Stoney Delays Reopening Until Monuments Are Tested

RICHMOND, Va. — Stressing the importance of testing, Mayor Levar Stoney has made the last minute decision to postpone the initial phase of Richmond’s reopening until the statues of Monument Avenue are tested for COVID-19.

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“We’re proud of our city’s beautiful monuments, but they must be held to the same standards as the rest of us,” Stoney said in a statement, adding that the strict social distancing guidelines also apply to statues.

“The monuments are a popular attraction for tourists and residents alike, and until we’re confident that they aren’t positive for COVID-19, we can’t risk any outbreaks of infection. As a result, I’m extending our shutdown until every last one of them, from Davis to Ashe, has been cleared.”

Stoney went on to mention that proper care and treatment would be given to any monument that did test positive for COVID-19, with the exception of Jefferson Davis.