Governor Northam Press Conference Summary
Post written by Grafton DeButts, VP of Membership & Government Affairs
Today, Governor Northam hosted a press conference to update Virginians on the COVID-19 spread and mitigation efforts in the state. Virginia is the 4th best state for slowing the spread of the virus. Despite that success, the Commonwealth is still experiencing record daily cases and an over 7% positivity rate.
Mitigation Guidelines:
On Friday, the Governor released new mitigation measures to control the spread of the virus. These measures include:
- Limiting all social gatherings to 25 or fewer people.
- Restricting the sale of in-restaurant alcohol after 10 p.m. Restaurants may still provide to-go and delivery alcohol sales until midnight.
- Masks are now required by all persons, age five and over, in indoor public places.
- Businesses are reminded that all guidelines are enforceable by the Virginia Department of Health.
Economic Recovery:
He reiterated that this is not just a health crisis, but also an economic crisis. The Rebuild Virginia Grant Program has received increased funding. So far the program has invested $55 Million in Virginia’s business recovery through this fund.
Vaccine Delivery:
It is expected that Virginia will receive its first shipment of the vaccine by mid-December. The first phase of delivery will be reserved for the healthcare and frontline employees. By the new year, the expectation is that through vaccine production increases, all healthcare and frontline employees will be vaccinated. Once this first phase is complete, a phased approach to mass vaccinations will begin.