Gov. Ralph Northam is relaxing restrictions on beach goers in Virginia Beach ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.
Northam said Monday that he is allowing the beaches to open under modified conditions that will allow sunbathing and surfing starting Friday. There will still be a ban on group sports, the use of alcohol, electronic speakers, and tents.
And beach parking will be capped at 50 percent capacity, the governor said.
“My message to Virginians is this, and it is very simple: You must be responsible,” Northam said.
The governor said the reopening will only apply to Virginia Beach and to nearby First Landing State Park — other beach localities can request a reopening if they develop a plan similar to Virginia Beach’s.
Friday’s planned reopening was done in conjunction with city leaders in Virginia Beach, which relies heavily on tourism to power the local economy.
Most of the state entered Phase 1 reopening last Friday, a gradual process with many restrictions still in place for at least several more weeks.
Executive Order 61 modifies public health guidance in Executive Order 53 and Executive Order 55 and establishes guidelines for Phase 1.
Under Phase 1 – Forward Virginia — the state will move to a “safer-at-home” strategy, which continues the ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people and maintains recommendations for social distancing, teleworking, and wearing face coverings.
All businesses should make modifications to maintain six feet of physical distancing, increase cleaning and sanitization of high contact surfaces, and provide enhanced workplace safety measures, according to the governor’s office.
Here’s more info on Forward Virginia.
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