Governor Ralph Northam said Friday that Virginia is still on track to move into Phase One of his reopening plan on May 15th.
During his Friday afternoon news briefing. Northam outlined how the restrictions on gatherings and businesses will be relaxed. It won't be like flipping a light switch, Northam cautioned. It's more like slowly dialing up a dimmer switch.
What won't change:
The state's 10 person limit on gatherings and recommendations for social distancing will remain in effect. The use of face coverings when in public or close contact is encouraged. Businesses that can telework are still encouraged to operate that way. Entertainment and amusement facilities will remain closed. Beach access will only be allowed for exercise and fishing. Restrictions on daycares will remain in place and overnight summer camps will remain closed.
What will change:
Non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen at 50% of their permitted capacity. Restaurants that have outdoor seating can use that seating at 50% capacity. Indoor seating will still not be allowed. Churches may hold services at 50% of their permitted capacity. Grooming businesses may operate by appointment only and face coverings must be worn. Gyms and fitness facilities will be allowed to conduct some activity outdoors but indoors activity will still be prohibited. Private campgrounds can reopen with restrictions on distance between sites and state parks will slowly reopen overnight facilities.
Northam said he expects Phase One to last about two to three weeks. Some areas of the state may not be ready for Phase One and local governments can keep tougher restrictions in place if they choose. If trends in case data does not continue moving in positive directions or if there is a surge in cases, Northam said he would considering reinstating tougher restrictions. "The virus is still with us," Northam said. "I don't want people to let their guard down. It will be even more important for people to behave cautiously."
Friday data update from the Virginia Department of Health
The number of new COVID-19 cases and the number of new test results both rebounded Friday, as Governor Ralph Northam prepared to detail the state's reopening guidelines.
The Virginia Department of Health reported 43 additional deaths Friday morning, pushing the state's total to 812.
772 new cases were added to the state's tally, increasing the total 22,342. The number of new cases had been trending down for most of the week until Friday's data was published. The number of newly reported test results also grew Friday. The 6,662 new results puts the state's total at 143,220. Because of the higher number of reported test, the percent reported positive was actually lower. Percent positivity is one of the key metrics state officials are watching as they consider giving the green light to Phase One reopening plans next week.
Another key statistic, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, has trended up slightly over the last few days. ICU and ventilator useage has remained flat. And no Virginia hospitals have reported potential problems with their supply of personal protective equipment for several days now.
Dr. Karen Remley, who heads a state task testing task force, said Friday that she expects the state to reach the 10,000 test per day level by the end of next week. She said there were still some access and supply issues to work out.
