|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
As you may have heard, Governor Northam has announced that Northern Virginia is ready to move into Phase One of his Forward Virginia plan to safely 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.
On that note, the Governor has also announced that face masks will be mandatory in public settings as we slowly begin to reopen. Face masks are one of the most effective weapons in our arsenal as we continue to fight this virus, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to abide by this requirement. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me.
As we enter Phase One, the following businesses may begin to operate in a limited capacity:
- Restaurants and beverage services may operate delivery and takeout as well as outdoor service at 50% occupancy load with at least 6 feet of spacing between tables.
- Farmers markets may operate order ahead and pickup options as well as on-site shopping and seating at tables, 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 one client per service provider.
- 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.
The following businesses, however, must remain closed to the public:
- Theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, museums, and other indoor entertainment centers;
- Fitness centers, gymnasiums, recreation centers, indoor swimming pools, indoor sports facilities, and indoor exercise facilities. Outdoor fitness and exercise services may occur, and outdoor pools may open for lap swimming only with one person per lane.
- Racetracks and historic horse racing facilities;
- Bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, aquariums, zoos, escape rooms, public and private clubs, and all other places of indoor public amusement; and
- Overnight summer camps.
For more detailed guidelines, including a sector-by-sector breakdown, please click here. For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
I am ever grateful for your patience and cooperation throughout this crisis, and I know you will not let your guard down now. We are 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
|
| ###
|
|
|
|
Washington, DC Office
2238 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-1492
|
Annandale Office
4115 Annandale Road, Ste. 103
Annandale, VA 22003
Phone: (703) 256-3071
Fax: (703) 354-1284
|
Prince William Office
2241-D Tacketts Mill Drive
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (571) 408-4407
Fax: (571) 408-4708
|
|
|
|
