COVID-19 in Virginia: LIVE updates for Tuesday, May 12

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: 25,800 (+730 from Monday)
People Hospitalized: 3,395 (+95 from Monday)
COVID-19-Linked Deaths: 891 (+41 from Monday)
Total Tests: 171,239 (+3,481 from Monday)
Unique People Tested: 154,130 (+4,694 from Monday)

CITY/COUNTY-BY-COUNTY BREAKDOWN OF CASES (Coming soon)

*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.

COVID-19 LOCAL HEADLINES

More than 3,200 COVID-19 patients discharged from Virginia hospitals
More than 3,200 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from Virginia hospitals, according to data from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA). 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.

Northam outlines 'dimmer switch' phase one of Virginia's reopening
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam provided detailed guidance on the restrictions and guidelines for the phased reopening of the Commonwealth and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. 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.

Northern Virginia county says it's not ready to reopen yet
At least one northern Virginia county says it is not yet ready to move ahead with plans to re-open the economy in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. More here.

1 new COVID-19 outbreak reported in Virginia
Health officials are investigating 261outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, according to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) data released Saturday. That is an increase of one outbreak since Friday's report. More here.

3,200+ COVID-19 patients discharged from Virginia hospitals
The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association reports a total of 3,201 hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been discharged, up from 3,124 (+77) patients on Saturday. More here.

4 GRTC employees test positive for COVID-19
Four GRTC employees have tested positive for COVID-19, the transit company announced on Friday. More here.

2020 spring race weekend at Richmond Raceway officially canceled
Richmond Raceway’s spring race weekend, originally scheduled for April 17-19, has officially been canceled as part of the revised NASCAR schedule. More here.

When Chesterfield County libraries, parks plan to reopen
Outdoor park amenities and libraries in Chesterfield County may be opening soon in a tiered approach to reopening county facilities, county officials announced Friday. More here.

Why Southside farmers market is moving to Northside park
Thousands of people fill the popular outh of the James market on a typical Saturday. But, when the pandemic hit market organizers were forced to get creative to continue serving their customers and vendors. More here.

Mayor: Richmond's reopening 'should be slow and steady'
Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney said that he wants to see a “slow and steady” approach to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and beginning phase one of the reopening process. More here.

60K more file for unemployment in Virginia amid debate over reopening
New federal data show about 60,000 additional Virginia workers applied for unemployment benefits last week.
That figure has declined for four straight weeks but is still far higher than before the coronavirus led to widespread business closures. More here.

Health district offering drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing in Petersburg
The Crater Health District has announced they will offer drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing in Petersburg beginning Thursday, May 7. More here.

Century-old ‘institution’ shutting down in Henrico County
Margaret Thompson founded the Richmond Family Magazine in August 2009. Since then, nearly every edition of her popular monthly has been printed in one location.
“It was very shocking that this pandemic is taking down a 125 year old Richmond institution,” Thompson said. More here.

How COVID-19 is posing 'so many challenges' for forgotten frontline workers
When life ends, work begins for the forgotten frontline workers at funeral homes as they care for the remains of people who lost their lives battling the coronavirus. More here.
Northam: Parts of state may keep restrictions longer
he governor said Wednesday that areas of the state hard hit by the virus, like northern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, may extend bans on certain business openings and public gatherings that are expected to expire May 15. More here.

Governor's message to honking Reopen protesters
Protesters circled the Virginia State Capitol Wednesday urging Gov. Ralph Northam to lift COVID-19 restrictions nearly two months after the state's first positive case of the virus was diagnosed.More here.

'This job is breaking me,' Virginia nurse says amid COVID-19 pandemic
A nurse at Henrico Doctors' Hospital said what she has witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic has left her broken and emotionally drained. 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.

Richmond company's technology could revolutionize COVID-19 testing
A Richmond company has developed technology that it says could revolutionize the way that medical professionals test for and diagnose infectious disease, especially during a pandemic. More here.

How West Point is offering HOPE to struggling neighbors and businesses
As COVID-19 extends its reach across the globe, communities large and small are still trying to cope. The economic downturn can be especially devastating to small towns, like West Point -- a community of 3,300. More here.

Virginia business owners weigh the realities of reopening during COVID-19
Virginia businesses are weighing two difficult options, one day after Governor Ralph Northam extended his closure order to May 15th: open their doors with restrictions to start making money again, or remain closed to protect the health of their employees and customers. 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.

WTVR

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.

Richmond Symphony violinist joins cellist for porch concert session
A cellist who has been hosting regular concerts from the front porch of her Henrico home was joined by a special guest this weekend. More here.

Virginia Is for Kindness t-shirts raise thousands for food banks
In an effort to help those facing food insecurity during the pandemic, two Virginia women came together with an idea. Katie Gaylord lives in Williamsburg and reached out to Leah Lubeski in Richmond in hopes of creating a t-shirt to bring some joy during this time to her family.More here.

Virginia jazz singer's 'cool' porch performance will make you smile
A Richmond jazz vocalist lifted spirits while performing from her porch all while practicing social distancing Saturday. 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.

Fountain Bookstore celebrates ‘Independent Bookstore Day’ with virtual bookstore party
The bookstore may be closed, but the books are still open. To celebrate “Independent Bookstore Day” on April 25, Richmond-based Fountain Bookstore will offer a special virtual event complete with free audio downloads, giveaways and other surprises. More here.

Richmond International Film Festival moves online for live discussion series
While The Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) has been postponed due to COVID-19, the producers of the yearly event have been working to create an online experience to highlight the festivals film makers, musicians, and special guest speakers. More here.

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

LATEST COVID-19 U.S. AND WORLDWIDE STATS