RECAP: Virginia This Week (April 23, 2021)

Apr 23, 2021 | Newsletter, The Recap

COVID-19

Vaccination status: Phase 2

KEY MEASURES: Virginia Department of Health

Dashboard updated 4/23/2021. Case counts reflect what has been reported to VDH by healthcare providers and laboratories.

Visit the VDH Dashboard 

Virginia will relax some COVID-19 restrictions on May 15

“Virginia officials will relax COVID-19 restrictions around social events and restaurant operations on May 15, with hopes to eliminate all gathering and capacity limits by June.”

Read the full story in the RT-D

Richmond and Henrico's first walk-in clinic will be for immigrants, refugees

“Richmond and Henrico County are setting up their first walk-in vaccine clinic and reserving all 400 to 500 Moderna shots for immigrants and refugees within the health districts…“

Read the full story in the RT-D

Resource Links:

Virginia Department of Health
Coronavirus in Virginia: State Hub
Centers for Disease Control

Virginia Politics

Legislation

Marijuana Legalization effective July 1

 

Governor Northam held a ceremonial signing on Wednesday, April 21st.
Key highlights of new law:

  • Applicable only for adults, 21+ years of age
  • May possess up to one (1) ounce
  • Legal to grow up to four plants, per household
  • Selling marijuana still illegal until 2024
  • Public consumption and/or gifting prohibited
  • Creates “open container” presumption if the substance is found in the passenger area of a vehicle
  • Provides automatic sealing of records for misdemeanor convictions; creates a petition process for records sealing for more serious convictions; currently does NOT address individuals actively serving jail/prison time for marijuana-related offenses.

 

General Assembly

Virginia House speaker says in-person lawmaking might return soon, defends Democratic control

RICHMOND — Since becoming the first woman to serve as Virginia’s Speaker of the House in early 2020, Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Fairfax) has presided over only a single ordinary, 60-day session in the State Capitol.

Once the pandemic hit last March, she pushed the House to hold its meetings online, an unprecedented effort that included two special sessions and this year’s regular legislative term. But when the legislature convenes for a possible special session later this year related to coronavirus relief, Filler-Corn is hoping that vaccinations will allow all 100 delegates to return to the ornate House chamber.

View the full story in The Washington Post »

Statewide Races

Del. Elizabeth Guzman withdraws from Democratic field in lieutenant governor race

Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-Prince William, dropped out of what was a seven-way race to be the Democratic Party nominee for lieutenant governor.

View coverage in the Daily Press »

Elections 2021

Early voting for June primaries begins April 23 in Virginia

 

Key information:

  • Voters no longer need a reason to vote absentee
  • The last day to request an absentee ballot is Friday, May 28, 2021, at 5 p.m.
  • Early in-person voting ends June 5, 2021
  • Accessible voting options

More information available from the WHSV Newsroom »

Business & Economy News

Virginia saw a surge in jobless claims

Virginia saw a surge in the number of initial jobless claims, jumping 8,717 claimants or 173% from the previous week.

RT-D »

Virginia restaurants can open their bars for the first time in more than a year - but many won't. Not yet.

“Restaurants in Virginia can open their bars to customers for the first time in more than a year thanks to a sudden, unannounced change that came late Wednesday afternoon — but patrons may want to hold off on immediate plans to belly up to one: Many Richmond restaurant owners say they’re not ready just yet.” Full story in the RT-D »

Virginia minimum wage goes to $9.50 on May 1

Saturday, May 1, will usher in a major jump in pay for tens of thousands of hourly workers across Virginia.

Richmond Free Press »

2021 Virginia General Election

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