Arlington Prepares For Phase 2 Of Reopening

ARLINGTON, VA — Arlington County will join the rest of Northern Virginia Friday, moving into phase two of Gov. Ralph Northam's Forward Virginia plan, according to a county release.

Northam outlined plans Tuesday to reopen Virginia's PreK to grade 12 public and private schools in phases. The governor also indicated he would allow Northern Virginia and Richmond to enter phase two of reopening on Friday. He then amended Executive Order Sixty-Five to allow the county to do so.

Arlington entered phase one on May 29, after Northam allowed Richmond and some Northern Virginia counties to remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. At that time, County Board Chair Libby Garvey applauded the decision to let those localities remained closed until they were ready transition to the next phase.

Phase two reopening guidance allows gatherings up to 50 people and continues easing restrictions on businesses. Restaurants can provide indoor dining at 50 percent capacity, while indoor fitness centers may open at 30 percent capacity. Personal care and grooming businesses must be limited to 50 percent capacity with no more than two appointments per service provider at a time and six feet of space between work stations. Non-essential brick-and-mortar retail remains limited to 50 percent capacity.

Indoor and outdoor pools can open for exercise, diving and swim instruction. Indoor and outdoor recreational sports are permitted with restrictions such as no shared equipment. Certain recreation and entertainment venues without shared equipment — including museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and outdoor concert, sporting, and performing arts venues — may open with restrictions.

Facilities remaining closed in phase two include indoor theaters, indoor performing arts centers, indoor concert venues, and indoor entertainment centers, historic horse racing facilities, bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, carnivals, arts and craft facilities, escape rooms, and other indoor public amusement facilities. Race tracks have opened, but spectators or members of the public are not allowed during phase two.

All areas moved from "stay at home" guidance to "safer at home" guidance under phase one. The requirement for wearing face masks at indoor public places will continue, as well as recommendations for social distancing and teleworking. Businesses are asked to continue physical distancing and workplace safety measures.

SEE ALSO:

Northam Announces School Reopening Plan, Phase 2 For NoVA

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