia. And as Michael Pope reports, COVID-19 protocols may also be changing in the state Senate.
School mask mandate legislation likely headed to Youngkin’s desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 9, 2022
Governor Glenn Youngkin may soon be considering a bill that would prohibit local school boards from issuing mask mandates. Michael Pope reports.
Measure allowing medically questionable COVID-19 treatments fails in a Senate committee
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 20, 2022
Members of the General Assembly are fighting back against medical misinformation. Michael Pope reports.
Gov. Youngkin’s mask order on schools gets pushback
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 19, 2022

School administrators and politicians are pushing back against Governor Glenn Youngkin’s executive order that would allow parents to opt their children out of school mask requirements, saying masking is the best way to keep schools open and the order doesn’t override a law on the subject. Jahd Khalil reports.
Avula: Virginia to Receive Enough Vaccinations for More Than Half of 5-11 Population This Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 3, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control gave final approval to COVID-19 vaccinations for kids aged five to 11 earlier this week. And, Virginia has been preparing for that rollout for some time now. Nick Gilmore reports.
Virginia Nurses in Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 22, 2021
A recent survey showed one in four nurses got mental health services in the last year, and more than half said they were exhausted by the COVID pandemic. Tuesday, the Virginia Nurses Association held a news conference to beg for public support as Sandy Hausman reports.
More Secure Digital Vaccine Status Now Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2021
Governor Avoids Mandates Despite Rising New Cases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2021

Governor Ralph Northam said he was going to stick with encouraging vaccination and other safeguards rather than mandating them in a variety of contexts Thursday, despite accelerating new cases. Jahd Khalil reports.
New VCU Poll: Black Virginians Twice as Likely to Face Economic Hardship During Recovery
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 9, 2021
The pandemic is hitting racial and ethnic minorities harder in Virginia, according to a new poll. Michael Pope reports.
New Poll: Unvaccinated Black Virginians More Likely to Get a Shot Than White Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 2, 2021

A new poll reveals racial disparity among people who are reluctant to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Michael Pope has details.
Congressman Connolly Wants to Be Ready for the Next Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 29, 2021
One member of Virginia’s congressional delegation is working across party lines to help head off the next pandemic. Michael Pope reports.
ARP Funding: How Should Virginia School Divisions Use It?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 24, 2021
School divisions across Virginia are about to come into a large sum of money thanks to the American Rescue Plan. Michael Pope reports on the debate about what to do with all that money.
VDH Spends $1.7 Million on Ads in March and April
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 11, 2021
The Virginia Department of Health spent $1.7 million in March and April on ads promoting vaccinations and public health measures, according to April 21st data from the department. Jahd Khalil reports.
Northam: Virginia on Track to See COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted on June 15th
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on May 6, 2021
The State of COVID-19 Vaccinations in Virginia’s Prisons
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2021
It’s been more than a year since Virginia prisons locked down to try and stop the spread of COVID-19. The state has offered vaccine to every inmate, but restrictions are still in place and are unlikely to be lifted any time soon. In part one of a series, Sandy Hausman tells why.
Because the risk of a deadly COVID outbreak was especially high in state prisons, and because the disease could easily spread to surrounding communities through staff, inmates and employees were among the first Virginians to get vaccine. However, nearly a third of prisoners and more than 40% of staff have refused it. That means significant restrictions remain in place, and frustration behind bars is building as Sandy Hausman reports in part two.
Many More Deaths From COVID-19 Have Likely Gone Unreported
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 12, 2021
On Sunday, Virginia marks one year since a man in his 70s died from COVID-19. He was the first of 9,961 people who have died from the virus, officially. But as Jahd Khalil reports, the pandemic has claimed many more.
Northam: Some COVID-19 Restrictions to Be Relaxed Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
The number of new COVID-19 infections is trending down, and vaccination numbers are going up. And, Governor Ralph Northam says that’s cause to relax some safety restrictions. Nick Gilmore has details.
You can find more details about the relaxed restrictions here.
Legislation Requiring In-Person Instruction Currently Under Consideration by House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
On Monday, some students in Henrico County returned to in-person learning. Governor Northam has asked all schools to have an in-person option by March 15th. A bill in the General Assembly would require it by this summer. Jahd Khalil has this report from Richmond.
State Call Center for COVID-19 Vaccination Registration and Information Now Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 17, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam delivered some good news during an update on Virginia’s continued COVID-19 response Wednesday: case numbers are trending down and vaccinations are up. The state has a few new tools as well. Nick Gilmore reports.
You can reach the call center at 877-VAX-IN-VA. And the online portal is accessible here.
Northam: Virginia School Divisions Should Offer an In-Person Option by March 15th
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2021
After the pandemic caused Governor Ralph Northam to close Virginia’s public schools last spring, he says it’s now time to reopen. Nick Gilmore has details.
VDH: Vaccine Administration Ramping Up, More Doses Expected Next Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2021
Last week, officials admitted Virginia had one of the worst state rates for administering vaccine on hand. This week, the news is better. Sandy Hausman reports.
Northam Says More Vaccines On the Way, Promises Transparency
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 27, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccination effort has been a confusing one in Virginia up until this point. The governor worked to address frustration with the process Wednesday. Nick Gilmore reports.
The governor has also extended restrictions put in place last month to cut down on further spread of COVID-19 through the end of February. They were originally set to expire this week.
“We are ramping up vaccinations. This is no time to let down our guard,” he said.
Those restrictions include a stay-at-home order from 12 to 5am each day, a universal mask mandate for everyone five and older and a cap on social gatherings to 10 people.
Challenges Abound for Vaccination Efforts in Virginia’s Rural Communities
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 26, 2021
This week, some of Virginia’s rural health districts have begun the second round of COVID-19 vaccines, in addition to immunizing people in group 1B. That’s putting a strain on health districts on the Eastern Shore, Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Pamela D’Angelo spoke with the doctor who’s heading up efforts there.
State Health Officials: Demand for Vaccines Far Outpacing Actual Supply
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 22, 2021
It’s been a tough week for state and local health departments, scrambling to meet demand for COVID vaccine. Friday, they took time out to tell reporters about the challenges ahead. Sandy Hausman reports.
Northam: Vaccination Efforts Ramping Up, New Guidelines for Reopening Schools
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 14, 2021
Virginia’s governor announced plans to speed up vaccine distribution and the reopening of schools. Nick Gilmore has details.
You can find that new guidance from the Virginia Department of Education here.
Northam: Teachers and Childcare Workers to Be Included in Next Round of Vaccines
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 6, 2021
Virginia has begun vaccinating people on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, Governor Ralph Northam has provided a roadmap for the state’s next steps. Nick Gilmore has details.
The Economic Impact of COVID-19 is Hurting Certain Parts of Virginia More than Others
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 18, 2020
The economic crisis is hitting some parts of Virginia harder than others. Michael Pope has the story.
State Lawmakers Face Unique Challenge With Doling Out Education Funding Next Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 11, 2020
Lawmakers will return to Richmond next month – and writing a new budget will be a priority. But, they’ll have to answer some questions about what kind of assumptions they want to make about schools. Michael Pope reports.
Economic Recovery Following the Pandemic is on Track, But Could Take Longer in Rural Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Uncategorized on December 11, 2020
Recovering to pre-pandemic employment levels is expected to take longer in rural Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Announces Curfew, Other Restrictions Amid Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on December 10, 2020

New COVID-19 restrictions will go into effect Monday morning thanks to record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 infections. Nick Gilmore has details on what Virginians can expect.
You can find the full executive order here.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Where People Want to Live
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 27, 2020
The pandemic economy is influencing the prices of rental housing, and where people are choosing to live. Michael Pope has details.
‘What We Were Meant To Do’ Medical Reserve Corps Preps for Vaccinations
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 25, 2020
More than 12,000 volunteers have stepped up to help battle the COVID-19 pandemic, but officials say more will be needed before it’s all over. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Virginia Restaurants Coming to Terms with New Alcohol Restrictions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 19, 2020
Restaurants across Virginia are adapting to new rules about when they can serve alcohol. Michael Pope reports.
New Virginia COVID-19 Restrictions Begin Monday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 13, 2020
Governor Ralph Northam announced a series of increased restrictions designed to combat the increase of COVID-19 cases. Nick Gilmore has details on the new restrictions set to go into effect at 12:01am Monday.
You can find more information here.
State Election Officials Reflect on Efforts to Safely Vote in a Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 4, 2020
As the polls closed yesterday, Commissioner of Elections Chris Piper talked about the changes and challenges Virginia saw during this election. Jahd Khalil has more.
New Study: More Deaths Can Be Attributed to COVID-19
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 12, 2020
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University suggests the death rate from COVID-19 is higher than reported.
Sandy Hausman spoke with its lead author about the under-count, what some states have done wrong during the pandemic and how this state has performed.
Officials Hope New VDH Tool Will Help Virginia School Divisions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 28, 2020

State health officials continue to roll out more tools to help in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. And as Nick Gilmore reports, they hope the newest one will help school divisions across Virginia.
Virginia Senate Committee Kills Paid Quarantine Leave Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2020

Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to require businesses offer paid quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Balance the Budget… Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 15, 2020

Lawmakers are trying to budget the state out of the red ink created by slumping revenues tied to the economic crisis. Michael Pope reports.
Advocates Say There’s Adequate Funding to Reinstate Healthcare Spending
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 10, 2020

Faced with uncertainty about the costs of the coronavirus, lawmakers hit pause on plans to spend more money on Medicaid coverage earlier this year. But, in spite of an expected revenue shortfall, policy experts say there’s plenty of money left for healthcare spending. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Virginia Senate Shelves COVID Workers Comp Bill for Now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 9, 2020

Should workers who get COVID-19 be eligible for workers’ compensation? As Michael Pope reports, lawmakers aren’t sure.
Paid Sick Days Proposal is Dead, but Virginia House Moving Forward With Quarantine Leave
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 8, 2020

Efforts to require paid sick days during the pandemic have already fallen apart in the Senate. But, efforts are moving forward in the House for a quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Adding Civil Penalty for Emergency Order Violations Passes State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020

What happens if someone violates the governor’s executive order on the pandemic? Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Want to Ensure a Tuition Freeze Still Happens
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 3, 2020

Earlier this year, lawmakers set aside millions of dollars to freeze tuition rates. They shifted course and unallotted that money when COVID-19 cast a shadow of economic doubt, but now, a move to restore those funds has bipartisan support. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Virginia Senate Strikes Down COVID-19 Business Immunity Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 2, 2020

Credit: CDC
Should corporations be immune from lawsuits if customers contract COVID-19? Michael Pope reports.
Voting in a Pandemic: Drop Box Funding Passes In Virginia House and Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 28, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a plan to spend $2 million to help voters cast ballots during the pandemic. But, critics say they are opening the door to vote harvesting and election fraud. Michael Pope has details.