The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, DWR (formerly the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, DGIF) is coordinating testing on a selection of deceased birds after the Northern Region area of Virginia began receiving an increase in the number of calls starting May 18 about sick/injured young birds, specifically Grackles and Blue Jays.

The agency cited a 52 per cent increase in irregularities with rabies vaccination certificates for canine imports in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019, and stated the measure is being taken “to ensure the health and safety of dogs imported into the United States and to protect the public’s health against the reintroduction of dog rabies.”

Governor Ralph Northam has issued a proclamation declaring June 13–19 as Virginia Agriculture Week to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. The Governor, First Lady, and Northam Administration officials will visit sites throughout Virginia to highlight the economic impact of the agriculture industry and the role of farmers and agribusinesses.

Effective Monday, June 14, non-COVID patients inside Sentara hospitals and emergency rooms are allowed two visitors (up from one visitor) if the positivity rate in that region is below 5 per cent for two consecutive weeks.

Prince William Health District has announced that aMobile Clinic will be set up at Grayson Village in Dumfries to give the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and older on Wednesday, June 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Daytime and early evening hours for residents to receive COVID-19 vaccine begin June 8 at Manassas Mall. Clinics are being held Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended.

Virginia Department of Corrections says it has been making its annual preparations to keep staff and inmates safe during the extreme temperatures that can occur during Virginia’s summer months, according to a news release.

Prince William County Construction Inspectors will return to conducting in-person field inspections on Monday, June 7, 2021. The Department of Development Services Inspections Office said this concludes the self-certification inspection program put in place during COVID-19.