Governor Announces New Executive Orders on Gathering, Masks, and Alcohol Sales
Post written by Grafton DeButts, VP of Membership & Government Affairs
On Friday, Governor Northam shared a video which introduced a new set of business and gathering restrictions in hopes to avoid the increased spread of COVID-19 that is being seen across the country. The spread of the virus in Loudoun County remains lower than parts of Virginia and the nation as a whole, but all have seen a significant increase in the last two weeks.
“COVID-19 is surging across the country, and while cases are not rising in Virginia as rapidly as in some other states, I do not intend to wait until they are. We are acting now to prevent this health crisis from getting worse,” said Governor Northam. “Everyone is tired of this pandemic and restrictions on our lives. I’m tired, and I know you are tired too. But as we saw earlier this year, these mitigation measures work. I am confident that we can come together as one Commonwealth to get this virus under control and save lives.”
Effective as of midnight yesterday, November 15th:
- All public and private in-person gatherings must be limited to 25 individuals. A “gathering” includes, but is not limited to, parties, celebrations, or other social events, whether they occur indoors or outdoors. This does not impact the current regulations that are already in place for schools, workplaces, retail establishments, and restaurants.
- Masks are required for all persons, 5 years of age and older, in indoor public places.
- In restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and wineries all in-person alcoholic beverage sales must conclude by 10pm. Delivery and to-go sales, as permitted under current ABC regulation, may continue.
- All entertainment and amusement businesses will be capped at 30% occupancy or 250 persons, whichever is lower.