Community Corner

Pandemic One Year Later, Giraffes Die In Zoo Fire | Top News

Top VA, DC news includes lawsuit against school's new admissions policy, neighbor helps others get vaccinated, and Metro cuts avoided.

Emily Leayman's profile picture
Emily Leayman, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
March 7 marked one year since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in Virginia.
March 7 marked one year since the first coronavirus case was confirmed in Virginia. (Emily Leayman)

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.

First Case Of South Africa COVID-19 Variant Identified in NoVA

The first case of the coronavirus variant originally detected in South Africa has been identified in Northern Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health. The adult resident who tested positive for the variant had no history of travel during the exposure period.

Neighborhood 'Angel' In McLean Helps Seniors Get Vaccinated

A McLean resident has become a popular person in her neighborhood and across the region for her ability to get COVID-19 vaccination appointments on websites that other people find excruciatingly difficult to navigate.

Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Updated: Waffles, Companion Giraffe Killed In Zoo Fire

Waffles, a giraffe at Roer's Zoofari in Reston, and his companion giraffe were found dead Monday night after a fire damaged a barn at the neighborhood zoo, according to posts on the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Twitter account.

Loss, Coping And Helpers: COVID-19 In Virginia A Year Later

As the coronavirus slowly spread from state to state last winter, it was inevitable the virus would eventually reach Virginia. Its arrival a year ago brought residents months of heartbreaking loss, anxiety, unemployment and, in some cases, innovative achievements.

Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Metro Service Cuts Averted With Passage Of COVID Relief Bill

Just a week ago, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority warned its customers that it would be forced to close up to 22 stations, cut bus routes, layoff employees, and delay the final stages of the Silver Line unless it received more federal funding.

High School Teacher Dies After Battle With COVID-19

A teacher at Gar-Field High School has died due to complications from COVID-19, according to a letter the school sent to families on Tuesday evening. The teacher, Richard Zuckernick, was a math teacher who taught virtually this school year.

Lawsuit Challenging TJ Admissions Changes Filed In Federal Court

On Wednesday, the Coalition for TJ filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the admissions changes at Thomas High School for Science and Technology.

Mass Vaccination Site Coming To Alexandria By End Of March

A large-scale vaccination site in Alexandria is slated to open by the end of March, expanding capacity to vaccinate Alexandria and Fairfax County residents.

Northam Signs Bills On Foreclosure, Health Coverage For Abortion

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed into law 80 new pieces of legislation from the 2021 General Assembly session, ranging from measures to protect homeowners from foreclosure to repeal of health restrictions on women in the state's health exchange, the governor's office said Friday.

Also Worth a Look

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

Support These Local Businesses

+ List My Business

More from Del Ray