From the Democratic Party of Virginia:
ICYMI: As Omicron Cases Surge, Virginia Democrats Continue to Lead While Glenn Youngkin and Republicans Fire Top Health Officials, Vow to Challenge Vaccine Requirements and Look to Roll Back Measures
Richmond, VA — As Virginia experiences a record surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations related to the omicron variant, Gov. Ralph Northam and Democrats continue to lead on COVID-19 while Glenn Youngkin fired Virginia’s top health official, pledged to challenge vaccine requirements in court and Republicans vow to roll back common-sense protections that keep Virginians healthy and safe.
On Monday, Gov. Northam issued an emergency order to expand Virginia’s hospital capacity and provide support to the Commonwealth’s health care workers who are on the front lines of the surge. The governor’s order increases available hospital beds, expands staffing capacity at hospitals, nursing homes, and health care facilities and allows public health agencies flexibility in responding to the recent surge.
Last week, House Speaker Eileen-Filler Corn called for common-sense measures to keep the legislature open, safe and on the job as the body reconvenes this week to do the work of Virginia. SpeakerFiller-Corn called for mandatory vaccination for members and staff, reporting of COVID-19 related symptoms and a virtual option for votes for members.
Speaker Filler-Corn also condemned Glenn Youngkin’s decision to fire the Commonwealth’s top health official last week, who has guided Virginia through COVID-19.
Democratic leadership has kept Virginia as one of the lowest case and death rates per capita in the country, and Virginia Democrats will continue to lead and take action to ensure the health and safety of Virginians as Republicans attempt to roll back the measures that are proven to work.
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