Phase 2 of Virginia reopening plan to begin Friday

At today's press conference in Richmond, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced that most areas of the state would begin Phase 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic reopening plan on Friday.

The exceptions are Northern Virginia and Richmond, which just began Phase 1 last Friday due to high COVID-19 numbers, and Accomack County, which Northam said has a high case number among poultry plant workers.

Northam stated that COVID-19 statistics are continuing on a downward trend. While daily testing continues to rise, the number of positive tests have seen a 10 percent drop.

Also, the number of available hospital beds and supplies of personal protective equipment in medical facilities are currently sufficient to deal with any outbreaks, the Governor said.

Face coverings are still required to be worn at indoor public buildings.

Beginning Friday, Appomattox County and most other areas of the state will observe the following mandates:

• Restaurants may open for indoor eating at 50 percent capacity.
• Gyms and fitness centers may open for indoor activities at 30 percent capacity.
• Public swimming pools are open for exercise and instructional classes.
• Museums, zoos, botanical gardens and other outdoor recreational venues may reopen with restrictions.
• Recreational sports are permitted with social distancing requirements and no sharing of equipment.
• Face coverings at indoor public places are mandatory.
• Gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people.
• Working at home and "safer at home" is recommended.

Northam said more specific details will be outlined at his Thursday press conference, and will be posted sometime today on https://www.governor.virginia.gov.

Northam also gave a special thanks to child care workers who have taken the time to care for children of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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