COVID-19 in Virginia: LIVE updates for Friday, May 15

RICHMOND, Va. -- In an effort to provide accurate, easy-to-read information on the on-going COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on our community, WTVR.com will update this post with the day's local coronavirus headlines and statistics.

COVID-19 IN VIRGINIA (Scroll to bottom for U.S. stats)

Positive COVID-19 Cases: 28,672 (+859 from Thursday)
People Hospitalized: 3,657 (+65 from Thursday)
COVID-19-Linked Deaths: 977 (+22 from Thursday)
Total Tests: 195,682 (+ from 10,131 from Thursday)
Unique People Tested: 165,486 (+5,409 from Wednesday)

CITY/COUNTY-BY-COUNTY BREAKDOWN OF CASES

Accomack: 648 (+55)
Albemarle: 133 (+3)
Alleghany: 6
Alexandria: 1,396 (+47)
Amelia: 17
Amherst: 22 (+1)
Appomattox: 23 (+1)
Arlington: 1,534 (+35)
Augusta: 74 (+4)

Bedford: 40
Bristol: 3
Botetourt: 30
Brunswick: 20
Buchanan: 16
Buckingham: 366 (+18)
Buena Vista City: 8

Campbell: 13
Caroline: 42 (+1)
Carroll: 42 (+2)
Charles City: 22 (+1)
Charlotte: 11
Charlottesville: 71 (+3)
Chesapeake: 379 (+17)
Chesterfield: 946 (+37)
Clarke: 17 (+1)
Colonial Heights: 74 (+1)
Covington: 2
Craig: 4
Culpeper: 343 (+14)
Cumberland: 18

Danville: 43
Dinwiddie: 36 (+3)

Emporia: 50
Essex: 30 (+1)

Fairfax: 7,159 (+208)
Fairfax City: 46 (+1)
Falls Church: 40 (+1)
Fauquier: 205 (+5)
Floyd: 4
Fluvanna: 79
Franklin City: 27 (+1)
Franklin County: 30
Frederick: 195 (+4)
Fredericksburg: 82 (+2)

Galax: 66 (+1)
Giles: 5
Gloucester: 28
Goochland: 86
Grayson: 19 (+1)
Greene: 16
Greensville: 50 (+1)

Halifax: 27
Hanover: 208 (+10)
Hampton: 158 (+2)
Harrisonburg: 620 (+5)
Henrico: 1,198 (+24)
Henry: 30 (+2)
Highland: 2
Hopewell: 49 (+1)

Isle of Wight: 115 (+1)

James City: 179 (+5)

King George: 45 (+1)
King and Queen: 7
King William: 13 (+1)

Lancaster: 7
Lee: 10
Lexington: 5
Louisa: 59
Loudoun: 1,374 (+35)
Lunenburg: 7 (+1)
Lynchburg: 73

Madison: 23
Manassas City: 553 (+38)
Manassas Park: 176 (+6)
Martinsville: 3
Mathews: 5
Mecklenburg: 152 (+6)
Middlesex: 11
Montgomery: 66

Nelson: 12
New Kent: 26 (-2)
Newport News: 184 (+5)
Norfolk: 349 (+11)
Northampton: 193 (+9)
Northumberland: 15
Norton: 2
Nottoway: 16 (+2)

Orange: 51 (+1)

Page: 145 (+2)
Patrick: 6
Petersburg: 58 (+1)
Pittsylvania: 18 (+1)
Poquoson: 7
Portsmouth: 219 (+2)
Powhatan: 23
Prince Edward: 72
Prince George: 49 (+1)
Prince William: 3,421 (+70)
Pulaski: 10

Radford: 3
Rappahannock: 11 (+1)
Richmond City: 665 (+54)
Richmond County: 201 (-2)
Roanoke City: 120
Roanoke County: 83
Rockbridge: 10 (-1)
Rockingham: 388 (+7)
Russell: 6

Salem: 32
Scott: 7
Shenandoah: 285 (+7)
Smyth: 15
Spotsylvania: 291 (+9)
Southampton: 135 (+1)
Stafford: 442 (+16)
Staunton: 34 (+11)
Suffolk: 255 (+34)
Surry: 6
Sussex: 67 (+14)

Tazewell: 6

Virginia Beach: 535 (+7)

Warren: 94 (+2)
Washington: 49
Waynesboro: 22 (+1)
Westmoreland: 42
Winchester: 79 (+4)
Williamsburg: 42
Wise: 23
Wythe: 15

York: 62 (+1)

*NOTE: This data is provided from the Virginia Department of Healthdaily at 9 a.m. Officials said their cutoff for data is 5 p.m. the previous day. So your local health department may have issued an alert about a case before it is added to the statewide tally released the following day.

NEWS CONFERENCES

Gov. Ralph Northam's COVID-19 briefing (2 p.m.)

COVID-19 LOCAL HEADLINES

Northam: Richmond will not enter Phase One of reopening on Friday
Mayor Levar Stoney announced Thursday he has formally requested that the City of Richmond delay Phase One of the reopening process, scheduled to begin Friday, May 15. More here.

Why Virginia will no longer include antibody results in COVID-19 test totals
The Virginia Department of Health has been boosting their testing numbers by combining two types of tests that many health experts said paints an inaccurate picture of testing in the state. More here.

Ashland offering grants to help businesses reopen: ‘We're all in this together’
Localities across Central Virginia are making plans to get businesses going again. More here.

Northam says Virginia has enough PPE to move forward
As Virginia prepares to move forward into Phase One of reopening, Governor Ralph Northam announced that the state now has enough Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). More here.

Northam calls for increase in COVID-19 testing at federal detention centers
Gov. Ralph Northam is calling for an increase in COVID-19 screening and testing at two federally-run detention centers in Virginia. More here.

5 new COVID-19 outbreaks reported in Virginia
Health officials are investigating 283 outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data released Thursday. That is an increase of five outbreaks since yesterday's report. More here.

3,600 COVID-19 patients discharged from Virginia hospitals
More than 120 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals in the last 24 hours, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association. More here.

Why do Virginia's COVID-19 testing rates remain so low?
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus on March 12. Within two weeks, schools were closed, as were gyms, beauty salons, and restaurant dining rooms.More here.

Relief fund aids RVA small businesses impacted by COVID-19
Small businesses in the Richmond region that have been impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a grant to help provide immediate financial relief to their business. More here.

Nextup RVA providing free enrichment courses for middle schoolers
COVID-19 may have forced school kids out of the classroom, but the learning forges on. Most are turning to technology to keep up with school assignments. More here.

Northam: Phase One is 'small step forward,' but Virginians must 'remain vigilant'
Gov. Ralph Northam called the first phase of Virginia's reopening set to begin Friday a "small step forward," but warned Virginian's to remain on guard in the fight against the spread of the highly contagious novel coronavirus. More here.

Legislative Black Caucus has 'grave concerns' about reopening Virginia too soon
“While we understand the valid concerns that non-essential business closure and stay-at-home orders have taken a substantial toll on our Commonwealth’s economy, these concerns must be weighed with the substantial negative impacts on many Virginians, especially Black Virginians and Virginians of Color,” the Caucus wrote. More here.

Virginia, Maryland suburbs aligned with DC in COVID response
The decision follows a longstanding pattern in which the affluent areas bordering Washington, D.C., have acted more in concert with each other and the nation’s capital than with their own states. More here.

Petersburg leaders address allegations of cutting off water to residents: 'We were in midst of addressing issue'
Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said the biggest take away from the conference was that the allegations are false. More here.

Restaurants prepare to open patios for sit-down customers Friday
A handful of Richmond restaurants will be welcoming customers for a sit-down meal on the first day of Governor Ralph Northam’s Phase One plan to re-open the state. More here.

Here's what dining out looks like in Virginia during Phase One reopening
Virginia will begin Phase One of its reopening on Friday in all regions of the state with the exception of Northern Virginia. Here’s what that means for dining out. More here.

Virginia DMV to reopen 11 locations for appointment-only services
"We'll start with 11 DMV centers in seven of eight regions. Northern Virginia centers will not open at this time," Gov. ralph Northam said. More here.

Cleaning companies urge businesses to develop plan as they reopen
Local professional cleaning companies said finding the guidelines laid out by Virginia and CDC is the easy part; following them correctly can prove more difficult. More here.

Decontamination system for N95 masks goes online in Chesterfield
The Chesterfield County Fairgrounds are now home to one of Virginia's three decontamination centers that will help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. More here.

What to expect when visiting Chesterfield County courts during COVID-19
Anyone entering either of the three courthouses will be asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions and have their temperature taken. More here.

5 GRTC employees test positive for COVID-19
During the past week, more than half of the GRTC workforce were voluntarily tested for COVID-19. Out of the out of 273 employees tested, five are now confirmed positive. More here.

How to pick up a free N-95 mask in Richmond this week
Free N-95 masks will be distributed to several Richmond communities and available for pickup for the general public this week thanks to a donation made by local business owners and community members. More here.

COVID-19 impacts Richmond raises, city programs, and spending
The budget for the City of Richmond passed Monday night by Richmond City Council felt the impact of COVID-19.
Gone were two-percent raises for city employees, an increase in base pay for police recruits, and a Doula program run through the Richmond City Health District, among other things. More here.

Virginia attorney general calls for more protections for poultry plant workers
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring is calling for additional protections for poultry plant workers.
"These are people. They're not machines," Herring said Tuesday. More here.

Kroger employees urge grocer to extend ‘hero pay’
Grocery store employees have been considered essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic - joining healthcare workers, first responders, and other frontline employees. More here.

How local hospitals are protecting patients from COVID-19 when they go to the doctor
Have you been putting off going to the doctor because you are afraid of COVID-19? Doctors, medical experts, and even the governor say you shouldn't. More here.

Northam delays northern Virginia reopening
Governor Ralph Northam has officially delayed Phase One of Virginia's reopening plan for some Northern Virginia localities. More here.

Health commissioner orders water service restored in Petersburg
The Virginia State Health Commissioner sent a letter to Petersburg officials Sunday ordering water service restored to all occupied residences currently without it. Additionally, the commissioner said officials may not disconnect any water service until Gov. Ralph Northam’s State of Emergency expires. More here.

Henrico church celebrates 200th anniversary, plans for reopening
A Henrico church celebrated its bicentennial Saturday while maintaining social distancing and planning for possible services next weekend amid the COVID-19 global health pandemic.More here.

How to find work during COVID-19 pandemic: 'People are still hiring'
some employers are still hiring during the global health pandemic. Here are some tips for finding works from experts. More here.

WTVR

Boy Scout distributes cards to show love to isolated seniors: 'It feels really good'
Joseph Ferry may not know the cure for COVID-19, but what he’s holding is a prescription for happiness.More here.

Family, Henrico heroes help throw best birthday ever
No big birthday party? No problem! Bryce Moody said he had the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER thanks to friends, family, Henrico Police, and Henrico Firefighters. More here.

Ledbury trades designer shirts for virus-protecting masks
Ledbury is a men’s clothing company based in Richmond. But for more the last couple of months, it’s gone from making shirts to making masks. More here.

Richmond shoe store, nonprofit give 400 sneakers to hospital
Fleet Feet and nonprofit Shood (Shoes for Good) dropped off shoes donated by On Running shoe company to VCU Medical Center Thursday. More here.

Chesterfield teacher focuses on maintaining relationships with her students: 'It's really important"
It’s storytime for 1st-grade students who attended Bellwood Elementary School in North Chesterfield. This morning, it’s on Zoom. More here.

Firefighters, volunteers deliver masks, hand sanitizer to low-income communities
Gregory Gaskins lives just off Cool Lane in Richmond’s East End and getting hand sanitizer and a face mask since the COVID-19 pandemic began has been nearly “impossible.” More here.

Petersburg teacher raps motivational message to students ahead of exams
Terri T. Smith says she always has music playing in her Petersburg High School classroom, usually of the R&B variety. More here.

Watch this big National Nurses Week thank you to these heroes
National Nurses Week continues and with the coronavirus pandemic, these frontline workers deserve encouragement now more than ever. As a way to say thank you, senior reporter Wayne Covil surprised a group of nurses at Southside Regional Medical Center in this week's CBS 6 Gives. More here.

Metropolitan Business League helping Richmond business owners
For over 50 years, the The Metropolitan Business League (MBL) has been a resource for small businesses, female-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses in Central Virginia. That has not changed in light of COVID-19. More here.

Chesterfield man raises more than 4K to buy meals, WiFi hotspots
A Chesterfield man's bike riding initiative raised more than $4,000 to help buy meals and provide WiFi hotspots to children in need. More here.

Musicians unite in Richmond neighborhood to thank hero workers
“I've been here in this neighborhood for 50 years," Plunky Branch said. "These days, I have been just doing my part, to try to spread some good cheer… usually, it takes 10 minutes."More here.

Children use lemonade stand to raise money for food pantry: 'She just knocked my socks off'
In Colonial Heights, three young entrepreneurs have made quite an impact at the Colonial Heights Food Pantry. More here.

'Heartsick' ICU nurse finds innovative way to reconnect COVID-19 patients with families
When coronavirus patients end up in intensive care, they’re isolated from their family members. Loved ones can’t hold their hands or be there to say, “I love you.”
Registered Nurse Michelle Vaughan has been working in the ICU for seven years, but she’s never had to face a situation like this before. More here.

YMCA of Greater Richmond 'Fill the Bus' challenge donates groceries to families
The YMCA of Greater Richmond is partnering with local food banks to help families in need. More here.

Photographers give graduating seniors a chance to smile: 'It hits pretty close to home'
Callie Fabrie counts herself among the graduating seniors upset and disappointed during the COVID-19 pandemic.More here.

Goochland High School class of 2020 to graduate at drive-in theater
Goochland County Public Schools announced the class of 2020 will graduate at the Goochland Drive In on Tuesday June 16 at 8:30 p.m. More here.

Virtual Walkathon raises money for special needs program
A group of young adults are getting outside and pounding the pavement to raise money for a new special needs program in Richmond. More here.

Firefighters, police hold parade birthday party for Petersburg boy
A Petersburg boy celebrated his birthday Monday afternoon with a little help from Petersburg Police and Fire. More here.

Breweries, distilleries making, donating sanitizer to frontline workers
The Virginia Wineries Association announced they would be teaming up with breweries, distilleries, beer distributors, and cideries across the state to produce thousands of bottles of sanitizer, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. More here.

World War II-era planes fly over Virginia hospital in tribute to health care workers
Two World War II-era planes performed a flyover above Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester as a tribute to health care workers Sunday. More here.

Gradual reopening planned for Virginia State Parks amenities
Virginia State Parks plan to gradually reopen some facilities as the state slowly eases restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. More here.

These Richmond-area malls will reopen Friday
At least a few Richmond-area malls will take the plunge and reopen Friday, the same day the governor will loosen existing restrictions on businesses. More here.

Richmond arts groups shift away from venues and into the digital realm
Even in a time of pandemic, the show must go on. More here.

Dominion Riverrock festival announces virtual experience
While the annual Dominion Riverrock Festival has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the event organizers are bringing the experience online with virtual trail events, live streamed music, and other digital content. More here.

Nutty Buttery owner: 'I’ve always loved every kind of nut'
The owner of Nutty Buttery, a restaurant in Richmond's historic Carver District, is doing what she can to keep her doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic. More here.

Salt & Forge donating 1,400 biscuits to celebrate National Nurses Week
Salt & Forge, a popular Richmond-based breakfast and lunch spot, is known for its delicious sandwiches and biscuits — and now they’re in the spotlight for their service to the community. More here.

Richmond artist creates Frowny Face Dolls to help process sad emotions
As many of us have recently experienced, life isn’t always “all smiles.” One local business owner took that idea and created a tool for teaching that lesson to her child. The unique idea caught on, and now she sells the dolls to the masses. More here.

Shrimps dishes out soul food in Richmond
Shrimps Restaurant, on W. Brookland Park Boulevard, continues to safely serve customers in Richmond’s Northside. More here.

Richmond startup takes on restaurant takeout
Just as to-go has become the go-to for getting restaurant food, a Richmond startup has launched an app intended to make takeout easier. More here.

How COVID-19 is impacting The Veil, Charm School, and Stella’s south Richmond plans
A brewery-anchored project on the Southside is eyeing a summer finish line, the same time many Richmonders are hopeful for an ending of social distancing guidelines. More here.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: COVID-19 HEADLINES (App users, click here for complete list.)

LATEST COVID-19 U.S. AND WORLDWIDE STATS