Updated: May 15, 2020
Effective May 15, 2020, the State is entering Phase 1 of its reopening plan. During this phase all businesses not expressly mentioned in the Order should adhere to the Guidelines for All Business Sectors (link available in the Key Documents Section). Pursuant to the Order the following sectors may reopen under the restrictions as listed below and in the Order.
- Restaurants, Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries
- Take-out and outdoor dining may be offered
- Occupancy may not exceed 50% of the lowest occupancy on the certificate of occupancy
- No more than 10 patrons may be seated as a party
- Numerous other restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
- Farmers Markets
- Employees and vendors must wear face coverings
- Various other restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
- Retail businesses
- Occupancy may not exceed 50% of the lowest occupancy on the certificate of occupancy
- Employees must wear face coverings
- Fitness Facilities
- Outdoor activities only
- Numerous restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
- Personal Care and Grooming
- Occupancy may not exceed 50% of the lowest occupancy on the certificate of occupancy, with other social distancing requirements
- Employees must wear face coverings
- Numerous other restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
- Campgrounds
- Numerous restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
- Indoor Shooting Ranges
- Numerous restrictions apply as set forth in the Order
Executive Order 55
Temporary State at Home Order
Executive Summary
On March 30, 2020, the Governor of Virginia issued Executive Order 55, a temporary stay at home order, which builds on Executive Order 53, issued on March 23, which imposed closure requirements on restaurants, non-essential retail businesses, entertainment and recreational businesses and venues, and K-12 Schools. In contrast to the business closure orders in other states, which apply more broadly to essential and non-essential businesses across the economy, the Virginia closure requirements are limited to enumerated businesses subject to the order in the restaurant, retail, entertainment and recreational sectors, with exclusions for essential retail businesses. The stay-at-home aspects of the executive orders also allow Virginians to leave their homes for travel to and from work for essential retail businesses, as well as for businesses that are not subject to the order. Pursuant to the orders, all businesses must adhere to social distancing recommendations while in operation, and teleworking as much as possible is recommended.
Summary of Order
- Both EO 55 and EO 53, as amended, are to remain in effect until June 10, 2020.
- EO 55 requires all individuals in Virginia to remain at their place of residence, with enumerated exceptions, which include travel to and from work. This permits travel to essential retail businesses not subject to Order’s closure requirements, and other businesses in the state outside the retail, restaurant, recreation and other sectors covered by the Order.
- Pursuant to EO 53, essential retail businesses that may remain open during normal business hours include:
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;
- Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;
- Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
- Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;
- Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;
- Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
- Beer, wine, and liquor stores;
- Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
- Retail located within healthcare facilities;
- Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;
- Pet and feed stores;
- Printing and office supply stores; and
- Laundromats and dry cleaners.
- Any brick and mortar retail business not listed above may continue to operate but must limit all in-person shopping to no more than 10 patrons per establishment with proper social distancing, or must close.
- Pursuant to EO 53, all businesses must, to the extent possible, adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and other appropriate workplace guidance from state and federal authorities while in operation. Business operations offering professional rather than retail services may remain open but should utilize teleworking as much as possible.
- Nothing in either EO is intended to limit any of the following:
- provision of health care or medical services;
- access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks;
- the operations of the media;
- law enforcement agencies; or
- the operation of government.
- FAQs on the EOs have been published.
Social Distancing Requirements
The EOs generally impose on individuals and business requirements of maintaining social distancing of at least six feet from any other person. Businesses also must adhere to social distancing recommendations, enhanced sanitizing practices on common surfaces, and other appropriate workplace guidance from state and federal authorities while in operation.
Enforcement
Violations of either EO shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor pursuant to § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia. Governor Ralph Northam has remarked that localities will enforce the prohibition against gatherings of more than 10, especially at beaches, parks or non-essential retail businesses.