Northam To Release Additional Details On Reopening Virginia Economy Friday

RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam will release more specific details Friday  about his phased-in approach to reopening Virginia’s economy.
The initial phase of  Northam’s plan, called “Forward Virginia,” is scheduled to go into effect Saturday, May 15.
The initial phase would allow non-essential businesses to reopen with restrictions. 
“We will provide more detailed guidance on those phased-in restrictions on Friday,” Northam said during a Wednesday press briefing in Richmond.
Northam’s plan, which was released on Monday, calls for Virginia’s economy to be reopened in three phases.
On Wednesday, he stressed that moving into the initial phase of his plan will be contingent upon data on the spread of COVID-19.
Specifically, Northam will be weighing testing percentages in relation to positive or downward trends in COVID-19 cases, hospitalization rates and the availability of hospitals beds, testing and personal-protective equipment.
Localities, he said, will have the ability to impose restrictions beyond those laid out by the state in the different phases of “Forward Virginia.”
“We view those restrictions as the floor. Localities will be able to add additional restrictions on public gatherings and businesses. We will allow that and we will work with them,” the governor said.
He said additional restrictions may be necessary in Northern Virginian and the Eastern Shore region, where cases of COVID-19 continue to rise.
“The greater Washington, D.C., area is an area we need to pay particular attention,” Northam said.