Other Localities Join NoVA For Reopening Delay: Patch PM

Here are the share-worthy stories from Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia Patches to talk about tonight:

Richmond, Accomack Join NoVA In Delayed Coronavirus Reopening

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam approved requests Thursday from the City of Richmond and Accomack County to delay their implementation of phase one of the governor's plan to ease restrictions related to the coronavirus. Instead of starting implementation on Friday, Richmond and Accomack County, together with Northern Virginia, will enter phase one of the state's Forward Virginia plan no earlier than Friday, May 29.

• Manassas Highest Positive Rate In NoVA; Test Counting Criticized

Unemployment Claims Near 400K In Virginia; DC Claims Still Rising

More than 53,000 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed in Virginia for the week ending May 9, a number far higher than the weekly claims made before the start of the coronavirus crisis but a figure well below the state's mid-April peak in initial unemployment claims. In the District of Columbia, the number of initial unemployment claims totaled 5,746 last week, down from 8,113 new claims for the week ending May 2.

8 New DC Deaths Due To Coronavirus; 6,584 Confirmed Cases

The D.C. Department of Health confirmed eight new deaths Thursday due to COVID-19, the illness associated with the new coronavirus, bringing the total number of coronavirus deaths in the District to 358.

Virginia DMV Centers To Reopen In Phases By Appointment

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) said Wednesday customer service centers will open in phases into mid-summer. The first locations will open by appointment only on Monday, May 18, most of which are in areas where the first reopening phase is set to start.

Local Hero: Inova Fairfax Nurse Cares For Coronavirus Patients

With its Local Heroes initiative, Patch hopes to recognize those making a difference in the community, especially during these difficult times. Some of these heroes are workers on the front lines of the new coronavirus crisis.

Vienna Business Steps Up To Make Masks Amid Temporary Closure

Lingerie store Trousseau temporarily closed in March due to the new coronavirus pandemic, but owners Sarah and Michael Wiener have been busy fulfilling orders. Those orders don't involve the wide selection of bras typically fitted in store. Instead, they've been making handmade masks to donate to health care workers and others who request them. By the end of the week, the Wieners expect they'll have made over 1,000 masks.

Purcellville Cancels Fourth of July Parade, Wine Festival

The Town of Purcellville canceled its Independence Day parade and the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival, which was scheduled for July 11, in response to continued restrictions related to the coronavirus crisis, the town said Thursday. The town said it is considering a variety of ways to unite the community on July 4.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Reston Woman Finds Love Is Still There For Those Over 50
• Loudoun Board Approves $310K Coronavirus Impact Relief Program
• Ashburn Man Arrested For Embezzling $6K From Swim Club: Police
• Allergy Forecast For DC: What Pollen Rates Are Expected
• Center For Innovative Technology Office Sold For $47.35M
• Litter Trap Installed To Address Concerns At Little Hunting Creek
• Alexandria Animal Shelter Staff Earn Fear Free Certifications
• Jogger Assaulted In Island Creek Area, Man Arrested: Police

Across America

• U.S. Coronavirus Blog: 36M Jobless; Whistleblower Testifies
• Wisconsinites Flood Open Bars After 'Safer At Home' Struck Down
• Coronavirus Prison Deaths Rise In NJ: 'They Stole My Baby's Life'
• Will New Jersey Residents Pray In Their Chevrolet?
• MI Barber Who Reopened During Pandemic Has License Suspended