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Virginia Reopening Updates 5/4

May 5, 2020

Hello Virginia Restaurants, 

Today, Governor Northam announced during his press conference that Virginia will likely enter Phase One of reopening on Friday, May 15th. 

Phase One will include reopening of restaurants for on premise dining in some form next Friday and state authorities will issue additional guidance for the restaurant industry, which we expect by mid week. Northam indicated during the press conference that restaurants will use less of their seating to spread people out more, however, it is not clear if restaurants will be subject to the ten or less guidance. He also stated employees will be required to wear face coverings, and additional cleaning will be required. We will share the official guidance as soon as it is available this week. 

Northam also indicated that continued delivery of alcoholic beverages will be allowed as long restaurants are required to operate below maximum capacity. 

Virginia will extend Executive Order 53 through May 14th emphasizing safer at home instead of stay at home. The additional week will help Governor Northam determine if the metrics have been met to enter Phase One. Based on trends over the past week, Northam is confident Virginia will enter Phase One on May 15th, however if it is necessary to push Phase One back he will. 

As you prepare your restaurant for reopening, it is important that you have the necessary PPE and sanitization items in stock. While we do not know what all the exact requirements will be at this time, you should still start to prepare. Click here for a list of vendors that supply PPE items, disinfectants and sanitizers. 

Click here to view the press conference. Please let me know if you have any questions. 

Best, 

Eden