Thursday, June 4, 2020

Most of Virginia enters Phase Two on Friday

On Tuesday, Governor Ralph Northam signed Executive Order 65 and presented the second phase of the “Forward Virginia” plan to continue easing public health restrictions while trying to containing the spread of COVID-19. The Governor also amended Executive Order 61 directing Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond to remain in Phase One.

Most of Virginia is expected to enter Phase Two on Friday, June 5, as he reports that key statewide health metrics continue to show positive signs. Under Phase Two, the Commonwealth will maintain a 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.

Under Phase Two restaurant, bars, breweries and wineries may offer indoor dining/ drinking at 50% of occupancy, fitness centers may open indoor areas at 30% occupancy, and certain recreation and entertainment venues without shared equipment may open with restrictions. These venues include museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting, and performing arts venues. Swimming pools may also expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction.

Northern Virginia and the City of Richmond will remain in Phase One. Hopefully, we will not see a hotspot outbreaks in the locations of the protests and rioting that took place over the weekend and in the early part of this week; and we can safely move forward into Phase Two in two weeks.

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