Virginia to move into Phase 3 on July 1

Virginia will move into Phase 3 of the Commonwealth's reopening plan beginning Wednesday, July 1, Gov. Ralph Northam said in a press conference today from Richmond.

As Northam announced last Thursday, some restrictions will still be in order while others are eased.

Highlights of Phase 3 will include the following:

• Social distancing restrictions are required.
• Face coverings are required in public indoor buildings.
• Social gathering maximum will increase to 250.
• Non-essential retail businesses, restaurants and beverage services may return to full capacity with social distancing guidelines.
• Personal grooming businesses must follow social distancing guidelines.
• Recreational sporting activities must follow social distancing guidelines.
• Entertainment facilities such as museums, zoos, and outdoor venues may open at 50 percent capacity with limits of 1,000 people.
• Gyms, fitness centers and swimming pools may open at 75 percent capacity.
• Overnight summer camps remain closed.

Northam said that areas such as Northern Virginia, which were behind the rest of the state in phase progression due to higher cases of COVID-19, will also now move into Phase 3 unless officials in those localities request otherwise.

As of today, the Virginia Department of Health reports 58,994 cases of COVID-19 in the state with 5,913 hospitalizations and 1,645 deaths. The death rate is listed as 1,542 confirmed COVID-19 deaths with the other 103 categorized as "probable."

Appomattox County has reported 36 cases with two hospitalizations and zero deaths.

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