We watch so you don’t have to
At his press conference today Governor Northam said the trends for COVID-19 in Virginia were headed in the right direction but he does not yet have enough data to allow the state to move to phase 2 of reopening. He reminded people that he said each stage of reopening would last 2 to 3 weeks. It will be three weeks for phase 1. The earliest opening for phase 2 will be a week from tomorrow, June 5th.
At that time the Governor hopes the entire state, including Northern Virginia, Accomack, and Richmond, will be ready to move to Phase 2 but that will depend on the COVID-19 data and what the “excellent leaders” in Northern Virginia want to do. (Keep the pressure on Chairmen Randall, McKay, and the others.)
Also announced was the reopening of all of Virginia’s beaches tomorrow, May 29th. Northam said Virginia Beach has done such a good job of enforcing the rules over the last week they can be a model for the other beaches in the state.
Racetracks in Virginia will also open tomorrow but without spectators.
The Governor said he realizes how important business is to Virginia and he was happy to announce Microsoft will open a new office in Reston employing 1,500 people. Next week Northam will announce more businesses coming to the rural parts of the commonwealth.
CVS will begin testing for COVID-19 at 39 of their locations around the state. Patrons will swab their mouths under the guidance of CVS staff.
The Governor’s press conference may be seen here.