Gov. Northam discusses Phase Three reopening plan details.
Virginia will enter Phase Three of the state’s Forward Virginia reopening plan on July 1, ending restrictions on restaurants, retail stores and bars, among other changes, Gov. Ralph Northam said Tuesday.
“This gives us about three-and-a-half weeks of Phase Two where we have been able to follow the data,” Northam said during his Tuesday COVID-19 press conference. “There continue to be surges in other states, and we are monitoring that very closely.”
Northam outlined Phase Three details last Thursday during his press conference.
Phase Three details will include:
- Social gatherings of up to 250 people allowed.
- Occupancy/capacity limits will be lifted on retail stores, restaurants, bars and breweries.
- Museums, zoos and other outdoor entertainment venues will be allowed to open at 50% capacity, serving a maximum of 1,000 people.
- Gyms and fitness centers will be allowed to operate at up to 75% capacity.
- Personal grooming and hair salons will still need to follow physical distancing requirements.
- Child care facilities will remain open.
- Overnight summer camps will be closed.
- Recreational sports will still require physical distancing.
- Swimming pools will be able to operate at up to 75% capacity, with physical distancing in place.
- Face coverings will still be required in indoor public spaces.
“It still means you’re safer at home, especially if you’re vulnerable” Northam said. “It means we’re still strongly encouraging teleworking. People still need to focus on physical distancing in all situations outside of their home. Face coverings are still the right thing to do in indoor, public spaces.
“I want to reiterate that everyone should continue to take this pandemic very seriously. Cases are on the rise in many other states, as I said previously. I do not want to see that happen in the commonwealth. Be cautious and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and the people around you.”