RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Ralph Northam outlined what a Phase Three reopening in Virginia would look like on July 1, 2020.
What Changes
- Social gatherings - May include up to 250 people
- Non-essential retail - The capacity cap will be lifted (social distancing required)
- Restaurants - The capacity cap will be lifted (social distancing required)
- Entertainment venues (museums, zoos, and other outdoor venues) - Open at 50% capacity with a cap of 1,000 people
- Gyms and fitness centers - Open up to 75% of capacity
- Swimming pools - Open at 75% of capacity with physical distancing
What Doesn't Change
- Teleworking - Strongly encouraged
- Social Distancing - Strongly encouraged
- Face coverings - Strongly encouraged
- Hair salons - Open with physical distancing requirements
- Overnight summer camps - Closed
- Recreational Sports - Allowed with physical distancing requirements
At a press conference last week, the governor said when he delayed the Phase Three reopening until July 1.
"We are not moving to Phase Three yet," the governor cautioned. "Our health data is positive. We are also monitoring other states. We're going to be cautious and careful and watch the data for a little while longer before we move forward."
He said he speaks weekly with other governors about the COVID reopening plan.
"As you have seen, there have been surges and other states that have eased restrictions prematurely, and I am monitoring those very closely," he said. "As we do, I want to emphasize to every Virginian just because something is allowed, doesn't mean it's required. If a business doesn't feel comfortable opening or can't meet the requirements, it does not have to open. And just because there are more places to go, does not mean you have to go there. We still need to consider where we need to go versus where we may want to go."
This is a developing story.
