Governor Outlines Phase 3 Reopening Plan, No Date Set Yet

Governor Ralph Northam says Virginia is not yet ready to move into Phase 3 for business reopenings, but he did outline some of the provisions today so that businesses can plan.

In Phase 3, the limits on non-essential retail and restaurant capacity will be lifted but social distancing guidelines will still be required.

Gyms, fitness centers, and pools will be able to operate at 75% capacity.

Salons and personal grooming businesses will continue to operate with physical distancing requirements.

Gatherings of up to 250 people will be allowed. Teleworking will still be encouraged.

Face coverings will still be required in indoor public settings.

Full Phase 3 details will be made available later on the Governor's Website.

Northam continues to monitor the state's health metrics and data. He says the data, such as percentage of positive tests and the number of hospitalizations, continue to trend downward, but he is monitoring what's happening in other states, especially those who are now experiencing spikes in cases and hospitalizations.

The Governor reminds Virginians that the coronavirus is still here and that we have to adapt our lives around it.

Northam says the coronavirus/COVID-19 is affecting minority communities disproportionately, especially the Latino community which makes up 45% of coronavirus cases and 35% of hospitalizations in the state, but only 10% of the population.

The state's Health Equity Working Group is focusing on reaching out to the Latino community to provide free testing, masks, hand sanitizer, and Spanish language educational materials.

More on this story from our media partner, ABC 13 - WSET.


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