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Sneaky Foxes Steal Shoes, July 4 Cancellations | Top News

Top VA, DC news last week includes reopening delay for NoVA, DC's extended stay-at-home order, local heroes and unemployment claims.

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Emily Leayman, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Patch has 32 sites in communities in northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Here are some of the top posts from the past week related to the new coronavirus and other topics.

Northam Executive Order Allows NoVA To Delay Phase 1 Reopening

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order allowing Northern Virginia localities to delay the first reopening phase, which is on track to begin Friday, May 15, in other parts of the state. The governor directed jurisdictions to formally request approval to remain in what he calls "Phase Zero."

Coronavirus: Bowser Extends DC Stay-At-Home Order

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended her stay-at-home order for District residents due to the coronavirus by three weeks. The original order was due to expire on Friday.

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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.

Foxes Take Fairfax Residents' Unguarded Shoes For Use As Toys

Shoes left out on front porches in neighborhoods along Old Lee Highway in Fairfax City were going missing. Residents had been leaving their shoes outside their front doors instead of wearing them inside their houses, especially in the age of coronavirus. They'd wake up the next morning, and the shoes would be gone.

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Amtrak Adds Face Masks Requirement, Including In Virginia And DC

Beginning on Monday, Amtrak is requiring passengers to wear face masks while traveling to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, including at DC's Union Station and Virginia stations.

Loudoun Barn Fires Kill Livestock, Cause Nearly $700K In Damage

The Loudoun County fire marshal issued a warning Monday about using heating equipment in barns after three recent fires caused $684,000 in damage and killed several animals.

McLean Center Cancels July 4 Fireworks, More Summer Events

The McLean Community Center has canceled more events in light of the new coronavirus crisis. The cancellations include Fourth of July fireworks at Langley High School and full-day summer camps. McLean Day, which would have happened on Saturday, May 16, was previously canceled.

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 in areas where the first reopening phase is set to start.

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