Starting July 1, Virginia residents and businesses will have more freedom and fewer restrictions. That day, the state will enter the long-awaited third phase of the “Forward Virginia” coronavirus reopening plan.
Restaurants can seat more people inside, gyms can welcome more people and social gatherings can grow.
But don't throw those masks away — they will still be required indoors in public spaces.
While the United States is seeing an increase in the 7-day average of reported COVID-19 cases, according to data from the Washington Post, Virginia has continued trending downward or holding steady. (See charts below.) Virginia did not reopen as quickly or as early as other states that are now experiencing surges in the number of cases, like Arizona, Oklahoma, Florida and South Carolina.
Source: The Washington Post data collected from state health departments.
The following is guidance on what Phase 3 will look like for businesses and residents:
- Residents are still safer at home, telework is still strongly encouraged and Virginians need to continue practicing physical distancing.
- Face coverings will still be required inside in public places. Northam thanked the residents who have been wearing masks.
- Social gatherings may have up to 250 people.
- The capacity restrictions on restaurants and retailers will be removed — but physical distancing is still required.
- Outdoor venues may open at 50 percent capacity up to 1,000 people.
- Gyms and fitness centers may open at 75 percent capacity.
- Personal grooming services still need to follow physical distancing requirements and safety measures.
- Overnight summer camps remain closed.
- Swimming pools need to institute physical distancing between swimmers.
If a business doesn’t feel safe opening or can’t meet the requirements for safety and physical distancing, it doesn’t have to open.
Virginia is likely to stay in this third phase for the foreseeable future.
