Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam on Wednesday said a variety of coronavirus-related restrictions will be relaxed starting March 1.
The changes will give residents and businesses more freedom and entertainment options as the weather warms up and — we hope — as COVID-19 cases continue to decline.
Residents will still have to wear masks at all times in all public places, including indoor shared spaces and outdoors when adequate physical distancing is difficult. But, restrictions on social gatherings, sports venues and more are loosening up a bit — and overnight summer camps will be able to open for local children.
Across Virginia, the 7-day average of COVID-19 cases is around 1,900. The last time the case rate was this low in Virginia was before Thanksgiving.
Virginia Dept. of Health - Feb. 24, 2021
Gov. Northam said Virginia officials are planning to set up mass vaccination sites with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and pharmacy vaccination programs are helping Virginians get vaccinated faster. The more residents who are vaccinated, the faster Virginia officials expect to be able to further reduce restrictions on businesses and activities.
Restaurants, Entertainment Venues Still Limited
A number of limits will still exist on restaurants, including the strict social distancing and sanitization requirements. No dining areas can be open between midnight at 5 a.m., but delivery and take-out can be open 24-hours per day. On-site sale or consumption of alcohol is banned between midnight and 5 a.m. in all restaurants, dining establishments, tasting rooms, etc.
Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people instead of 10 people, but outdoor entertainment venues can increase attendance to 30 percent of total capacity. Indoor social gatherings are still limited to 10 people. It does not apply to religious services, workplaces or schools.
As residents look forward to summer entertainment season, the governor also outlined amusement park regulations. Indoor queue areas and rides will be closed, but indoor restaurants, restrooms and other entertainment may open with appropriate physical distancing and disinfecting protocols. Total occupancy for an amusement park must not exceed 50 percent of the park’s total occupancy.
Concert venues may also reopen this spring, along with outdoor sports venues and other warm-weather gathering spots. At outdoor venues, the number of spectators cannot exceed either 1,000 or 30 percent of the lowest occupancy load — whichever is lower. Spacing of 10 feet between people when there is cheering or singing involved is required, not just six feet.
Unlike last summer, overnight summer camps will be able to open starting in May with a variety of safety measures in place.
