Chamber Insider Blog

Governor Northam announce Phase 3 COVID-19 restrictions

The Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, has announced that all of VA will enter Phase 3 on Wednesday, July 1st, barring any new data regarding COVID-19.  Virginia is seeing the number of virus cases, hospital stays and percentage of positive tests all decline.

Here is what the guidelines and restrictions for Phase 3 will look like, when we get there.

  1. Virginians are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, include remote work schedules.
  2. Face coverings are required for all indoor public spaces, though you can take them off at your table inside a restaurant, coffee shop, brewery or winery.
  3. Social gatherings may have up to 250 people, but 6-foot physical distancing is required.
  4. Restaurants and non-essential retail may operate at 100% capacity, but must maintain physical distancing.
  5. Entertainment venues can open at 50% capacity, but with no more than 1,000 people.
  6. Gyms, fitness centers and pools may open to 75% capacity.
  7. Childcare facilities may open.
  8. Overnight summer camps will remain closed.

While Virginia is not seeing a spike in new COVID cases, like many other states have, Governor Northam still urges all Virginia’s to maintain the practices that have helped reduce new transmissions: wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, and stay home if you are high-risk or experience COVID-19 symptoms.

“This virus is still with us, and we must continue to adapt our lives around it and ensure we are keeping our vulnerable communities safe,” Governor Northam said.