Most of Virginia has now moved into Phase 2 of the Governor's plan to reopen businesses around the Commonwealth.
Here are some of the Phase 2 guidelines:
⦁ 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.
⦁ All businesses will continue to adhere to physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces, and continue enhanced workplace safety measures.
⦁ Restaurant and beverage businesses will now be able to use their indoor dining areas at 50% capacity. Outdoor dining also remains at 50% capacity.
⦁ Gyms and fitness centers may now open indoor areas at 30% capacity.
⦁ Other recreational 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 also expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction.
⦁ The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 people.
⦁ The current guidelines for religious services, non-essential retail, and personal grooming services will remain the same in Phase 2 as they were in Phase 1.
⦁ Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals will also remain closed in Phase Two.
⦁ The City of Richmond and Northern Virginia remain in Phase 1.
The complete list of Phase 2 guidelines can be found at the Governor of Virginia Website.
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Key statewide health metrics continue to show positive signs:
⦁ 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
⦁ The percent of positive tests continues to trend downward as testing increases.
“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 Governor said.
More information at the Governor of Virginia Website.