Virginians anxious to escape the state’s lockdown are in luck after the state’s governor announced a soft reopening of the economy as soon as next week.
During his daily coronavirus briefing, Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam said he was considering phase one of a plan to reopen, which will allow Virginians to get their hair cut and restaurants to serve customers with limited seating.
“We flattened the curve, and our hospitals have not been overwhelmed,” Northam said. “I am keenly aware that it has come with a tremendous cost. Now, we can start to move into a new phase of our response.”
Northam reiterated that the coronavirus was “still here” and that it could be as long as two years before a vaccine stops the spread of the disease.
“We must not relax our vigilance or think that the risk has passed,” Northam added. “To be clear, we are not entering phase one today nor this week. Based on the data, I expect that we may be able to enter it as soon as next week. Today, I’m going to outline what our phased approach of easing restrictions will look like and when that will happen.”
Northam said Virginians were still safest when they are at home and suggested that residents refrain from large gatherings of more than 10 people. Face masks in public are recommended, and Northam said Virginia citizens should still practice social distancing to the best of their abilities.
Northam announced that phase one of Virginia’s reopening would last between two and four weeks — or longer, depending on how many become infected with the virus.
“Here’s the bottom line: You’ll be able to get your hair cut, but you’ll need an appointment,” Northam added. “It means you can go out to eat again, but restaurants will use less of their seating to spread people out more. Employees will wear face coverings, and they’ll do more cleaning. Phase one means more retail establishments can be open, but they’ll have to operate at lower capacity.”
Northam also said the state would “accommodate the needs of churches” as legal battles between houses of worship and state officials boiled over this week.
