Northern Virginia residents will start being able to eat indoors at local restaurants this Friday, June 12.
The City of Alexandria along with Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun counties, will enter phase two of Gov. Ralph Northam's Forward Virginia coronavirus business reopening plan.
Northam credited Virginia residents who have listened to the state’s guidelines and cooperated with the state’s ability to move toward reopening. The percent of positive COVID-19 tests is continuing to trend downward, as are hospitalizations. Testing capacity is increasing and the state is hiring contact tracers.
“Overall, our numbers look good,” Northam said Tuesday afternoon.
Alexandria will continue the temporary closure of the 100 block of King Street to vehicular traffic to make room for physical distancing — and increased outdoor dining.
A number of things will change for Alexandria residents in this second phase:
- The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering is 50 people.
- All businesses should still adhere to physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces, and continue enhanced workplace safety measures. (Read more about the ALX Promise program here.)
- Restaurant and beverage establishments may offer indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy.
- Fitness centers may open indoor areas at 30 percent occupancy, and certain recreation and entertainment venues without shared equipment may open with restrictions.
- Swimming pools may also expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction.
- Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals remain closed in phase two.
A complete list of business guidelines is available here.
