RICHMOND, Va. – Most of Virginia will enter Phase Two on Friday, June 5.
This will allow for gatherings of 50 people while social distancing and the opening of some businesses that had not been able to open yet.
Based on data, Gov. Northam said he feels comfortable allowing most of Virginia to move into Phase Two but northern Virginia and Richmond will remain in Phase One since that was delayed for those areas.
Accomack County was also delayed and thanks to testing Northam thinks the outbreak there is under control. Accomack County will be entering Phase Two Friday as well.
Phase Two allows for:
· Gatherings of up to 50 people while practicing social distancing
· Restaurants can have indoor seating at 50% capacity
· Gyms and fitness centers can have indoor workouts at 30% capacity
· Swimming pools may expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction
· Museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting and performing arts venues reopen with some restrictions
· Rec centers allowed to open with physical distancing and no shared equipment
Gov. Northam said it is still important to remember that it is safer at home.
Teleworking is still strongly encouraged, and face coverings required indoor at public places.
“Because of our collective efforts, Virginia has made tremendous progress in fighting this virus and saved lives,” said Governor Northam. “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.”
The current guidelines for religious services, non-essential retail, and personal grooming services will largely remain the same in Phase Two. Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals will also remain closed in Phase Two.
Click here to read the Phase Two guidelines.
