The Shadow
RICHMOND — Gov. Ralph Northam has ordered Virginia’s public schools to remain closed for the rest of the current school year and certain types of businesses, such as bowling alleys, gyms and theaters, must close in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
Northam made the announcement Monday at 2 p.m. during a press briefing in Richmond.
Schools were already closed under order by Northam. That closure was set to expire Friday.
The governor said restaurants must adhere to carry-out, curbside or delivery only. Hair salons, barbershops and other non-essential businesses that can’t practice social distancing must also close.
Grocery stores, health care facilities and supply-chain businesses will remain open, but they must enforce social distancing and increase sanitation efforts.
“I want to be clear, essential businesses will remain open,” the governor said. “These are things like grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. You will still be able to buy food and necessary supplies for you and your family.”
Northam’s order went into effect at midnight on Tuesday and it will last for at least 30 days.
“We do not take these decisions lightly. COVID-19 is serious and we must act,” Northam said.
As of Monday, Virginia had 254 confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Six deaths had resulted from the virus. Approximately 3,700 people in the state had been tested for exposure.
“These numbers will unfortunately continue to rise. As I?said Sunday, we are in this for months, not weeks,” Northam said.
Northam has directed the Virginia Department of State Police to suspend the enforcement of vehicle safety inspections for 60 days.
Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can request to defer the payment of state sales tax until April 20, 2020, with a waiver of penalties.
Northam has requested that the Virginia Department of Taxation extend the due-date of payment of state individual and corporate income taxes.
While filing deadlines remain the same, the due date for individual and corporate income tax will now be June 1.
