Phase two of reopening set to begin today

June 05, 2020

Most of Virginia will enter the second phase of reopening Friday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday afternoon.

Northam signed Executive Order 65 and presented the phase two plan for easing public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19, according to a press release.

“Virginia’s hospital bed capacity remains stable, the percentage of people hospitalized with a positive or pending COVID-19 test is trending downward, no hospitals are reporting PPE shortages, and the percent of positive tests continues to trend downward as testing increases,” the release noted.

“Because of our collective efforts, Virginia has made tremendous progress in fighting this virus and saved lives,” Northam said. “Please continue to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, and stay home if you are high-risk or experience COVID-19 symptoms. Virginians have all sacrificed to help contain the spread of this disease, and we must remain vigilant as we take steps to slowly lift restrictions in our commonwealth.”

Northern Virginia and Richmond, hot spots for virus infections, entered phase one of reopening May 29 and will stay in phase one for now, the governor announced.

For most of Virginia, phase two will continue the “safer at home” strategy with continued recommendations for social distancing, teleworking and requiring individuals to wear face coverings in indoor public settings. The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 people. All businesses should still adhere to physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces and continue enhanced workplace safety measures, according to the order.

Also:

• Restaurant and beverage establishments may offer indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy.

• Fitness centers may open indoor areas at 30 percent occupancy.

• Certain recreation and entertainment venues without shared equipment may open with restrictions, including museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and outdoor concert, sporting and performing arts venues.

• Swimming pools may expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving and swim instruction.

• The current guidelines for religious services, non-essential retail and personal grooming services will largely remain the same in Phase Two. Current phase one guidelines include keeping indoor religious services at 50 percent capacity, with participants six feet apart; and keeping personal grooming businesses under the same restrictions, with services provided by appointment only.

• Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs and carnivals will also remain closed in Phase Two.