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Virginia proposal to allow COVID vaccine exceptions dies in committee

RICHMOND, Va. — A committee in Virginia’s legislature has halted legislation that would create exceptions for people who don’t want to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Roanoke Times reported Tuesday that the proposal was defeated in the House of Delegates’ Democratically controlled Health, Welfare and Institutions Committee.

Proposals from Republican Delegates Mark Cole and David LaRock would have created exceptions. The measure included exceptions for religious reasons as well as for people who don’t want to receive a mandated vaccine during a public health emergency.

One proposal also would have prevented the state health commissioner from requiring people to take vaccines during a public health epidemic.

Gov. Ralph Northam’s office has said he does not plan on mandating vaccinations.

Fairfax County firefighters come home after assisting Colombia earthquake victims

Ten Fairfax County firefighters who are part of Virginia Task Force 1 returned late Thursday from helping coordinate a rescue effort after the devastating earthquake in Colombia. Family members greeted the team as they arrived in Chantilly Thursday night. A young girl held a sign that read "Welcome Home Daddy." For Andy Kassavetis, this was his first mission with Task Force 1, and seeing the devastation in Colombia put some things into perspective for him. He said he saw firsthand "how impactful an event can be on a community. It makes you think about, you know, really when you come home sharing the love with the people around you and letting them know you’re there with them, because things can change really quickly.”
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