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Governor Northam says Virginia must strongly enforce COVID-19 restrictions to slow and reverse a recent increase in cases, especially in the Hampton Roads region. Northam has directed state health officials to implement stronger enforcement procedures, particularly against businesses like restaurants. He has also directed the ABC to ready an order that will call for an earlier nightly cutoff of alcohol sales:
The governor says the recent increases are due largely to young adults who he says have “flouted the rules”, and he will not hesitate to renew tighter restrictions — including reduced limits on gathering sizes — if the COVID case count continues rising again. Northam also says businesses risk losing their licenses if they are found to be in violation of his COVID regulations, as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports:
07-15 Northam-Enforcement Wrap-WEB
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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says he’s ramping up enforcement of a mask mandate and social distancing measures at restaurants and stores because he’s concerned about a rising number in cases, particularly among young people, in areas near the state’s beaches.
Northam said Tuesday the state is doing well overall but he wants to avoid a spike in cases that other southern states, like Texas and Florida, are currently experiencing.
The Hampton Roads area, which includes Virginia Beach, is a major tourist destination on the East Coast. Northam said the state’s eastern region, which also includes the Eastern Shore, has seen its average of new cases was about 60 in early June and is now nearly 350.
The governor, a Democrat, said some restaurant owners and patrons in the area are clearly flouting the state’s rules requiring wearing masks indoors when in public and severely limiting bar service in restaurants. He said the infection rate among people between the age of 20 to 29 is up 250% since early June.
“You are being selfish and you are hurting everyone who is doing the right thing,” Northam said.
He also said plans to announce details in coming days about an earlier cut off for alcohol sales in restaurants.
Dr. Norm Oliver, the state’s health commissioner, said health and alcoholic license inspectors will start doing spot checks at establishments and restaurants and stores that are violating social distancing and mask-requirements will be shut down.
Northam urged business owners to refuse service to people who refuse to wear masks, saying they should treat those customers like they would someone not wearing shoes or a shirt.
Republican House Minority Leader Del. Todd Gilbert said the governor was putting business owners in an “untenable position” by forcing them to confront mask-less customers or risk losing their businesses licenses.
“Real leadership brings people together, it doesn’t make threats. After all, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” Gilbert said.
Businesses said they were glad Northam opted to increase enforcement of existing rules rather than implementing new ones, but urged state officials to give business owners the benefit of the doubt.
“The vast majority of small business owners care about the health of their employees and the public and do not want to intentionally endanger them,” said Nicole Riley, the Virginia director of the National Federation of Independent Business.
As of Tuesday, Virginia has reported nearly 73,000 cases of the virus and nearly 2,000 deaths.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and even be fatal.
Rep. Morgan Griffith
NEWS RELEASE: Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) today was informed that he tested positive for COVID-19. Upon developing possible symptoms, he took the test over the weekend and has since been self-isolating. Although he does not currently have significant symptoms, he will continue to self-isolate as he performs his duties on behalf of Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District.
According to the latest numbers released this morning by the Virginia Department of Health there are 45 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 23 new cases in Roanoke City, 13 in Roanoke County, 4 new cases in Botetourt County and 5 new cases in Salem. There are no new coronavirus related deaths reported in the Roanoke Valley.
Roanoke City Police responded to an usually high number of gunshot incidents last weekend — four of them in all. No fatalities reported, but three people required hospital treatment. Police say in two cases, the victims are not cooperating. And in another, near Market Street and Campbell Avenue, close to 50 spent shell casings were recovered. And while no one was apparently hit, bullets struck several cars and at least one building.
NEWS RELEASE: The Roanoke Police Department is investigating several incidents involving gunfire that occurred over the weekend. While at this time we do not believe that any of these incidents are connected, we do wish to keep you and our community informed on major criminal investigations.
Incident 1:
On July 10, 2020 at around 11:30pm, Roanoke Police were notified that an adult male with gunshot wounds had walked into Carilion Roanoke Memorial for treatment. Officers responded to the hospital to speak with the man regarding this incident. His injuries appeared to be non-life threatening. Due to lack of evidence and the victim not cooperating with the investigation, officers have not yet been able to determine a crime scene for this incident. No arrests have been made at this time. This is an
ongoing investigation.
Incident 2:
On July 10, 2020 just before midnight, Roanoke Police were notified that a juvenile male with a gunshot wound had walked into Carilion Roanoke Memorial for treatment. Officers responded to the hospital to speak with the juvenile regarding this incident. His injuries appeared to be non-life threatening. Due to lack of evidence and the victim not cooperating with the investigation, officers have not yet been able to determine a crime scene for this incident. No arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
Incident 3:
On July 11, 2020 at around 1:15pm, Roanoke Police were notified that an adult male with gunshot wounds had arrived via personal vehicle at Carilion Roanoke Memorial for treatment. Officers responded to the hospital to speak with the man regarding this incident. His injuries appeared to be non-life threatening. Witness statements indicated the shooting occurred in the 1200 block of Prillaman Drive NW. Officers did locate evidence of a shooting at that scene. No arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing investigation.
Incident 4:
On July 12, 2020 just after 2:00am, Roanoke Police were in the 200 block of Market Street SE observing a large crowd that was gathered in a parking lot. The crowd consisted of approximately 100 people. While officers were there, approximately 40-50 shots were fired from several individuals in the crowd. Officers called for extra units and began to head into the crowd to attempt to stop the threat and make sure no one had been hurt. The parking lot cleared out shortly after the shots were fired. At that time, two females began fighting with one another. In an effort to minimize injuries to both women, officers deployed pepper balls and broke up the fight. Other individuals pulled the women away, and those involved fled the scene before they could be identified. While officers were clearing the scene, they
collected approximately 50 spent cartridge casings from different caliber weapons, to include 9 mm and 7.62 rounds. Several cars and at least one building were struck by gunfire. No arrests have been made at this time regarding this incident. This is an ongoing investigation.
As always, anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what they know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
From Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 4:20am on July 14, 2020 alerting of shots fired. Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Virginia State Police and Franklin County Public Safety, responded to a house in the 100 block of Salthouse Branch Road in the Henry Community of Franklin County,VA. Upon arrival, deputies found one deceased subject and an additional subject with gunshot wounds. The wounded subject was transported to the hospital for medical care.It is very early in the investigation however evidence at the scene indicates that the shooter fled before deputies arrived. Currently there is no known vehicle description or direction of travel. Citizens in the area are advised to be alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Anyone with information related to this shooting is encouraged to contact Lt. Nolen at 540-483-6662.
According to the latest numbers released this morning by the Virginia Department of Health there are 12 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 6 new cases in Roanoke City, 4 in Roanoke County, 1 in Botetourt County and 1 new case in Salem. There are no new coronavirus related deaths reported in the Roanoke Valley.
MGN
NEWS RELEASE: Wirtz,VA. (July 12, 2020) –On Saturday, July 11, 2020, the Franklin County Communications Center received a 911 call at approximately 9:00 pm alerting of a subject in the river in distress. Witnesses were unable to locate the subject. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Franklin County Public Safety responded to the incident in the 5000 block of Brooks Mill Road. Rescue searches were conducted and unable to locate; rescheduled the search to this morning (Sunday, July 12, 2020) during daylight hours.
In the early hours of Sunday, July 12, 2020, an additional 911 call came in from fisherman who had located a deceased person in the water. Franklin County deputies and Public Safety responded. The victim is Charles Jacob King, 26 years old of Hardy, VA.While this investigation is ongoing, no foul play is suspected at this time.If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 483-3000.
Photo: VSP
Update from Virginia State Police: Riche has been found. No further information was given.
Previous:The Virginia State police is looking for Sonya Babiy Riche, race: white, sex: female, age 80 years old, height 5 foot 2 inches, weight 148 lbs., with hazel eyes and gray hair. She was last seen on July 11, at 1430 hours leaving her residence on Larboard Drive in Moneta, Virginia, traveling to Cary, North Carolina. She was last seen wearing brown pants and a blue sweater.
She is driving a 2008 white Acura TSX sedan with Virginia registration, 19SD95. She may be in North Carolina but at this time it is unknown.
The missing senior suffers from a cognitive impairment and the disappearance poses a credible threat to her health and safety as determined by the investigating agency.
Please contact the Virginia State Police Salem Division with any information regarding her whereabouts at (540) 380-5700 or you may find complete information at http://www.vasenioralert.com
According to the latest numbers released this morning by the Virginia Department of Health there are 25 new probable or confirmed coronavirus cases being attributed to the Roanoke Valley. State health officials report 17 new cases in Roanoke City, 5 in Roanoke County, 2 in Botetourt County and 1 new case in Salem. There are no new coronavirus related death reported in the Roanoke Valley.
ROANOKE POLICE UPDATE: Roanoke Police have identified the victim of this incident as William English, 48 of Roanoke. No arrests have been made regarding this investigation.
PREVIOUS: On July 7, 2020 just before 5:30am, Roanoke Police were notified of a person with a gunshot wound in the 700 block of 4th Street SE. Responding officers located an adult male with a gunshot wound outside of a business in the area. The man was pronounced deceased on scene. His identity will be released as soon as notifications can be made.This is an ongoing homicide investigation. No one has been arrested at this time .Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “Roanoke PD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.
Roanoke Police are investigating after a man was found with a gunshot wound to the head this morning near 4th Street and Bullitt Avenue SE. Officials say roads surrounding the rescue mission out to Dale Avenue are currently blocked off. This includes Bullitt and 5th, and Elm and 4th around the PPG Paints store.