At a press conference on Monday, Governor Ralph Northam announced a series of new restrictions throughout the state of Virginia in order to combat the spread of coronavirus. These regulations will begin 11:59 pm Tuesday.
Speaking out of Richmond, Northam declared that all meetings of groups larger than 10 would be prohibited, all schools would be closed through the end of the academic year, and all non-essential businesses would be closed to the public.
Non-essential businesses include recreational and entertainment centers, personal care or grooming services that could not comply with social distancing guidelines, and public or private social clubs. Essential businesses include grocery stores, pharmacies, financial institutions, laundromats and restaurants practicing solely takeout/delivery; these businesses will remain open.
With 254 reported COVID-19 cases in Virginia as of March 23rd, these restrictions attempt to ensure the safety of its residents by “flattening the curve” of the COVID-19 spread. Nine other states have implemented “shelter in place”/”stay at home” orders: California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Ohio. It is expected that other states will follow this trend, as national cases of coronavirus climb over 20,875, and over 150 deaths, making America the third most infected country behind China and Italy.
Late last week, Governor Northam encouraged residents to prepare for “months not weeks.” With these restrictions continuing, this statement is clearer now than ever.
For further information, visit: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/executive-actions/EO-53-Temporary-Restrictions-Due-To-Novel-Coronavirus-(COVID-19).pdf
