Northam Executive Order Allows NoVA To Delay Phase 1 Reopening
VIRGINIA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued an executive order allowing Northern Virginia localities to delay the first reopening phase, which is on track to begin Friday, May 15, in other parts of the state. The governor directed jurisdictions to formally request approval to remain in what he calls "Phase Zero."
Localities could delay reopening until midnight on Thursday, May 28, to meet health metrics. The order applies to the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and the towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, and Vienna.
The order comes after leaders in Alexandria and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William sent a letter to Northam calling for reopening decisions to factor in the region's performance on coronavirus-related metrics.
"The Phase One policies are a floor, not a ceiling," said Northam in a statement. "While the data show Virginia as a whole is ready to slowly and deliberately ease some restrictions, it is too soon for Northern Virginia. I support the request from localities in this region to delay implementation of Phase One to protect public health."
On Monday, Northam presented information on how Northern Virginia and the commonwealth as a whole are performing on his reopening criteria. While both the state and Northern Virginia are seeing downward trends in the percentage of positive tests, the region has about a 25 percent positivity rate compared to about 10 percent for the rest of the commonwealth.
Northam also pointed to differences between Northern Virginia and the rest of the commonwealth on new cases. On Monday, Northam reported over 700 cases in the Northern Virginia region and about 270 cases in other areas. Officials are seeing a trend of Northern Virginia accounting for 70 percent of Virginia's cases on any given day.
Get the latest updates on the new coronavirus in Virginia as they happen. Sign up for free news alerts and a newsletter in your Patch town.
The Forward Virginia phase one is one of three reopening phases to ease restrictions on businesses and individuals during the pandemic. Northam will allow the first phase to begin on May 15, with the commonwealth as a whole achieving health metrics. These metrics include a 14-day downward trend of positive test results and hospitalizations; sufficient hospital beds and intensive care capacity; increasing and sustainable supply of personal protective equipment such as masks, respirators, gloves and gowns; and increased testing and contact tracing.
Northam anticipates the first reopening phase could last two to three weeks.
The first phase includes allowing outdoor dining with 50-percent capacity, six feet between parties at tables and other restrictions. Farmers markets could have on-site shopping as long as physical distancing and other guidelines are followed.
Nonessential retail and places of worship could operate at 50 percent capacity, while personal grooming businesses would be allowed by appointment with face masks required for employees and customers.
Gatherings of more than 10 people will remain banned, while teleworking and face covering use continue to be encouraged. Entertainment-related businesses will remain closed, and gyms must be closed to all but outdoor fitness classes. Beaches will continue to be open for fishing and exercise only. Private campgrounds will open, while overnight summer camps will be closed.
More information on the delay for Northern Virginia and reopening for the rest of the state is expected at Northam's Wednesday news conference.
SEE ALSO:
This article originally appeared on the Old Town Alexandria Patch
