Block Of King Street Remains Closed For Phase 2 In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Phase two of reopening will begin Friday in Alexandria and the rest of Northern Virginia. A number of changes are in store, but the road closure on lower King Street will remain.

The City of Alexandria said in a news release the 100 block of King Street will remain temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during phase two. The block had been closed in phase one, giving restaurants flexibility for outdoor street dining with social distancing. Under phase two guidelines, indoor dining will be allowed at 50 percent capacity in addition to outdoor dining at 50 percent capacity.

Signage posted by the city outdoors and in businesses will remain individuals to maintain six feet from others and wear face coverings as mandated in Virginia at indoor public spaces. In the 100 block of King Street, there is a path in the center of the street for pedestrians and emergency vehicle access.

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Phase two also means other changes for businesses and individuals. We've listed the key impacts in Alexandria below.

• Social gatherings: The limit on social gatherings will increase from 10 to 50.
• Restaurants: Indoor dining may be provided at 50 percent occupancy with tables positioned six feet apart. Bar seats and congregating areas must remain closed to customers. Restaurants can continue to offer alcoholic beverages for takeout or delivery, but city law maintains these drinks cannot be consumed in public places.
• Fitness studios and gyms: Indoor fitness centers may open at 30 percent capacity with ten feet of physical distancing between individuals. Individuals should check with their fitness studios on their status. The city's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is offering park rentals to Alexandria businesses for outdoor classes.
• Personal care and grooming businesses: Businesses will be allowed to operate with two appointments per service provider at a time. Occupancy is limited to 50 percent, and services must be limited to those performed without removing a face covering. Work stations must be spaced six feet apart. This guidance applies to beauty salons, barbershops, spas, massage centers, tanning salons, tattoo shops, and any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are done. Check with individual businesses for their status and policies.
• Nonessential retail: There is no change in phase two. Brick-and-mortar retail considered nonessential can operate at 50 percent capacity.
• Farmers markets: On-site shopping is allowed with social distancing guidelines in phase two. The city has allowed on-site purchases to resume at four markets with conditions. Check with individual markets for vendors offering pre-orders.
• Parks and recreation: Reopening of parks and recreational features will align with the state's reopening phases. Fields, dog parks, park restrooms, and most sports courts will be open. The Torpedo Factory Art Center will reopen to the public on June 12. Installation of safety measures in recreation and nature centers is in progress.
• Indoor and outdoor recreational sports activities are permitted with restrictions. Instructors, participants and spectators must maintain ten feet of distance, except with incidental contact or contact between members of the same household. The city's parks and recreation department is offering modified full day summer programs with limited capacity are offered for children ages 6 to 12.
• Pools: Under the state's guidance, outdoor and indoor pools can only open for lap swimming, diving, exercise, and instruction and are limited to three persons per lane with ten feet of physical distance per swimmer. Hot tubs, spas, splash pads, spray pools, and interactive play features must remain closed. The city's parks and recreation department is aiming to open pools in July. Great Waves Waterpark at Cameron Run Regional Park will not open for the summer 2020 season.
• Museums: Under phase two guidance, outdoor performing arts venues, outdoor concert venues, outdoor sports venues, outdoor movie theaters, museums, aquariums, zoos, and botanical gardens may reopen with restrictions. The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum will be the first to reopen in phase two, but an exact date has not been shared. It will reopen at 25 percent capacity with timed tickets. Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Fort Ward Museum & Historic Park are expected to reopen in phase three.
• Places of worship: There is no change in phase two. Places of worship can open at 50 percent capacity.