A federal judge refused Monday to temporarily block enforcement of Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive orders aimed at reducing COVID-19’s spread.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. also scheduled an Aug. 27 trial date for a Loudoun County businessman’s lawsuit challenging the executive orders.
Jon Tigges, owner of the Zion Springs vineyard and wedding venue, is represented by Chap Petersen, an attorney who also is a state senator. Petersen and Northam are both Democrats.
Tigges' lawsuit claims the governor’s COVID-19 restrictions exceed his emergency powers.
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The judge, who denied Tigges' request for a preliminary injunction, said COVID-19 “is a dangerous disease and it is the obligation of our government to address that.”
