Northam Announces Phase 3 Details, Outreach To Latino Population

VIRGINIA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced guidelines Thursday for phase three of his Forward Virginia reopening plan. The governor said public health metrics are moving in a positive direction but has not committed to a date for Virginia to start phase three. As state officials continue to monitor Virginia's coronavirus data and surges in other states, the earliest date it could begin is Friday, June 26.

Speaking from the Fairfax County Government Center, Northam said he is providing the guidelines so Virginians can prepare for phase three changes when they begin. The guidelines include changes for retail, restaurants, gatherings and more.

"Just because there are more places to go does not mean you have to go there," said Northam on how Virginians should approach eased restrictions in phase three. "We still need to consider where we need to go versus where we want to go. We still need to be careful when we are out in the public. Because while our data is good and our restrictions may ease, the virus has not gone anywhere. We are adapting our lives around it, but it has not changed."

Phase three increases the numbers allowed at social gatherings from 50 to 250 people. The caps on restaurants, beverage services and nonessential retail will be lifted, but physical distancing measures will continue. Personal care and grooming businesses will also have continued physical distancing measures and staggered appointments. Entertainment venues such as museums and zoos can open at 50 percent capacity with the maximum limit being 1,000 people.

Gyms and fitness centers can operate at 75 percent capacity, and recreational sports will have continued physical distancing requirements. Swimming pools can operate at 75 percent capacity and expand to free swim with physical distancing requirements. Overnight summer camps will remain closed.

"Safer at home" guidance and teleworking continue to be encouraged in phase three, as well as the face covering requirement for indoor public spaces.

"Studies increasingly show how effective face coverings can be to reduce the spread of this virus, but we all need to wear them and wear them properly," said Northam. "This is easy to do and I'm proud of all the Virginians who are showing a responsibility for their neighbors by wearing a face covering."

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State officials are using the same health metrics for previous reopening decisions. According to the governor's office, case counts continue to trend downward, hospital bed capacity and protective gear supply remains sufficient, the percentage of individuals hospitalized with a positive or pending coronavirus test is trending downward, and the percent positive rate is trending downward.

Northam says the commonwealth is prepared should a resurgence of cases occur. These preparations include a stock of personal protective gear, preparations to do more testing, regular communication with hospitals and efforts to increase contact tracing staff.

However, he is optimistic that a resurgence won't occur if Virginians keep following health guidelines. He cited the 16 friends who tested positive after visiting a Florida bar as an example of the contagious nature of the virus.

More information on phase three guidelines are provided in English and Spanish.

Reaching vulnerable populations during the pandemic

State and local officials detailed outreach to the Latino and Hispanic population, which data shows is disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. Northam said Latino individuals account for 45.3 percent of Virginia's cases and 35 percent of hospitalizations while representing about 10 percent of Virginia's population.

"Clearly, Latino communities are disproportionately affected by this virus," said Northam. "Overall the Latino population is more likely to be uninsured than the general population. Latino people are more likely to work in jobs that put them at higher risk of contracting the virus. These risk factors are compounded within the Latino undocumented population."

The state's efforts have involved increasing outreach, translating health guidance into Spanish, using Spanish language media outlets for public announcements, and directing free community testing events to areas with Latino populations, particularly uninsured residents.

The partnerships with localities to reach high-risk Latino and African American communities involve health equity training and kits with masks, hand sanitizer and educational materials. Among the localities participating in outreach efforts are Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William counties.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay outlined the local effort to reach vulnerable individuals. He noted the county is conducting targeted testing for vulnerable populations, particularly with a mobile testing unit provided by the fire department.

"These sites will not be highly publicized," McKay said. But Fairfax County will work with residents and community groups in those areas to "ensure our testing capabilities are going to the most vulnerable in our community," he said. "If people are tested positive, we have resources in place to help guide them as we move forward, including quarantine options ... and contact tracing."

The health department has been ramping up contact tracing. There have been 250 contact tracers working since March, and the county recently contracted with the Institute for Public Health Innovation for additional hiring. The contract will let the health department hire up to 400 contact tracers for up to a year depending on the coronavirus outlook.

The Fairfax Health District leads Virginia with over 69,000 completed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. McKay said the health district averages 9,200 tests conducted per week. He encouraged residents to find testing opportunities on the county's website.

For Fairfax County residents needing help with utilities, housing, rent, testing and health care, a multilingual phone line is available at 703-222-0880.

SEE ALSO:

• Virginia Reports Smallest Increase In Deaths Since Early April
• More Detailed Race, Ethnicity Coronavirus Data Added In Virginia