RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Here’s the latest on the coronavirus pandemic for May 27, 2020:
The Virginia Department of Health reported 40,249 cases of COVID-19 — 38,276 confirmed and 1,973 probable — Wednesday. The death toll is now at 1,281.
Virginia Hospitals and Healthcare Association reported that 5,367 people with the virus have been released from the hospital. The VDH and VHHA do not report recoveries.
City of Richmond to reopen on Friday
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney announced Wednesday morning that the city will move into “Phase One” of Governor Northam’s reopening plan on Friday, May 29.
During the press briefing, Stoney said that he made that request based on Richmond’s COVID-19 data and talks with local business owners and faith leaders.
“Unfortunately based on his letter yesterday afternoon, the governor did not authorize the modified plan that was requested,” Stoney said.
Northam’s decision led Mayor Stoney to decide that the city will move into “Phase One.” Stoney said he has ‘utmost faith’ in business owners and Richmonders to adhere to the policies and guidelines outlined in Northam’s ‘Forward Virginia’ plan.
GRTC face mask mandate goes into effect Friday
GRTC bus riders will soon have to wear mask to get on board. This decision comes as another bus driver tests positive for COVID-19.
Starting Friday, May 29, anyone who wants to ride the bus system will have to wear a mask or may be asked to get off.
GRTC said they are in the process of ordering masks for bus riders who still need one.
Will Richmond reopen Friday?
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney wants Richmond to open but with a different set of rules from the rest of the Commonwealth. However, Governor Northam wants the city to follow the same guidelines as everyone else.
Governor Northam said he doesn’t think Richmond should operate under different Phase One guidelines than the rest of the state — a move that was requested in a letter from Stoney.
Northam told Stoney that if he wanted to get more restrictions in place, he would have to ask Richmond City Council — not the state government.
COVID-19 Testing in RVA this week
- May 27 — SOUTHWOOD APARTMENTS, 1400 Southwood Parkway from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- May 27 — EASTERN HENRICO REC CENTER, 1440 N. Laburnum Ave from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- May 30 — MLK MIDDLE SCHOOL, 1000 Mosby Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.