RICHMOND, Va. -- The following timeline highlights some of the major COVID-19 related announcements, restrictions, and events that took place in Virginia starting in March 2020. We will update the timeline as needed and link to relevant CBS 6 reports and YouTube videos throughout.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam holds first COVID-19 related press briefing to outline state's readiness.
“The Commonwealth is taking this public health issue seriously, and we have a plan in place to respond to COVID-19,” said Governor Northam. “The Virginia Department of Health has some of the country’s leading public health experts on its team, with deep experience guiding public health emergency responses, and I have great confidence in their ability to guide Virginia in this situation.”
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Virginia records its first COVID-19 case when a Marine stationed at Fort Belvoir, who had recently returned from overseas, tested positive. [Video]
RELATED: Marine tests positive for coronavirus at Virginia army base
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Governor Northam declares a state of emergency due to COVID-19. [Video]
RELATED: Governor Northam declares state of emergency due to coronavirus
Friday, March 13, 2020
All K-12 schools in Virginia ordered to close for a minimum of two weeks.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
Virginia records its first COVID-19 death when a James City County man in his 70s died in the hospital.
Monday, March 23, 2020
Governor Northam announced public schools would remain closed for the rest of the school year. He also announced businesses like bowling alleys, gyms, and theaters, would close due to the outbreak. [Video]
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Restaurants ordered to close dining rooms. Delivery and takeout service remained available.
Thursday, March 30, 2020
Governor Northam issues statewide Stay at Home order. The order urged people to stay home unless they needed to go to work, see a doctor or go grocery shopping. Virginia colleges and universities were ordered to stop in-person classes.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Most of Virginia enters Phase One reopening. That meant people were urged to maintain social distance, work from home and wear masks in public. Social gatherings remain capped at 10 people and restaurants could offer outdoor dining at 50 percent occupancy. [Video]
Saturday, May 23, 2020
A mask-less Governor Northam is photographed interacting with people in Virginia Beach. [Video]
RELATED: Northam explains no mask at Virginia Beach: ‘I take full responsibility'
Friday, May 29, 2020
Virginians ordered to wear masks in public indoor spaces.
Friday, June 5, 2020
Most of Virginia enters Phase Two reopening (Richmond and Northern Virginia do not). Phase 2 meant people were still encouraged to maintain social distance, work from home, and wear masks in public. Social gatherings increased from 10 to 50 people. Restaurants were allowed to offer indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy and gyms could reopen at 30 percent occupancy. [Video]
Monday, June 8, 2020
Virginia temporarily suspends all eviction proceedings.
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Virginia moves into Phase Three reopening. Phase Three reopening included continued recommendations for social distancing, teleworking, and requiring masks indoors. The maximum number of people allowed in social gatherings increased from 50 to 250. Businesses and restaurants were advised to continue to enforce social distancing. Gyms were allowed to reopen at 75 percent occupancy. [Video]
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
The COVIDWISE app launches in Virginia. The was claimed to let you know if you were ever near a person who tested positive for COVID-19. [Video]
Friday, September 25, 2020
Governor Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam announce they tested positive for COVID-19. Neither experienced serious symptoms. [Video]
RELATED: Governor Northam, First Lady test positive for COVID-19
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Virginia implements new COVID-19 restrictions including limiting all indoor and outdoor gatherings to 25 individuals people (down 250), lowers the mask-wearing mandate to children as young as five (down from 10), and outlawing the sale of alcohol after 10 p.m. in restaurants.
Monday, December 14, 2020
A stay-at-home order goes into effect in Virginia between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. In addition, a universal mask requirement was implemented and the limit on social gatherings was lowered from 25 people to 10 people. [Video]
RELATED: New COVID measures now in effect across Virginia
Monday, December 14, 2020
The first shipments of COVID-19 vaccine arrive in Virginia. [Video]
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Virginia unveils statewide online COVID-19 vaccine and hotline registration.
Monday, March 1, 2021
Virginia eases outdoor gathering restrictions increasing the maximum number of people permitted in a social gathering from 10 to 25. Capacity restrictions also increased at outdoor entertainment venues and restaurants could once again serve alcohol up to midnight.
Sunday, March 14, 2021
A day of prayer and remembrance to honor Virginians who died of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The state reported 9,961 deaths at that time.
Monday, March 15, 2021
Governor Northam receives a COVID-19 vaccination. [Video]
RELATED: National Guard vaccinates Gov. Northam at Virginia Executive mansion
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Virginia allows certain sports and entertainment venues to increase capacity.
Sunday, April 18, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine made available to all Virginians age 16 and older.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Fully-vaccinated Virginians are told they no longer have to wear masks outdoors when alone or in small gatherings.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Children 12 and older are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Virginia.
Friday, May 14, 2021
Virginia lifts universal indoor mask mandate
Friday, May 28, 2021
Virginia lifts social distancing and venue capacity restrictions.
