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Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday, Northern Virginia entered Phase Two of Governor Northam's "Forward Virginia" plan to safely ease restrictions and slowly reopen our Commonwealth. It's critical to keep in mind, however, that this crisis is not over for our community and we must all continue to do our part to keep one another safe. That means staying home whenever possible and wearing a face mask when you do have to go out.
As of yesterday, the following businesses may now operate in a limited capacity:
- Restaurants and beverage services may operate at 50% occupancy load with at least six feet of spacing between tables.
- Farmers markets may operate as long as six feet of separation can be maintained between guests (including between tables and persons on public sidewalks).
- Non-essential retail may operate at 50% occupancy load.
- Personal care and personal grooming services may operate at 50% occupancy load by appointment only, with no more than two clients per service provider.
- Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, and indoor exercise facilities may operate at up to 30% occupancy load with at least ten feet of spacing between individuals.
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools may open for exercise, diving, and instruction only with at least 10 feet of physical distance between individuals in the pool.
- Private campgrounds may operate with at least 20 feet of separation between lots used for stays of less than 14 days. Campgrounds may continue to operate lots that are reserved for stays longer than 14 days.
- Outdoor performing arts venues, concert venues, and movie theaters (excluding drive-in entertainment) may operate if the number of patrons does not exceed the lesser of 50% occupancy load (if there is an occupancy limit) or 50 patrons.
- Properly permitted businesses may operate a drive-in model, where cars are parked at least six feet apart and participants must remain in their vehicle
- Museums, Botanical Gardens, Aquariums, Zoos may open at 50% occupancy with no shared objects or touch-based interactive exhibits.
The following businesses, however, must remain closed to the public during Phase Two:
- Indoor sporting venues, performing arts venues, concert venues, and movie theaters;
- Historic horse racing facilities;
- Bowling, arts and craft facilities, arcades, escape rooms, amusement parks, trampoline parks, gaming facilities, fairs, and carnivals; and
- Overnight summer camps.
For more detailed information about Phase Two, including a sector-by-sector breakdown, click here. For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
Additionally, the Governor has announced new guidelines providing for the phased reopening of Virginia schools this fall. These guidelines gradually permit in-person instruction to resume, while prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff. For more details, and to read the Governor's announcement, please click here.
I am so grateful for your patience and cooperation throughout this crisis, and I know you will not let your guard down now. While health metrics in our area are showing positive signs, we are still at a crucial juncture in our response to the coronavirus pandemic. Our ability to move forward with a slow return to normalcy depends on our community continuing to follow guidelines, including wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other, and remember that my office is here to help. Be sure to visit the COVID-19 page on my website for more information and resources. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please don't hesitate to call us at (703) 256-3071.
Sincerely,
Gerald E. Connolly
Member of Congress |
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Washington, DC Office
2238 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1492
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Annandale Office
4115 Annandale Road, Ste. 103
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703) 256-3071
Fax: (703) 354-1284
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Prince William Office
2241-D Tacketts Mill Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (571) 408-4407
Fax: (571) 408-4708
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