Governor Northam announced today that Phase One of his reopening plan will begin on Friday, May 15th, except for Northern Virginia. There is no date for NOVA to begin reopening but some NOVA leaders have said they hope the area can begin Phase One at the end of the month.
Loudoun Chairman of the Board, Phyllis Randall, said today that she understands many businesses in Loudoun are in trouble and she’s really, really, sorry, but she must go along with what the other NOVA leaders in keeping Loudoun closed. Why? Why “must” Loudoun go along with what other counties want?
Many NOVA leaders said at the Governor’s press conference today their region is part of a larger area including Washington DC and Maryland, therefore, the entire area must be coordinated on their reopening. So, Prince George’s County MD, with over 10,000 cases of coronavirus must be coordinated with Loudoun County VA, which has a total of 1,283 cases of the virus. (So many silly excuses presented today to keep Loudoun and the rest of NOVA closed.)
The Governor has also announced the reopening of some DMV offices for some services. People must have an appointment and must wait in their cars until called to enter the DMV office.
Churches can be open but with no more than 10 people but like gyms, they may hold services outside but must maintain social distancing of 6 feet.
Phase One of Governor Northam’s reopening:
More details on Phase One here. The Governor has said this phase of reopening will last at least 2 to 3 weeks.
Washington DC’s Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended her Stay at Home order until Monday, June 8th. Virginia’s Stay at Home order is still in effect until Wednesday, June 10th. Governor Northam and NOVA leaders stressed how important that we all stay at home except for when we must leave our homes for essential services which apparently now include haircuts and outside dining at restaurants.