COVID-19 Update 6

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Thank you to everyone who continues to social distance, wears a face covering in public, frequently washes his or her hands and stays home as much as possible. These efforts have made a difference.

May Elections - The Governor previously announced that local elections scheduled for May 5 would be postponed to May 19. To discuss this and other election issues, I will be hosting a Zoom -Facebook Live Town Hall this Wednesday, May 6, with Senators John Bell and Jennifer Boysko from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. You can submit any questions ahead of time to district31@senate.virginia.gov and view the Town Hall on my Facebook page.

COVID-19 -Update - The rise in new cases in Virginia is slowing. In fact, we are seeing a flattening of the curve and reduced hospitalizations. Your efforts are saving lives. While this is encouraging news, the COVID-19 virus does continue to spread throughout Virginia, and you can find daily updates here.

Phased Re-Opening - The Governor announced today that business closures will be extended by one week, to May 15. The current plan is to re-open the Commonwealth in three distinct phases.

Phase I - The first phase would be implemented on May 15 and include:

• Safer at home - especially if you are vulnerable;

• No social gatherings of more than 10 individuals;

• Continued social distancing;

• Face coverings recommended in public; and

• Easing limits on business and faith communities.

Phase I Guidelines for Businesses will include:

• Physical distancing

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfection

• Enhanced workplace safety

More specific guidelines for particular sectors will be announced later in the week. These guidelines could include allowed limited capacity restaurant openings, limited capacity gym openings, and foot traffic browsing at Farmer’s Markets. Phase I could last 2-4 weeks or longer, based on incoming data. The Governor also announced that 1,000 contact tracers will be hired to assist with ensuring accurate data and continued limiting of the spread of the virus. 

Phase II - The Phase II plan would still include stay-at-home recommendations for vulnerable populations. However, the plan would allow social gatherings of up to 50 individuals, while continuing social distancing and teleworking, if at all possible. You would still be expected to wear face coverings in public, but there would be some easing of restrictions on businesses. This phase could last 2-4 weeks or longer, again, based on incoming data.

Phase III - Phase III is the longer-term goal. To begin, there would be no evidence of the virus rebounding for a substantial period of time. Phase III would still recommend that vulnerable populations stay home. It would remove the ban on social gatherings and remove the capacity limits on business establishments. The plan would continue to require heightened cleaning and disinfection. Other measures could be included as well. This Phase is likely 10-12 weeks away, or more.

I know this has been a challenging time for everyone. If my office can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are all in this together.

Sincerely,