Phase Two for Northern Virginia and Richmond Starting June 12
Phase Two expected to begin Friday June 12 for Northern Virginia and Richmond
Alexandria, VA – Governor Ralph Northam today signed an Executive Order and presented the second phase of the “Forward Virginia” plan to continue safely and gradually easing public health restrictions while containing the spread of COVID-19. The Executive Order allows for Phase Two for Northern Virginia and Richmond starting June 12.
On the previous Phase II opening for the rest of Virginia on June 5, Governor Northham stared: “Because of our collective efforts, Virginia has made tremendous progress in fighting this virus and saved lives, please continue to wear a face covering, maintain physical distance, and stay home if you are high-risk or experience COVID-19 symptoms. Virginians have all sacrificed to help contain the spread of this disease, and we must remain vigilant as we take steps to slowly lift restrictions in our Commonwealth.”
This Executive Order modifies public health guidance and establishes guidelines for Phase Two for Northern Virginia and Richmond starting June 12.
Under Phase Two, the Commonwealth will maintain a Safer at Home strategy with continued recommendations for social distancing, teleworking, and requiring individuals to wear face coverings in indoor public settings. The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase from 10 to 50 people. All businesses should still adhere to physical distancing guidelines, frequently clean and sanitize high contact surfaces, and continue enhanced workplace safety measures. 
Restaurant and beverage establishments may offer indoor dining at 50 percent occupancy, fitness centers may open indoor areas at 30 percent occupancy, and certain recreation and entertainment venues without shared equipment may open with restrictions. These venues include museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting, and performing arts venues. Swimming pools may also expand operations to both indoor and outdoor exercise, diving, and swim instruction.
The current guidelines for religious services, non-essential retail, and personal grooming services will largely remain the same in Phase Two. Overnight summer camps, most indoor entertainment venues, amusement parks, fairs, and carnivals will also remain closed in Phase Two.
Phase Two guidelines for specific sectors can be found here. Phase One guidelines sectors Ralpare available here. Visit virginia.gov/coronavirus/forwardvirginia for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
