As Phase Three of the Forward Virginia reopening plan is implemented, restaurants, beaches and nonessential retail may now reopen, but other restrictions remain.
For example, bar seating remains prohibited in restaurants as a way to reduce the likelihood of patrons gathering without observing social distancing guidelines. Bar seating and congregating areas of restaurants will remain closed except for those passing through. Restaurants may use non-bar seating in the bar area, as long as a minimum of six feet between tables is provided.
Entertainment venues may reopen, with 50 percent capacity; fitness and exercise businesses may accept up to 75 percent of their individual capacity and the number of people attending gatherings was increased to 250.
While key heath indicators in Virginia are improving, Gov. Ralph Northam said that he will continue to take a cautious approach when easing restrictions, and is prepared to implement tighter restrictions if needed.
“I am watching what is happening in other states—we are taking a cautious approach as we enter Phase Three and maintaining the current restrictions on bar areas,” said Northam. “In Virginia, our hospitalization rates have fallen, our percentage of positive tests continues to trend downward, and we are conducting more than 10,000 tests each day. We want these trends to continue, but if our public health metrics begin moving in the wrong direction, I will not hesitate to take action to protect the health and safety of our communities.”
Virginia is currently averaging more than 10,400 tests per day—exceeding Northam’s goal—and hospitals continue to report ample supplies of personal protective equipment. The percentage of positive tests has dropped to six percent from a high of 20 percent in mid-April. The number of Virginians hospitalized with a positive or pending COVID-19 test has declined significantly over the past several weeks, and more than 1,200 contact tracers are presently working throughout the Commonwealth.
Despite these positive trends, Northam is monitoring increases in several states, and also continues to remind Virginians that they are safer at home, especially if they are high-risk or vulnerable. All Virginians must continue to comply with the statewide face covering requirement in indoor public spaces, and are strongly encouraged to:
*continue teleworking if possible
*wash hands regularly
*maintain six feet of physical distance when outside of the home
*get tested immediately if you have COVID-19 symptoms
Visit virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
