Virginia Reopening On Track, Delay Likely For Northern Region

VIRGINIA — A confirmed reopening announcement for Virginia is expected Wednesday, but it likely won't include the densely populated northern region. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says unless trends in the coronavirus-related data change, the first reopening phase will start Friday, May 15.

At a Monday news conference, Northam said Northern Virginia's phase one reopening date has not been determined, but the state is working with local officials on a slower phase one implementation. That messaging from the governor comes after leaders in Alexandria and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William sent a letter to Northam calling for reopening decisions to factor in the region's performance on metrics.

"As soon as [localities] feel comfortable and we feel comfortable collectively moving to phase one, we'll certainly do that," said Northam. "They're just as anxious as the rest of us, as rest of you are across Virginia to ease these restrictions and to again return to as near normal as we can."

Northam outlined how the state as a whole and Northern Virginia are performing on his reopening metrics. These metrics include a 14-day downward trend of positive test results and hospitalizations; sufficient hospital beds and intensive care capacity; increasing and sustainable supply of personal protective equipment such as masks, respirators, gloves and gowns; and increased testing and contact tracing.

Virginia overall is seeing the 14-day downward trend of positive test results, while hospitalizations remain stable with sufficient resources. Ventilator use is at an average 20 percent use, and no hospitals have experienced difficulty obtaining personal protective gear for numerous consecutive days.

Northern Virginia is seeing a decline in positive test results, but the positivity rate is vastly different. According to Northam, Northern Virginia has an approximately 25 percent positivity rate, while the rest of the state is closer to 10 percent. Hospitalizations appear stable for Northern Virginia and the state as a whole, but COVID-19 patients make up a greater portion of hospital patients in Northern Virginia than rest of the state.

"Northern Virginia consistently has a significant portion of our cases statewide," said Northam. "In the past 24 hours, for example, Northern Virginia reported more than 700 cases. The rest of Virginia reported fewer than 300."

The rest of Virginia accounts for approximately 60 percent of Virginia's population, according to Northam's chief of staff Clark Mercer.

Jeff McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County's Board of Supervisors, responded to Northam's presentation of Northern Virginia data in a statement.

"Governor Northam said today that he will make a final decision about our region moving into Phase I of his Forward Virginia plan on Wednesday," said McKay. "Our County and region are actively working to meet the health criteria laid out by the Governor which are needed in order to reopen the economy. Though we acknowledge the data is not there yet, we are hopeful this can be achieved soon."

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Just like the case of restrictions in Bristol, Virginia, while Bristol, Tennessee reopened, an opening in Northern Virginia would have implications on interstate travel for DC area counterparts. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has eased some restrictions but has not committed to a phase one reopening date. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declined Monday to say if she was going to extend the public health emergency due to expire on May 15, but said she would answer that question later this week.

On the possibility of Northern Virginians traveling to other parts of the state, Northam said, "While we're not restricting them from traveling elsewhere, we would certainly encourage them to maintain the same [social distancing] guidelines that we've been talking about all along."

The gradual reopening has a different impact than a complete reopening, his spokesman said.

"If you step back and look at the commonwealth as a set of regions, that outside of Northern Virginia has hit those metrics," said Mercer. "I think a responsible phased one approach, which is what the governor has articulated, is going to keep somebody from Alexandria to drive to southwest Virginia to avail themselves with outdoor dining or a haircut. It's not like we're flipping the light switch and throwing everything open right away."

What Phased Reopening Looks Like

Northam is hopeful the first of three reopening phases lasts no more than two to three weeks. The phase one reopening includes allowing outdoor dining at 50-percent capacity with and table spacing and employees wearing masks. Nonessential retail and places of worship could operate at 50 percent capacity, while personal grooming businesses would be allowed by appointment with face masks required for employees and customers.

Entertainment-related businesses will remain closed, and gyms must be closed to all but outdoor fitness classes. Beaches will continue to be open for fishing and exercise only. Private campgrounds will open while overnight summer camps will be closed.

The guidance under phase one will involve the Stay at Home order switching to a Safer at Home order. Under that definition, the public would still stay home when possible, but vulnerable individuals like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions would need to continue to stay at home. The 10-person gathering limit will continue, as well as recommendations for wearing face coverings and teleworking.

"The message as we prepare to enter phase 1: we are in a new day here in this world ... but this virus is out there until there's a cure for the virus until there's a vaccination," said Northam. "We have to be cognizant, we have to be vigilant that it's out there and that we have to protect ourselves. We have to protect our friends, our loved ones, our neighbors, and we have to protect those that are on our front lines."

Governor Weighs In On Water, Elections, Motor Vehicles

On Monday, Northam also addressed the City of Petersburg shutting off water service to some residents. State Health Commissioner Norm Oliver ordered the city to stop the city from shutting off water service to an occupied dwelling and restore service to homes during the public health crisis.

"It is unacceptable to have residents without access to running water when protection against this virus relies heavily on the ability to wash hands and other services," said Northam.

The governor reminded residents of the deadline to request an absentee ballot for May 19 local elections at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12. Voters can choose "2A My disability or illness" as a reason for voting in May and June elections.

"Voting by mail is secure and is the safest way to vote at this time," said Northam. "We will continue working to make sure our physical polling places and poll workers are as safe as possible for those who do go out to vote in person."

The Supreme Court of Virginia allowed several Loudoun County towns to move elections to June 4, but other local elections, including in two Fairfax County towns, are scheduled for May 19. Northam delayed elections two weeks from the original May 5 date after the state Senate did not approve his request to move May elections to November. The June state primary election was moved two weeks back to June 23.

The governor also plans to extend closures of Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles customer centers for at least another week.

SEE ALSO:

• VA Coronavirus Cases Exceed 25,000; Hospitalizations Decline
• Uncertainty Over Whether NoVA Ready To Reopen With Rest Of State
• Northam Details Businesses Allowed In Phase 1 Reopening
• Unemployment Insurance Claims Remain High In Virginia, DC