While Virginia won’t be entering Phase Three of Governor Ralph Northam’s reopening plan this week, the governor did provide some specifics Thursday.
During his Thursday press conference, Governor Northam said Virginians deserve and are entitled to be able to plan for the next step in reopening.
He indicated some things won’t change under Phase Three: face masks, social distancing and encouraged telework.
But there are some differences on the horizon.
Governor Northam said, “social gatherings may include up to 250 people; the cap on capacity for non-essential retail will be lifted. So will the cap on capacity for restaurants and beverage services, but physical distancing is still required.”
Phase Three will also allow outdoor venues to reopen with an up to one thousand person limit. Gyms and swimming pools will also be allowed to have 75% capacity.
As far as when that will happen, Northam said his administration is closely monitoring state trends and the situation in other states. He added that the earliest possible start date for Phase Three is June 26th.
