Virginia governor announces guidelines for 'phase one' of state's reopening

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam on Saturday announced guidelines for "phase one" of the state's economic reopening, calling the instructions "one step forward in a gradual process" as the state slowly emerges from its month-and-a-half-long coronavirus shutdown. 

Northam is implementing the initiative through an executive order, with the governor's office saying that the process will begin "when the data meets the public health criteria outlined by the Commonwealth." That criteria includes a two-week decline in the percentage of positive coronavirus tests, a decline in the rate of hospitalizations in the state, and several other benchmarks. The governor has said he expects phase one to begin next Friday, May 15. 

“I am proud of the millions of Virginians who have stayed home and helped to flatten the curve, but our work is not done,” the governor said on Saturday. 

Virginia's "Phase One" strategy "continues the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people and maintains recommendations for social distancing, teleworking, and wearing face coverings," the state said on Saturday via press release.

"All businesses should make modifications to maintain six feet of physical distancing, increase cleaning and sanitization of high contact surfaces, and provide enhanced workplace safety measures," it added.

"Retail establishments will be allowed to operate at 50 percent occupancy, restaurant and beverage establishments may offer outdoor dining at 50 percent occupancy, personal grooming services may begin operating with one patron per service provider, and fitness centers may offer outdoor exercise services," the release continued, adding that campgrounds will also be allowed to begin hosting campers for "short-term stays." 

Religious worship, meanwhile, will be permitted to resume indoor services at 50 percent capacity, while entertainment and "public amusement" venues will remain closed for the time being. 

The plan is "grounded in science and data," the governor's office said, adding that the state will permit Virginia localities to "consider delaying implementation of Phase One guidelines based on local conditions."